CATHERINE TWIDLE

A total newbie and non-cyclist, Catherine started training with Njinga and, not long after, made pivotal strides forward and conquered some detrimental fears.

ACHIEVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

20 MINUTE FTP SCORE

Improved by 19 watts (133w-152w) over eight-week indoor training programme. Since training with Njinga Catherine has improved her FTP by 36 watts with her latest FTP Score 169w.

WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

Since starting at Njinga, Catherine has gone from a size 14 to a size 12.

AVERAGE POWER

Improved by 27% over 16 weeks from attending the Pedal Power Improver class weekly. Increased from 106 to 135 watts.

FACED HER FEARS

Overcame her fears and learnt to ride in cleats in one session, before going on ride outdoors with the Njinga Collective.

From the moment I stepped through Njinga's doors, I was made to feel welcome. I wasn't judged for not being in the peak of health and, for the first time ever, I pushed myself to try harder than I ever have before.

Before Njinga

I've never been particularly sporty. At school, I always found an excuse to skip my PE classes. Since then and until I met Njinga, I always believed that I wasn't any good at anything, so why try at all?

I knew I needed to improve my fitness levels, so I tried out a few exercises classes here and there – I even joined a gym. But nothing inspired me, and after a few weeks of trying, I lost interest.

With the amazing coaches and support from the team at Njinga, I conquered some hugely limiting self-doubts, and that in itself is priceless.

Enter Njinga

I had heard stories about how tough Njinga's indoor cycling classes were, and so for this reason, combined with the reluctant attitude my previous fitness endeavour gave me, I went with a certain amount of trepidation. I was also worried about the 'cycling community' – they're known to be very exclusive and I was afraid I wouldn't fit in.

Turns out there was nothing to be worried about. In fact, quite the contrary: Njinga was my revolution.

Catherine on our Challenge Ride No.3 to Girona.

Catherine with her husband Stewart and their first road bikes.

Catherine completing her first sportive - The Tour de Yorkshire.

From zero to addicted

From the moment I stepped through Njinga's doors, I was made to feel welcome. I wasn't judged for not being in the peak of health and, for the first time ever, I pushed myself to try harder than I ever have before.

And soon, I became addicted. I started off with one or two sessions a week but I found myself missing it if I had to skip a class.

Goal one: losing weight

One of my goals, walking into Njinga, was losing the weight that had crept up on me over the years. Not long after I started dedicating myself to indoor cycling sessions at Njinga, I started to see changes in my body and positive improvements to my overall health and fitness levels.

And my clothes were starting to fit a lot better!

I couldn't help it: I ramped up my efforts to three or four classes a week.

Goal two: riding outdoors in cleats

After my first goal of losing weight, my second goal was to be able to ride outdoors. Joining the Njinga Collective – Njinga's not-for-profit outdoor riding group – and signing up for the Girona trip were good ideas, sure, but there was a crucial element missing: I was severely lacking in confidence. More than that: I was scared to ride outdoors (with others!) and wear cleats.

So I booked two 1-2-1 outdoor coaching sessions. In the first session, we focused on riding in cleats. In the second session, we focused on basic bike handling skills. Both were fantastic! I learned so much and came away feeling much more positive about my capabilities.

Returning from my very first Collective ride, I was buzzing! We rode 46km and I loved every minute of it. It was a real challenge & unlike anything I'd done before.

With the amazing coaches and support from the team at Njinga, I conquered some hugely limiting self-doubts, and that in itself is priceless.

My first sportive

Riding with the Collective was such a massive confidence boost that it motivated me to sign up to my first sportive ride, the 50km Tour de Yorkshire. As the day got closer and closer, I got more and more nervous. But, I am delighted to report, I made it! Without stopping and without needing to change a puncture.

The hills were extremely tough, as I knew they would be.

But I kept my head in the game and thinking of all the training I'd done in the Njinga Lab to get me to this moment.

This mindset helped me push through and I made it to the top each time.

The scenery was amazing and the local support was so encouraging! The finish was an awesome experience. I'm so proud of my very first medal!

I still can't get enough

I've been coming to Njinga for nearly a year now and I still can't get enough.

The whole team is so welcoming; it's fantastic to be part of such a wonderful community – one without judgement, just eagerness to help and see everyone improve, no matter the level they start from. Njinga, you rock! Thank you.