Emma Trott Blog - It's A Hard Life
It's A Hard Life!
But A Good Life
For the last few weeks it's been like a mini world tour. I've been to places I have never been before, and raced in some pretty special countries. I've suffered jet lag, illness and to be honest I'm sick of the sight of planes. But, no matter how hard it seems, I know this is the good life! What better way to see the world, with the added bonus of racing my bike!
The last time I blogged I was just making my way back. Breaking my collar bone was not a good thing, not only did it hurt it messed things up. But, now, I see things different. Maybe it happened for a reason, slow me down in the early part of the year, things are for sure now getting better, the form is coming and I'm pretty excited about that.
Not Plain Sailing
It's not been plain sailing however. I've had to work hard without seeing much improvement, this for any sporter is one of the hardest things. I trained so hard at times it felt as if my body was on the verge of a complete shut down. There's been tears as I attempt to get back to where I was in 2010. But, despite all the problems one thing has stayed, the support from the team and people around me. I've been lucky that I have been working with a great bunch of people. From those in England, SponserUK and CycleFit UK, to the people in Holland, Bike Medical. Everyone has played a part, and still playing a part in getting me back to a full 100%. Finally I can say, confidently, things are on the up and most certainly getting better.
Learning From Mistakes - Eventually
Confidence is a funny thing and it's pretty amazing how one race can change everything. Riding at the front of the peloton has never really been my thing. I'm not really sure what the problem has been but I just don't seem to do it! Despite riding for a good three to four years in the elite women peloton it's taken me until now to realize just how important it is to be there. I say I learn from my mistakes, I do, but sometimes I do make the same mistake! Since breaking my collar bone I have made myself one promise, I ride at the front and out of trouble! So far, so good!http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/ I have successfully shocked a number of people with my ability to ride at the front! I knew I could do it, just too lazy to actually do it!
Now I am In The Race
Now I'm in the race, the action happens at the front, I'm in the mix. Making the splits when the wind, which seems always, plays havoc with the peloton, splitting to pieces. Helping team mates, doing my job and getting more and more involved. It's not easy but wow it's so much fun! The thing that has helped the most is the change of direction that I have taken in the last couple of weeks. I had a big focus on the time trial, and although I do enjoy that part of cycling I missed the racing part. The thinking, tactics, being with your team mates. That for me is a big part of cycling. The time trial was not going so well and when that is the only thing you are focuing on your head starts to drop and there is nothing to take your mind off it. It's not like a road race where your chance to redeem yourself if all goes wrong could be the next day, sometimes I have to wait until the next tour. But now I'm in the mix with the team, in the road races and man I'm enjoying it so much!
'Emma You Are My Hero!'
I'm motivated, confident and ready to do my job. I'm enjoying cycling again and ready to take my chance when it comes. When you get comments after the race such as "Emma you were my hero, again!" "Emma did an amazing job," it pushes you to do more and find that little extra to give to the cause. I'm part of the lead out train for our sprinter, I sit on the front, I follow wheels when people attack, bring team mates to the front, if I get asked to do it I do it, no questions asked! I ride as hard as I can for as long as I can, I ride until my legs fall off but ultimately my team mates pay me and the rest of us working back with good results. We as a team had a tough start to the year but right now things are coming good. Some top results are just around the corner.
Looking For A Win
Next up I have stage race number four and five, one in Austria and the other in Holland. Then it's back to the UK for the first time since January for the National Campionships!http://www.cyclefit.co.uk/ I would say after that the focus switches to stage races but for me that is mostly what I have done this year! So until next time, keep pedaling and I hope to report on the continued success of my team and fingers crossed for a win for myself too!
Emma works with Phil and Jules
Emma Links
To see Emma's view please go to Emma's Blog