El Tour De Tucson 2024

2024: A Year of Growth and Memorable Experiences

2024 has been an incredible year for me, brimming with valuable lessons and unforgettable experiences, both professionally and personally. It has been a year of highs, lows, and unexpected turns, yet it stands out for the wonderful memories it has brought.

This year, cycling evolved for me from a fitness activity into a fundamental part of my daily routine. It’s a sport I’m deeply passionate about and plan to continue for life. Cycling has kept me grounded, focused, and resilient, giving me the courage to start over without fear. Like many passionate cyclists worldwide, the Tour de Tucson has become my favorite event. Watching people of all ages showcase their dedication and determination is truly inspiring. I look forward to this event each year to absorb its energy, celebrate life, and experience its uplifting spirit.

2024 Racing Season

As the 2024 racing season approached, I focused intensely on improving my overall fitness—enhancing endurance, building muscle strength, and optimizing recovery. I dedicated 275 days out of the year to a mix of cycling, strength training, hiking, running, and stretching.

However, just days before the race (scheduled for November 23), I contracted a viral infection during a work trip. Battling a high fever of 102°F on November 18, I debated whether to quit the race. However, passion and mental strength often help us overcome physical challenges. With a strong mindset, I recovered within a couple of days and flew to Tucson, determined to finish the race without worrying about my performance. Sometimes, simply showing up and completing the challenge is more important than achieving a personal best.

Race Day

Race day began early at 4:00 a.m. with stretching and warm-ups to ease my breathing. Despite not being at full strength, I strategized my 100-mile ride to focus on completion rather than speed. After breakfast and coffee, I cycled to the starting line at 6:15 a.m., where the energy of 3,000+ cyclists lifted my spirits.

When the race began at 7:05 a.m., I opted to ride at my own pace instead of drafting or following others. For the first 30 miles, I maintained a slower, steady pace to conserve energy for the tougher segments ahead. Cycling, often called “moving meditation,” worked its magic, and my body gradually tapped into the muscle memory from my 3600 miles of training throughout the year.

50 Miles

Although I was 34 minutes behind my 2023 time after the first 30 miles, I pushed harder from miles 30 to 50. Covering 19 miles in just 62 minutes was a surprise achievement, even without being at full fitness. Focused breathing and steady pacing were key to maintaining this momentum.

75 Miles

By the 3.5-hour mark, I had completed 57 miles and was entering the race’s most challenging 23-mile segment. The climb, combined with temperatures nearing 80°F, tested my limits. To make things more difficult, I ran out of water at mile 63, with the next water station 10 miles away.

I relied on training techniques to overcome this setback—slowing my pace, controlling my heart rate, breathing deeply, and rationing the last 6 ounces of water by sipping sparingly every half mile. Challenges like these are where the beauty of sports shines, teaching us resilience and adaptability.

87 Miles

Sports, like life, test not just physical ability but also the techniques and strategies we develop. By mile 73, I refilled my water supply and regained some momentum. Still, I was 45 minutes behind my 2023 time. With 27 miles to go, I decided to push my limits.

For the next 15 miles, I aimed to sustain a pace of 20 mph. While I could hold this speed for only 9 miles, I reached mile 87 with an average of 17.5 mph for that 15 mile segment—a performance I was proud of given the circumstances.

                 

                       

The Final 13 Miles

At the 5-hour, 51-minute mark, I had just 13 miles to go. The question in my mind: could I beat my 2022 time of 6 hours and 45 minutes? Instead of fixating on the outcome, I focused on finishing strong.

As expected, an opportunity arose at mile 95. By pushing at 20 mph for the final 5 miles, I could finish 8 minutes faster than my 2022 time. Drawing on the energy I had conserved throughout the race, I surged forward, completing the final stretch at an impressive 20.6 mph. I crossed the finish line 10 minutes ahead of my 2022 time. This race reminded me that the true joy of cycling lies in embracing its highs and lows, knowing there’s always room to improve next time.

Lessons from 2024

Covering over 3600 miles this year has taught me valuable lessons that I’ll carry forward:

• No effort is too small—start somewhere.
• Consistency is the foundation of progress.
• Your body is stronger than you think.
• Mental and physical fitness directly impact work performance. Exercise at least three times a week.
• Focus on your journey—compete with your past self, not others.
• Adapt to circumstances and go with the flow.
• Every plan needs strategy, and every execution requires focus, precision, and patience.
• Luck is just preparation meeting opportunity—always be prepared.
• Practice gratitude journaling at least twice a week.
• Keep moving—success comes from progress, not stagnation.
• Find peace in learning, no matter the scale. Try something new—be it cooking, gardening, sports, or technical skills.

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, prosperous, and fantastic 2025. Keep moving forward!