Even on a good day, living with chronic illness feels like an endless marathon of monitoring, medication, and medical appointments. But there is another sporting event that I identify with far more: THE TOUR DE FRANCE.
This 3 week endurance event features teams of cyclists climbing, sprinting and speeding through the ( mainly) French landscape. Crashes and controversies are common place, and riders often collapse into a sweaty heap of exhausted flesh, after crossing the line.
WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE.
I love watching it every year, but more than loving it, it inspires me: the tensions, the tears, the disappointments and unexpected crashes- but enough about me...😉
So what can this ailing viewer learn from this endurance race?
1) THERE WILL ALWAYS BE MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB. 'Mountains' for me, can feel entirely horizontal with no hand or footholds, and can involve such epics as 'reading', 'walking to the kitchen' or (GASP!) Leaving the house!!!
2) THERE WILL CRASHES & MELTDOWNS-
It is all ticking over as well as possible until it isn't. Crying is very much allowed, as is self blame/ blaming other people.
3) MACHINERY CAN ( and probably will), LET YOU DOWN:I have experienced 'a mecanical', and have tipped sideways off my scooter more than once ( 'Penelope Pitstop' hates mud, and refuses to ride on uneven ground, or chunky gravel- my scooter is such a Diva!)...And let's not get started on the brakes on my rollator...
3) IT'S OK TO FEEL CHEATED AT TIMES. Yup. See Crashes above.
4) YOU HAVE TO WEAR ( SOMETIMES ) LUDICROUS CLOTHING IN ORDER TO GET THE JOB DONE: Leggings and baggy tops for me- helmets & spray-on lycra for them.
5) PAIN AND SUFFERING- Like us Spoonies, cyclists are no slouches when it comes to gritted teeth and pushing painful bodies beyond what they can do. It is not unknown for cyclists to ride all day, then get to the finish, and realise they have been cycling all day with a broken bone.
We hear you.
6) ELECTROLYTES, PROTEIN (AND ENERGY BOOSTING SNACKS. Hydration helps...or rather: dehydration will certainly set you back. Your water bottle is your best friend.
7) CUDDLY TOYS: 
Randomly each stage winner is presented with a yellow jersey, a bunch of half- dead flowers, and..er..a cuddly lion. I mean, I have a small collection of soft toys...but not REALLY SURE what role they would play if I was being given an award for physical excellence...
Randomly each stage winner is presented with a yellow jersey, a bunch of half- dead flowers, and..er..a cuddly lion. I mean, I have a small collection of soft toys...but not REALLY SURE what role they would play if I was being given an award for physical excellence...
They say 'hi', BTW:
And so we come to, 8) THE TAO OF GERAINT THOMAS: 
The Welsh rider is known as 'G' to those of us who love him. The 2018 Tour winner always answers every post- race interview in his trademark monotone. It's just one day- whether he is winning in fine style, or out of contention for a medal, he remains dryly funny, and supportive and kind about other riders.
The Welsh rider is known as 'G' to those of us who love him. The 2018 Tour winner always answers every post- race interview in his trademark monotone. It's just one day- whether he is winning in fine style, or out of contention for a medal, he remains dryly funny, and supportive and kind about other riders.
Good day or bad day it will be absorbed but not dwelt upon- there are no tantrums. He is already thinking of the healthy routines of that evening, already laying the groundwork for maximum strength for the next day of pedalling.
When this Elephant grows up, she would like to be him...
...but without the bike😊 I am knackered enough as it is!
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