Meet Arvid Loewen (ultra marathon cyclist) and his 9 grand kids (all boys). Arvid Loewen is the Guinness World Record Holder of Fastest Person to cross Canada in 2011. It took 13 days, 6 hours and 13 minutes. Oh! and he did it at age 54.

Our family had the pleasure to host Arvid and his wife Ruth in September as part of our Fun Family Traditions where we host someone every month to a meal. Usually we invite people we can learn something from or pass value to or encourage in some way. We are the ones who get encouraged anyway. 

I asked Arvid for his tips for anyone thinking about setting such records and here are his top 10 tips for anyone who is dreaming about setting a world record bike fastest bike ride across Canada.

1. Find a reason/cause/purpose that is bigger than being a World Record holder and that is NOT about you.

       You will need this when the going gets really difficult. You will reach a moment when all your personal valid reasons for doing this in the first place no longer matter. They don't cut it. You will have to want to do this for someone else and not want to let them down.

I've heard similar tips about working out and setting goals. Finding a purpose like working out to be fit for your kids or loved ones is a great motivator that helps you stay on course.

2. Part of your last month training should include 7 consecutive days of a minimum of 300km/day. 

3. Do a 24-hour training ride where you spend at least 23.5 hours of actual riding with NO sleep and you cover a min of 625 km during that time. 

4. Ride 3 consecutive days of 500km/day with no more than 90 min of sleep per 24 hours.  The actual event will be harder than this.

5. Learn to accept adversity as your teacher and friend.

6. Make sure your support crew includes someone who you have given permission to truly speak into your life to help you make rational decisions. Remember, half-way into a two week event your mental capacity will be less than 50% of what you are normally capable of. You will need help making decisions.

7. Make sure you have two good bikes, or one very good bike mechanic on your crew.

8. Decide before the event to continue to the FINISH line, even if it becomes clear that the record is out of reach.

9. Make the decision to never quit when things are at their worst. Sleep on it before making a decision you cannot reverse. It is amazing what a new sunrise can do to better understand and accept the challenge before you.

10. Remember, it is only a bike ride. In the big picture of life it really is not that important. Look around at the scenery, enjoy the moment. Don't forget to thank your support crew, especially during the event. 

Hope this helps someone out there thinking about accomplishing some great dreams. Do you have any other tips to add? Are you preparing for something challenging in your life too? Do share and pin away!

This story was compiled by EYEBEEKAY ENTERTAINMENT of Arvid Loewen Guiness World Record Holder Fastest Time Across Canada on a Bike (Ullthra-Marathon Bike Racer). You can follow Arvid's journey and ministry here:  Grandpas Can! Submit YOUR story here and you can subscribe to our TOP stories below.

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