Student Stories

Unlike many, I have still been able to partake in my sporting endeavours to a large degree, given the only things my hobby depends on are me having a bike and the roads being open. Granted, the competitive side of things which often gives me the purpose to train has not been as frequent, but I am grateful nonetheless, given the circumstances others are in.

Not having any variety to balance that with other activities has been something which I have found a challenge

Nonetheless, it would not be accurate to say it has been easy or normal. As someone who thoroughly enjoys being ‘out and about’, and travels a significant amount, for sporting purposes and otherwise, the last twelve months have been somewhat of a change. Personally, it has not impacted my work in any way, however not having any variety to balance that with other activities has been something which I have found a challenge, seeing each day fold into the next with relentless monotony. As a result, the last year has been one which has had fewer highlights than most.   

Being outdoors, in the open air acts as a distraction from the other things I cannot do

In turn, my cycling has been key to me as one of the few things I can do which is not impacted to a large degree by the current circumstances. Being outdoors, in the open air acts as a distraction from the other things I cannot do and adds a welcome dose of normality. Crucially, it has also given at least some variety, breaking the routine I have become more familiar with than I would like lately. The lack of competition has also enabled me to learn to enjoy it for different reasons other than quantifiable achievement. Don’t get me wrong, I will happily welcome the return of some racing, but not being able to foresee myself in a position where I would be without such an outlet speaks volumes to the value it has provided me with, even without concrete goals and targets to focus on.

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