The Unspoken Sacrifice: What Ultracycling Demands Beyond the Bike ft Juliana Veterano with BuzzAlong
Video The Unspoken Sacrifice: What Ultracycling Demands Beyond the Bike ft Juliana Veterano with BuzzAlong
Video The Unspoken Sacrifice: What Ultracycling Demands Beyond the Bike ft Juliana Veterano with BuzzAlong YouTube Channel.
The Unspoken Sacrifice: What Ultracycling Demands Beyond the Bike ft Juliana Veterano
Embracing the Adventure: Juliana Betterano’s Journey into Ultra Cycling
Welcome back to another episode of the Basalon Cycling Podcast! In this installment, host Sherry sits down with Juliana Betterano—an ultra cyclist, holistic personal coach, and the mind behind the "Song to Speak" podcast. This conversation not only delves into the world of ultra cycling but also sheds light on how individuals like Juliana juggle multiple roles while pursuing their passions.
A Multi-Faceted Life
Juliana’s journey into cycling is as multi-dimensional as her lifestyle. Balancing her roles as a coach, businesswoman, and podcast host, she showcases the art of multitasking. “I joke about giving a TED talk on multitasking,” she shares, highlighting how she manages her time among various responsibilities. But how does she make it all work?
The Shift from Triathlon to Ultra Cycling
Before immersing herself in ultra cycling, Juliana dedicated over a decade to triathlons. “It was my identity,” she recalls, mentioning how injuries forced her to reconsider her path. Her husband, Miguel, who was already involved in gravel cycling, encouraged her to explore this new realm. Even with reluctance, Juliana made the transition, quickly falling in love with not just the sport but the community that came with it.
Community vs. Competition
The stark difference between triathlons and ultra cycling is noteworthy. “In triathlons, the atmosphere feels corporate and elite,” she notes. In contrast, the ultra cycling community is more welcoming and inclusive. Participants often ride together and support one another, making for an enriching experience.
Experiencing the Thrill of Adventure
Being a part of ultra cycling events has not only tested Juliana physically but has also been a source of unforgettable experiences.
Highlights of Her Racing Journey
Juliana shares two standout experiences: her first ultra race in Portugal and the Race Around Rwanda. Both events were different in challenges but remarkably fulfilling. "I went into my first race in Portugal completely blind," she recounts. Though it pushed her limits, the camaraderie with fellow riders made it worthwhile.
On the other hand, the Race Around Rwanda was filled with trials and lessons. “During the race, I had knee pain," she shares candidly. Despite not completing the race, the journey taught her valuable lessons about self-care and identifying her limits.
Dealing with DNF (Did Not Finish)
It’s easy to perceive a DNF as a failure, yet Juliana has learned to embrace these moments. “I had a wonderful time during the race despite not finishing,” she emphasizes. Acknowledging the importance of listening to one’s body can make all the difference in long-distance events.
Fueling the Body: Nutrition Insights
Understanding the importance of nutrition in ultra cycling is vital, as Juliana explains. With her background in holistic coaching, she has adapted her dietary habits to support her riding aspirations.
The Role of Carbs
“What works on your body is essential,” Juliana emphasizes. For endurance athletes, carbs are crucial. “I tell my clients to eat carbs during their workouts—every 45 minutes, if possible!" She has seen firsthand how fueling one’s body appropriately impacts performance. “The misconception of avoiding carbs is harmful,” she adds, calling attention to how it typically leads to fatigue.
Personal Habits and Tailored Approaches
Juliana advocates for gradually cultivating healthy habits. Instead of overwhelming clients with an extensive list of changes, she focuses on making small adjustments that can become sustainable. “You can’t just throw a laundry list at someone,” she acknowledges.
Recovery: An Essential Element
For ultra cyclists, recovery is crucial yet often overlooked. Juliana shares her insights into effective recovery practices.
Importance of Sleep
Sleep deprivation is one of the challenges faced by ultra racers. Juliana highlights her preference for choosing comfortable accommodations during races to ensure proper recovery. For her, quality sleep can significantly impact performance and overall well-being. “When you get used to knowing how good you can feel, it’s challenging to go back,” she adds.
Nutrition During Recovery
Recovery extends beyond just sleep. Juliana emphasizes the necessity of maintaining nutritional balance in the days following a long race. She integrates multivitamins and focuses on a balanced intake of carbohydrates and proteins to optimize the recovery process.
Making the Most of Your Ultra Cycling Adventure
Juliana’s passion for cycling continues to grow, along with her desire to inspire others. As she navigates new terrains and events, her experiences resonate as a testament to embracing both challenge and joy.
The Importance of Embracing Adventure
“It’s not just about challenging yourself; it’s about enjoying the entire experience,” she notes. While she appreciates the thrill of competition, Juliana is now focused on the adventure itself—relishing the moments spent in nature, making new friends, and sharing stories along the way.
Inspiring Others Through the Podcast
Through the “Song to Speak” podcast, Juliana provides a platform for cyclists to share their stories. Her focus is on uncovering the narratives that often go unheard, inspiring listeners with relatable experiences from everyday cyclists. “I want to share the stories of those who aren’t necessarily racing at the front,” she explains.
Looking Ahead: Future Adventures
As her journey continues, Juliana is set to engage in more events and collaborative opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Juliana will participate in the upcoming Stone Circle event in the UK, blending her love for cycling with a weekend of camping. Additionally, she shares excitement about joining the media team for an ultra race in the Netherlands. “It’s an opportunity to blend my passions and put my skills to use,” she gleefully notes.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Juliana Betterano’s journey into ultra cycling is a beautiful narrative of growth, adventure, and community. Balancing multiple roles while sharing her passion for cycling and wellness, she embodies the idea that life is more fulfilling when one embraces challenges while savoring the journey.
As she aptly puts it, “It’s about the stories we share, the bonds we build, and the joy that lies in these adventures.” Riding alongside fellow enthusiasts, Juliana reminds us all that while racing can be competitive, at its core, cycling is a celebration of life, community, and experiences that shape who we are.
If you’re inspired by Juliana’s story, make sure to listen to her podcast "Song to Speak" for more insights and tales from the cycling community.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel BuzzAlong and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.