Top marathon mountain biker Robyn de Groot has never been a fan of training within the confinement of her home, but she decided to embrace it when the lockdown left her without an alternative.
Robyn de Groot, one of the world’s top marathon mountain bikers, became friends with the indoor trainer. Photo: Craig Kolesky
The 37-year-old, who has been self-isolating at her house in George, however admitted said she had not touched the indoor trainer since government opened the outdoor exercise window.
“I’ve been bracing the early mornings and taking advantage of the 6am to 9am period to exercise in nature.
“It was the greatest feeling to be able to be even just a little free and to feel the bike moving on the ground and be outdoors again.”
During her time inside, she concluded that indoor training had its place.
“After my road racing career and many hours on the trainer when we were based in Belgium, I promised myself ‘never again’.
“The indoor trainer is a beast, mentally and physically. You need to adapt training and recovery based on its demands.
“Fortunately, my coach and I have been working together for many years, so we know what works for me and what doesn’t.”
The dormakaba rider said they managed to create a good balance during these strange and uncertain times.
“There were two days when I just couldn’t bear to face another indoor session, but we allowed for these frustrating days and didn’t fight them.
“At the end of the day these are such extreme and unforeseen circumstances and, instead of fighting it, sometimes you need to also just accept and adapt as best as possible.”
De Groot said she was pleasantly surprised by how technology had improved when it came to smart trainers and how quickly time went by due to the development of various apps.
“It sure meant that one didn’t just lose everything you had worked on over the past few months building up to the 2020 season. I guess it limits losses,” said the former world marathon champs bronze medallist, who believed it had the potential to develop athletes in ways previously neglected.
She explained that if you followed a periodised training protocol, you sometimes had to move on if you wanted to be ready for racing again.
“We have had the time now to focus on not rushing. I’ve also been spending a lot of time gaming and doing more core as well as stretching and mobility training which has been great for mind, body and soul.”
She felt mental calmness and focus could be a challenge right now.
“We have no timeframes regarding when we will race next and as an athlete you know you cannot maintain form all year round.
“So learning to accept that for now you have to focus on the variables that you have control over is also a good thing to be applying.
“All in all, I did become friends with the indoor trainer and rollers during Level 5.”
De Groot advised her fellow cyclists who might feel frustrated or confused during this time to not be too hard on themselves.
“These are extremely testing times and circumstances. If you’re battling to keep fit and moving, maybe look at getting a coach, even if it’s just for a basic plan.
“Focus on the things you have control over – day by day.
“I also found mixing things up kept my motivation and interest going. Try having some sessions outdoors, some indoors and do gym and core workouts.
“Keep moving during the timeslots we have. A walk in nature does you the world of good. It doesn’t always have to be intensive. Keep faith!”
