Preparing for GFNY event next week, I went to Km 0 Sentul last weekend for climbing training.

The last time I went here was in August 2021. Two years ago. In fact, I have not ridden my bike for three months.

Initially I thought I would be strong enough to conquer these climbs, having trained on my bike trainer at home.

Also the fact that I just prepared and finished for half marathon race, must have contributed to my physical strength.

Apparently, everything is different when the rubber hit the road. Everything seems to be harder. The climbs looked antagonizing long, and the pedal felt harder to push than at home.

Then I realized, you can’t fake muscle memory. And how it is tied with your mindset and psychology. As much as you simulate your training, you can’t compare it with the experience riding in real setting. The confidence of riding your bike and tackling the steep climbs could only be gained by riding your bike in real environment. There’s no substitute.

As my muscle began to remember the strain and the stress it endures, my body and mindset began to cope with the challenge. What before was a daunting climb becoming more manageable. I found my rhythm and composure. Slowly but sure, I reached the top of Km 0.

It was way slower from my Personal Best. But I finished feeling strong and confident. Strong enough for me to take another climb in Tambah Budaya afterwards. And confident enough to ride in next week’s GNFY event in Bali.