When a professional athlete, friend or foe, tells you they’ve been busy, it’s often hard not to take it with a slight bit of disbelief. Often you know their daily training, and errands run, as you’ve been talking about this, that and everything in the hours out on the bike. But when it comes round to it, you’ll easily pass off the same comment.
After working this past offseason at SKODA New Zealand head office, I’ve definitely changed my mindset when someone says they’re busy. It’s fair to say that most professionals, whether it’s in sport or the ‘real world’ seem to always be busy. In the sense that they are always on at work, and their idea of switching off away from work or training, is in some ways still ticking over, or busy. A cyclist, for example, is technically on the job when he’s sitting on the couch recovering, but I’d hate to try to argue that point!
Not only did I grasp a greater marketing head from working at SKODA, which hopefully I can in turn use in my own personal marketing, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the work. And the fact that once you’ve clocked off for the day, that’s that. Switching off from cycling, whether it be your coach, director or the flow of your Instagram, it just doesn’t happen. So it’s lucky we all love it so much! And I do, this article is just a little more of a devils-advocate to ensure we are actually busy.
This past offseason I’ve also found that one is always busy at home, there’s always something to be done. Maybe it’s the fact that I worked full time for 4 weeks, instead of sitting at cafes and twiddling my thumbs, which has taken a mental toll(In a good way!), or I’m another year older, another none so wiser. Meetings, training, family, friends and the ability to do what you want, when you want, opens the door to always doing something.
Unlike our European teammates, Europe is our home away from home. Yes, we have apartments and friends nearby to train with, but unlike home, we can’t just jump in the car and pop down the road. It’s a restricted bliss, perfect for training, but one that easily has its lows. If someone says they’re busy in Girona…ha ha!
It’s also a personality thing. Some people, especially my grandma, can’t keep themselves from being busy. Maybe that’s where I get it from. Sitting on the couch, doing nothing but scrolling the socials, can kill me on the inside, even if it’s the best thing for me.
Maybe it’s the fact it’s not enough mental stimulation to be considered ‘busy’, or the number of productive things racking up that will make one ‘busy’.
If a pro says they’re busy, just ask why. Because they’ll probably find a way to fit you in and be better for it.
Last modified: Jan 20, 2020
