it's a state of mind
11
When it comes to any sort of exercise it's all in the state of your mind. And although mountain biking is just a hobby to me,, it is exercise and therefore no different to anything else. Get into the right state of mind for exercise with your bike and you will find yourself improving your speeds, distances and therefore get more enjoyment out of your riding.

The key thing to remember is not to give up because of the weather, just adapt to it and to what your doing. On cold miserable wet days get those hill climbs in so that in the good weather you don't find yourself struggling and giving up.
Fun has to to be the key element in all that you do. If you stop enjoying yourself then you'll simply give up. What's the point doing something you do not enjoy!

Make sure that whatever goals you set yourself are not impossible. Hard is good as it gets you working more, but keep it realistic. Make sure you do not set goals you cannot achieve, as you will become disheartened.
When you achieve a goal don't just leave it and move on to the next, there's always room for improvement, even if it's only knocking a second off your time.

Don't forget the pleasure when you're trying to better yourself and take time out every so often doing what's already been conquered, or just take the kids out with you. Leisure and pleasure is just as good as goals and achievements. So keep it balanced and your state of mind calm!
22:00 | Posted in Category:

Comments

11 responses to "it's a state of mind"

  1. Nilz On 4 January 2009 18:39

    Incidentally, this is my one of the new year's resolution - not relating to mountain biking - as I do not think I have that skill but in my own sphere of life.
    Thanks for this wonderful input.

     
  2. skipratt On 4 January 2009 21:25

    It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Thanks for commenting Nilz!

     
  3. Brian On 5 January 2009 06:38

    I recently discovered your blog and am liking it. I mountain bike in Washington state (Galbraith Mountain is in my backyard). I also plugged your site on my blog and tagged you for a "6 Random Things" meme. Feel free to ignore the meme but please keep the compliment about the good work you're doing.

     
  4. skipratt On 5 January 2009 10:45

    Thanks Brian, appreciated.

     
  5. Paul - PurpleGreenPops.com On 9 January 2009 22:16

    You are exactly right. I used to play a lot of full-court basketball, and never looked at it as exercise, but rather a way to have fun and scratch my itch for competition.

     
  6. skipratt On 10 January 2009 11:14

    Yea I'm with you, when it stops being fun I'd say it's time to let go and find something new to do.

     
  7. khaye On 11 January 2009 07:47

    u got a gud way of placing bikes in your car, nice idea. me and my husband ride every weekends, i'm looking forward for more biking tips from u.

     
  8. skipratt On 11 January 2009 12:45

    Not quite sure what you mean by placing bikes in my car as I have not given any tips on that subject lol.

     
  9. Shawie On 12 January 2009 18:38

    i agree...it's amazing how I love going to the gym now:) it's very fulfilling when you're sweating it out...

     
  10. yeokeehui@gmail.com On 12 January 2009 21:08

    Do what we want to do but don't harm anyone, including ourselves is my policy. Life is a journey worth venturing.

     
  11. Craw On 28 February 2009 04:19

    Nice post :) Thanks.

     

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