Welcome back, friends! In May 2023, I rode the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, a bike ride that is roughly 50 miles long in Colorado from Durango to Silverton. It was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done. I defeated two mountain passes higher than 10,000 feet on this point-to-point ride, with more than 6,000 feet of vertical climb and two descents. I cried at the top of the last mountain pass and when I finished as well. Although, this means that during my sophomore year of college, I was working many hours a week and training for my race on top of my studies.This was half the battle of the whole thing.
How did I find time to do it all? Well, I started with a planner. My time was budgeted in there perfectly. I made sure to get a planner that was weekly/daily so that I could have the time blocking feature for each day. I recommend you do the same. (Day Designer has great options) Each Sunday I filled in when I would be at work, school, working out, church, and whatever else I needed to do. One thing I was sure to do was make time for myself as well. Even if it was less than an hour of quiet time, it was crucial to give my mind a break, or else I was going to burn out, which I got close to doing at times. Yes, it was an overwhelming year, but it was all worth it. I finished the ride which was a giant accomplishment. I was focused on work. I even did well in all my classes.
If you want to do it all, you can. You just have to make time work for you and be very disciplined. I am very fortunate to have a great support system and resources at my disposal which I am very thankful for. I understand that finding that can be difficult but I encourage you to find an online community going through and doing similar things to you. Encouragement is everywhere if you just look around. You can belong and find your people. You can do the hard things.
Wow! This is super cool! The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic sounds like it was a lot of fun and super challenging. I could never do something like that so props to you!! It’s awesome that you found time to train while in school. I also like your tips on time management, it shows if you are passionate about doing something you will make the time to do it. Can’t wait to read about some of your other experiences!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool Marina! Congrats on such an amazing life accomplishment! Your time management skills amaze me. I love to bike ride but I don't think I would have the disipline or stamina to do an Iron Horse Bicycle Classic. The trip must have been super fun!
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