I started recording data on my mountain bike rides back in July 2017, and just recently I downloaded the entire recorded data set of all my rides, and the results were pretty astonishing. Since July of 2017 I have ridden 6,500 miles, have burned 350,000 calories, and have climbed the equivalent of three ascents up Mount Everest. When I look back at the data, I can see incremental improvements over the two year period. Improvements range from faster climbs, longer distances and faster lap times. In addition, there have been noticeable improvements in vo2/max.
The differences from the time I started recording data to today is pretty big, but it’s a culmination of small incremental changes over long period of time. The point is that changes are not going to come about overnight. They will happen over the long-haul. Investing in one’s self is no different than any other kind of investment. Playing the long game is the way to go.
For me, this experience has taught me a few things. One is to measure myself. Whether it’s monitoring my heart rate during my rides to “keep me honest”, or even just making it a habit of weighing myself every morning. I’ve learned that by measuring myself helps hold me accountable. The other thing I’ve learned is that because it’s a long-game strategy, I’ve learned not to beat myself up if I go “off the rails”. I’m human and I will fall, but what’s important is how I pick myself up.