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"Being outdoors, in the open air acts as a distraction from the other things I cannot do"
The last year has been one which has had fewer highlights than most

In many senses, I can happily count myself as one of the lucky ones over the course of the lockdown thus far.

Unlike many, I have still been able to partake in my sporting endeavours to a large degree, given the only things my hobby depends on are me having a bike and the roads being open. Granted, the competitive side of things which often gives me the purpose to train has not been as frequent, but I am grateful nonetheless, given the circumstances others are in.

Not having any variety to balance that with other activities has been something which I have found a challenge

Craig standing outside the Graduate School

Nonetheless, it would not be accurate to say it has been easy or normal. As someone who thoroughly enjoys being ‘out and about’, and travels a significant amount, for sporting purposes and otherwise, the last twelve months have been somewhat of a change. Personally, it has not impacted my work in any way, however not having any variety to balance that with other activities has been something which I have found a challenge, seeing each day fold into the next with relentless monotony. As a result, the last year has been one which has had fewer highlights than most.   

Being outdoors, in the open air acts as a distraction from the other things I cannot do

In turn, my cycling has been key to me as one of the few things I can do which is not impacted to a large degree by the current circumstances. Being outdoors, in the open air acts as a distraction from the other things I cannot do and adds a welcome dose of normality. Crucially, it has also given at least some variety, breaking the routine I have become more familiar with than I would like lately. The lack of competition has also enabled me to learn to enjoy it for different reasons other than quantifiable achievement. Don’t get me wrong, I will happily welcome the return of some racing, but not being able to foresee myself in a position where I would be without such an outlet speaks volumes to the value it has provided me with, even without concrete goals and targets to focus on.

Craig fixing his bicycle on the main site of the Queen's Lanyon Building


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Image of student cycling through University Square

I happily count myself as one of the lucky ones over the course of the lockdown