LEJOG to Ventoux- a Busy Mum’s Mega Cycling Transformation

Rediscovering Cycling

After a 25-year break from cycling, Larisa returned to the bike at 39 for a fundraising ride from London to Paris. Despite only six weeks to prepare, she was hooked. Just months later, she signed up for the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats ride (LEJOG) — nearly 1,000 miles across Britain in 10 days.

As a working mum, fitting training around her busy schedule was a huge challenge. The “recommended” plans were unrealistic, and she quickly realised she needed a smarter, more efficient way to prepare. That’s when a friend pointed her to Njinga.

Enter Njinga: Small Changes, Big Gains

From her very first wattbike session, Larisa discovered how Njinga’s holistic approach could transform her riding. With expert coaching and workshops, she learned how simple adjustments - from pedal technique to hamstring activation, nutrition, and recovery - made her more efficient and stronger on the bike.

With Njinga’s structured training, supportive community, and regular feedback, Larisa steadily built her confidence, endurance, and power, all while balancing family life.

Achievements: From LEJOG to Mont Ventoux

The results quickly followed. Larisa’s FTP climbed, her average ride speed improved by 2–3 mph, and she gained confidence riding in groups through the Njinga Collective.

She successfully completed LEJOG in just 10 days, tackled RideLondon 100 in 5h35m, and even conquered Mont Ventoux three times in a single day.

“I really believe that the combination of training, nutritional, and recovery advice I received from Njinga is what helped me achieve my Ride Across Britain goal.”

The Njinga Difference

Larisa stumbled upon Njinga by chance and never looked back. With Njinga’s structured programmes, expert coaching, and a supportive community, she learned how small changes could make a big difference — from refining pedal technique and stretching, to fuelling on and off the bike.

"I’m stunned that my all-time highest FTP was 212 (back in 2017 and again last year)  and I’ve now hit 233 watts in just months, without extra riding. The only difference? Strength work at home and fuelling differently, on and off the bike. This has been huge, especially as I’m approaching 50 !

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Latest Wins: Record-Breaking Progress at nearly 50

Larisa’s most recent success came through Njinga’s Accelerate programme. After more than a decade of road cycling, she smashed her all-time FTP record, jumping from 212 to 233 watts - a 21-watt gain in just four months.

Even more impressive, she did it without additional riding, instead focusing on home strength work and fuelling smarter both on and off the bike. This was particularly meaningful as she navigated the challenges of approaching menopause, proving that progress is possible at any stage of life.

Her 3-block training journey brought powerful results:

• Highest-ever FTP achieved at nearly 50 years old
• 5kg weight loss after struggling for years
• Greater confidence in climbing and all-round cycling fitness
• Improved overall wellbeing — fitness, agility, and mental health

“I’m a working mum approaching menopause — and yet, with Njinga’s support, I’ve just smashed my all-time FTP record. From zero to hero in a matter of months!”

Looking Ahead: More Goals, More Growth

Larisa isn’t stopping. She’s signed up for Accelerate 2.0 and planning her next adventures on the bike. For her, it’s about more than numbers: it’s about staying strong, feeling good, and proving that even with the busiest of lives, you can break records and take on mega challenges.