Lizzie Deignan and Abby Mickey on training, parenthood, and purpose
Summary
Former pro cyclist Abby Mickey aims to beat her 2018 Mont Ventoux time while balancing full-time work and parenting. She is coached by Lizzie Dignan, a former world champion and new mother, who focuses on psychological support and realistic goal-setting. The episode explores the challenges of postpartum recovery, the importance of efficient training, and finding personal purpose through structured athletic goals.
Topics discussed
Intro: Abby's goal to beat her pro time on Mont Ventoux
Introducing coach Lizzie Dignan and the coaching dynamic
Origin story: How the Wheel Talk Discord sparked the challenge
Baseline assessment: Analyzing Abby's historical power data
Discussing the questionnaire: Motivation and post-retirement identity
Defining success: Confidence, power, and finding 'who Abby is now'
Postpartum considerations: Hormones, breastfeeding, and riding with Tom
Identifying strengths: Mental resilience vs. physical uncertainty
Coaching philosophy: Balancing data science with emotional support
Addressing weaknesses: Lack of purpose and realistic time management
Feedback preferences: Why Abby needs emotional validation over data
Lizzie's background: From self-coaching to working with Phil
Logistics: Sleep, time availability, and planning training blocks
Health and lifestyle: Eating disorders, altitude, and partner communication
Gear and logistics: Bike setup, start dates, and the prize
Mindset shifts: Efficiency, escapism, and the 'superwoman' effect
Why Lizzie took the job: The joy of psychological coaching
The value of one hour: Realistic goals and avoiding burnout
Wrap-up: Next steps, Zwift, and Lizzie's third pregnancy
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