Stoicism started in Athens around 300 BCE and was developed by thinkers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Two thousand years later, it is surprisingly good advice for cyclists.
Watch: Why Fatigue Is More Complicated Than Just Being Tired. More on our YouTube channel.
Control what you can
The core Stoic idea is simple: some things are up to you, and some are not. The weather, the course, other riders, a puncture: not up to you. Your preparation, your effort, your attitude and your decisions: up to you. Put your energy there.
Stoicism on the bike
Bad weather. You cannot change it. You can dress for it and ride well in it.
A bad day. Accept it, ride as well as you can, learn from it. See celebrating the losses.
Hard efforts. Discomfort is part of the deal. Notice it, accept it, keep going.
Results. Judge yourself on what you controlled: preparation, pacing, decisions.
Practical tools
Before a race, list what is in your control and what is not.
Imagine what could go wrong and plan your response. The Stoics called this premeditation.
After a race, review your choices, not just the result. Our how to reflect on a race guide helps.
More on the mental side in attentional focus for cyclists and do not be afraid of mistakes.
Stoic quotes for cyclists
Marcus Aurelius: the obstacle in the path becomes the path. A headwind is training.
Seneca: we suffer more in imagination than in reality. The climb is rarely as bad as the dread before it.
Epictetus: it is not what happens to you, but how you react to it.
A pre-race Stoic routine
Write two lists: in my control, not in my control.
Plan your response to three things that might go wrong.
Pick one process goal, such as fuelling every 20 minutes.
After the race, review your choices against the plan.
Fatigue is part of it
Hard efforts hurt. Accepting that, rather than fighting it, frees up energy for the effort itself. Watch the video above on why fatigue is more complicated than just being tired.
Train with us
Mental skills are part of every plan we write. Our remote coaching starts at £140 a month, with a weekly call and a plan that changes as you do. Book a free 30-minute chat to see if it fits.
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