AND ITS 2025!!!!!
I can't believe January is already halfway gone! It feels like the kids just returned to school, and we're already reminiscing about the holidays. Honestly, we could all use another break to recharge. I hope most of us enjoyed December with fun activities, making the weeks leading up to Ride the Erongo feel less stressful.
Here’s the first tip for January 2025: PACE YOURSELF AND BREATHE. If your January is anything like mine, you’re looking for peace of mind to handle your family, coworkers, and employees. As I write this, I remind myself to slow down and focus on what I can do today. I want to stay kind and not become a fiery dragon! If you feel upset, take a moment to check your bike and enjoy a short evening ride, even if just for 30 minutes around the block. Get outside and breathe in the fresh air; you'll feel happier, and your loved ones or colleagues will notice!
Tip 2: We’ve started a little eating challenge at home. I aim for balance, but I don’t always get it right. We’ve picked foods like oats, eggs, fish, clean meats, chicken, rice, potatoes, salads, cottage cheese, rice cakes, and a scoop of ice cream at night, plus one glass of red wine for Dave and I (not the kids). We also need to drink more water. It’s about getting back into the habit of feeling good physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Tip 3: Create some accountability by calling friends and planning meet-ups. With recent rain, get outside on the trails and get used to mountain biking again at IJG or Towerbos Trails. Warm up with some figure-eights, focusing on looking ahead and avoiding hard turns. Choose a trail where you can do 3-5 repeats of 5-10 minute efforts that push your heart rate up, but not so much that you can’t finish. Aim for heart rate zones 3-4, then enjoy the single track and have fun on your bike.
Tip 4: Make a habit of strength training, stretching, and foam rolling. A weak core can hurt your cycling and balance, especially on tough terrain. My favorites are kettlebell swings, one-legged sit-downs, one-legged step-ups with an overhead press, Russian twists, burpees, tricep dips, weighted sit-ups, plank oblique dips, and deadlifts. Even doing this once a week will make you feel better physically and mentally.
As we embark on this exciting new year, take the time to set realistic and lasting goals with the unwavering support of your family by your side. Stay committed to these goals throughout the year, maintain a sense of humility, and never stop learning and growing. Cherish and love those around you, and actively seek to contribute to your community in meaningful ways. By making a positive impact and consciously avoiding negativity, you can create a more fulfilling and joyful life for yourself and those you care about!