You know that little voice in your head, the one that says, "I should be fitter than this"?

I know it well. It usually pops up halfway through a climb or when I start to fall behind the group.

Sometimes, after finishing a session, I feel more wiped out than I think I should. And then, suddenly, I start comparing myself to my younger self.

Or worse, to that 28-year-old in aero socks who just flew past me like I was standing still.

Just like that, the joy of cycling sometimes disappears. Instead of feeling proud that I showed up, I end up feeling a little bit left behind, not strong enough, or not as fast as I once was. And that voice? It doesn't motivate me. It makes me want to stop cycling altogether.

But here's what I've learned over my many years of cycling and coaching cyclists over 40 like myself: that voice in my head is lying to me. And it's lying to you too.

It tells you that your progress doesn't count unless it looks a certain way. It tells you that your effort isn't enough.

It makes you forget about everything else that's going on in your life - your work, your stress, your responsibilities, your recovery, your family commitments. The list goes on.

The truth is, you're not 25 anymore. But that's not a bad thing!

Now, your fitness should be less about chasing numbers or chasing others. Instead, it should be about being more consistent, feeling strong, lean, energised, and more confident in your body again.

It's about being able to keep riding consistently and enjoy the sport for as long as possible.

While personal records (PRs) are certainly a good thing to compare ourselves to, they shouldn't define us as cyclists as we get older. It's more about being fit and healthy enough to get out and ride regularly, still enjoying the riding as much as we did when we were younger.

One of my clients put it perfectly. Instead of gritting his teeth and powering up the climbs, he now embraces them and takes the time to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Isn't that what cycling should be about?

This shift in mindset is what I focus on in my 16-week Cycle Lean mentorship plan.

It's one of the biggest changes that helps my clients go from being plagued by that negative voice to training smarter, fueling better, building strength in the gym, and staying consistent without burning out.

I've seen people go from burning out to embracing and loving the sport once again. They've gone from chewing handlebars up climbs to completing challenging rides and enjoying every minute of it.

So, here's the lesson: stop comparing yourself to others, or even to your younger self. Your journey is unique, and your progress is valid, no matter what that little voice tries to tell you.

If you're looking to embrace your forties and beyond, to cycle stronger and healthier both on and off the bike, and to make the most of the sport now and long into the future, then I invite you to join our Cycle Lean community.

Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. We're here to support you, guide you, and help you rediscover the joy of cycling.

Ready to quiet that negative voice and rediscover the joy of cycling?

Join us in the Cycle Lean community today.

Just reply to this email or send me a DM, and we can chat more about the Cycle Lean mentorship program.

Let's ride stronger, smarter, and with more joy - together.

Happy cycling!

Neil