Megan Blatchford-Peck is a world masters medal winner, champion and mentor to many cyclists in the Manawatu area. She is an extremely talented and balanced woman who always has a smile on her face and is willing to help out others.
Here are a few things about Megan you might like to know and some advice to hopefully get you on the right track.
10 Fast Faves…
Fave Colour? I have 3: black, white, & red
Fave Food? Bagels from Wholly Bagels
Fave Place to ride? Main Drain Road– no hills, nearly always a tailwind home
Fave Bike brand? BT (my track bike)
Fave thing about Palmy? So easy to get anywhere
Fave movie? Don’t really do movies
Fave Type of music? Metal & electronic
Fave Holiday spot? Napier
Fave drink? Lindauer Fraise, it makes me so happy!
Fave car? Audi TT coupe
1. You Must be really busy with riding, life in general and mentoring… How do you find time to fit it all in?
My family is extremely supportive. But at different times of the year, different things take a priority and I’ve get very focused.
2. I know your really goal oriented and you talk a lot about this in your mentoring, How exactly should we set goals?
1. Set goals you are passionate about. 2. Think creatively when you set them 3. Less is more.
3. If money was no object what would you buy?
The only are only two things currently on “Wants Lists”: laser eye surgery so I can ditch the contacts, and go to Portugal to compete in the 2010 World Masters Track cycling champs!
4. Are you a shop-o-holic?
I was, but I now feel so guilty because we have spent a huge amount of our household income on my cycling and travel! However, I am currently addicted to buying albums on iTunes.
5. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment personally?
Winning my first World Masters Title in 2007, beating former Olympic Medallist Michelle Ferris, who was 12 years younger than me.
6. How long have you been riding and what made you start?
Rode when I was 14-15years. Took it up again at 19-22years, then gave it up as there was no sprint events for women then at the Commonwealth Games. Took it up again at 40 years.
7. We all know that feeling of getting up on a freezing cold morning when its raining and the wind is blowing but we HAVE to get out in it, How do you break down that barrier?
I don’t train in bad weather. I believe that being a perfectionist when it comes to training will undermine your success. If the weather is bad, it’s Plan B, such as 60minutes interval session on the trainer, a visit to the gym or the day off.
8. Have you got an idol/mentor?
My husband Rory plays a huge role in my success and I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today without him. I do draw on ideas and inspiration from people from all walks of life that inspire me.
9. What kind of pre-race tips can you offer any of our club members?
1. Build belief in yourself. You need to believe in yourself when you line up for an important event, otherwise what was the point of doing all the physical training?
2. Design a pre-race routine and practice it many times before your event.
10. What do you do for motivation, i know i sometimes find it hard to get up and going?
I thoroughly enjoy racing and being competitive. I love the feeling of putting myself under pressure and there is nothing quite as exciting as that feeling of winning. I never use to feel like this when I was younger, I enjoyed training and hated racing. In recent years I put some focus into changing my beliefs in this area.
11. Do you have a really strict diet?
No, I believe if I eat a balanced, healthy, diet 80% of the time that’s more than good enough. However, I do being a speed track cyclist, and spending time in the gym lifting weights, I do have protein shakes daily.
12. What does the future hold?
1. My current goal is to break the world age group record for the flying 200mTT when I compete at the Elite Track Nationals at Invercargill next February. This would make me the fastest women in the world over 45 years on a bike!
2. I’ve been asked to help with the PN Girls High School cycling team, which I’m really looking forward to.
Thanks heaps to Megan for the awesome advice in this article and the fantastic smile she always brings to events. Best of luck for achieving your goals Megan.
By Kate Ellery