At RideRevolution we are used to working with competitive cyclists and helping them achieve better racing results, but just as much satisfaction can be gained from helping a client for different reasons altogether.

Case study: A client with a chronic underlying health condition.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis – a long-term inflammation of the airways. COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke/have smoked. The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit the ability to exercise. Charlie’s client, David came to us after seeking advice from his doctor, who recommended increasing his weekly exercise. He had found an interest cycling but had hit a brick wall and was struggling to ride for more than 5 or 6 miles. Below are his words on his time with us.

“Firstly a bit about me; I am 63 with a lung condition called COPD that gives me around 75 to 80% lung capacity. So as a way of getting fitter I started cycling, following a 0-to-10-mile plan I found online. This was ok to begin with, but you do not get any feedback on how you are progressing, and I was starting to plateau.

I then started looking into a real coaching services and found RideRevolution, the first thing I liked was they do not charge a signup fee. You just pay for one month at a time with no fixed term contract. After a few emails and a phone conversation to discuss if they could help me considering my health condition, I decided to give it a go. After a phone conversation with Charles, my coach, about my goals and what I wanted to achieve, my plan was put in place a month at a time. So, I started to work through the plan, after each effort I Whatsapp message Charlie about my thoughts on how I got on then at the end of the month we have a phone chat to discuss the next month’s training. So far, I’m into my 4th month and progressing pretty well.

When I started I could only ride for around 6 miles. This weekend I will be doing my first 20-mile ride! This is all down to RideRevolution and Charlie. To me it is the structured approach to training that makes the difference – it gives you such a purpose. I now hate it if I cannot get out and do my training and having someone to discuss your training with makes it just fantastic as far as I am concerned. My aim is not to stop with them until I can do a 50 mile
ride. Outside of cycling I have noticed that I am now getting less out of breath when doing simple day to day tasks such as climbing stairs, so for me I have got so much more out of my short time with Charlie than I could ever have imagined.”

 

We will continue to work closely with all our clients to help them realise their potential, whether it is for fitness, health or competitive sport. Get in contact with us if you think RideRevolution can help you with some more structure around your cycle training.