Cullies 2 Dullies
#ditbly’nmaklikesport
Cullies to Dullies has set the bar very high for MiXpedition- it was one of the most physically, mentally and emotionally challenging adventures that I have been on.
We prepared and trained well in advance, but I honestly don’t think there is a recipe written on how to actually train yourself for such a big “event”.
The Preparation
Training
I really don’t have to say too much about training, just have a look at these pictures, and you’ll know for yourself…
What is my nutrition strategy going to be during Cullies to Dullies?
To be 100% honest, I don’t really have a planned snack game/ nutrition plan for riding from Cullinan to Dullstroom…
I usually have a bag of droewors for some saltiness and a Kauai bar (vanilla and choc-chip flavored) for a carbohydrate BOOST in my back pocket. It is filling, so I would regularly take a bite of that bar to keep me going. One bottle is filled with water and the other is filled with electrolytes.
I am in the process of learning what works for me, with the help of Caitlin!
At the moment, I only have one strategy to get over the finish line: to stay committed and disciplined to get on my bike, keep my head down and push during conditioning, because I really want to get over the finish line!
The two days of riding
Day 1
Out of the two riding days, day one was the worst day for me.
Statistically, day one was a breeze in comparison to day 2, but the mental battle that I had to fight was gnarly. I remember starting off the ride, and not even 10 kilometers into the ride I fell due to thick sand. This happened a second time, and after this, I really had to fight my own thoughts and continually remind myself that I need to be intentional in choosing to enjoy the day (because ultimately that is what we came for!).
The crazy thing is that I really didn’t have a “bad” ride at all- I was staying in the bunch, and really didn’t suffer physically.
It was just my mind.
My mind was controlling me, instead of me controlling my mind. I was speaking scripture most of the ride, but because I didn’t make the decision to simply just shut down those thoughts, it just kept going on for a 130 kilometers. I hadn’t been so happy to get off of my bike in a very long time, and just hoped that day 2 would turn the whole experience around.
These were the only two pictures I took on day 1, sums up pretty good how I felt that day.
Day 2
Day two redeemed every emotion I had from the first day of riding. I HAD SO MUCH FUN!
Yes, it was tough, and yes, there were many hills we had to climb, but honestly, I just enjoyed the day. I really give God all the glory for this day, and for the messages He brought to us prior to this event, because all the declarations I made on day 1 came to pass on day 2. I was so intentional in just having fun, soaking up each moment, and truly just having a blast! I loved day 2!
In these pictures, you can see how much more joy I have. I really enjoyed riding!
