In the world of cycling, where records are broken and new frontiers are explored, the story of Sarah Ruggins is a testament to the power of focus, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to one's goals. Her journey from a novice to a European end-to-end record breaker in just three years is not just a remarkable feat of endurance but also a profound reflection on the human spirit and the pursuit of excellence. What makes Ruggins' achievement even more fascinating is the personal journey she embarked upon, one that was shaped by both triumph and tragedy, and the unique perspective she brings to the sport.
The Power of Focus and Dedication
At the heart of Ruggins' success lies an intense focus and singular dedication to her goal. In her own words, she says, "I have incredibly deep focus, especially when it’s on one single thing. I’ve always been raised that when we pick something, we commit to it and we try to do the best we can." This mindset, cultivated from her academic career and instilled in her since childhood, is what propelled her to break the European end-to-end record. The discipline and commitment required to train seven days a week, up to 35 hours a week, are not for the faint-hearted, but Ruggins' unwavering determination is what set her apart.
However, what many people don't realize is that this level of focus and dedication comes at a cost. In the early part of her training, Ruggins was working full-time as an investment director in London, which meant there was little time for anything outside of her work and training. Her alarm would go off at 3 am, she'd train on the bike and in the gym, do 9 to 5 in the office, then be on the bike in the evening. This level of sacrifice is not something that many people can easily relate to, but Ruggins' ability to prioritize her goal and make the necessary sacrifices is what ultimately led to her success.
A Personal Journey of Triumph and Tragedy
Ruggins' journey to cycling was not without its challenges. As a 14-year-old in Canada, she was in the Olympic pipeline, holding national records as a middle-distance runner and achieving Commonwealth Games qualifying times at that young age. However, after routine surgery on a minor foot injury, she developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – a neurological disorder she calls one of the most severe pain conditions there is. Over the course of a few months, she lost movement in her legs, then her arms, her hair fell out, and she ultimately became reliant on full-time care.
This pivotal turning point in her life forced her to redefine her life as a teenager. It lasted several years, which delayed her graduation from high school (which she went back to finish). Ultimately, she was impacted by it for around a decade. "Having to learn to walk again, to hold a pencil and tie my shoelaces, all those fine motor movements…" she says, "I was out living my life, just not an athletic one. It allowed me to pursue academics: four degrees, four different subjects, it’s where that deep focus came in."
It was during her time at Edinburgh University, where she was doing her doctorate, that Ruggins trusted her body enough for it not to hurt her, and she took up running. Those early 5k runs became 100-milers, and by 2023 she was on the cusp of attempting the LEJOG running record. However, her illness had led to brittle bones, and she broke her pelvis, her femur in three places, and needed three abdominal surgeries. This ultimately led her to the bike, where she found a new skillset of self-regulating through discomfort and a new interest in endurance.
The Art of Riding Far, Fast
Ruggins' training for the European ride was very prescribed, working with her coach Rob Lee, of RLP Coaching, alongside a strength coach. It’s not for the faint-hearted: seven days a week, typically 25 hours in the saddle with the vast majority in zone 2 (and within that a lot in low zone 2), plus another five in the gym. "There are periodisations where we get a bit punchier, but the main premise for my training is that my VO2 max and my FTP are not going to be my limiting factors," she says. "When you're doing really long rides like this, it's about durability, full body robustness and the ability to perform with increased load."
Crucially, her longest training rides were eight hours – far shorter than the 22-hour days she’d do during the record. "There’s a difference between riding a bike far and riding a bike far, fast," she says. "If you want to ride a bike far, fast, you need to be diligent in your training and not led by ego. You don't want to be doing tons of miles and then having to take a day or two off to recover. That actually puts you farther behind. What you want to be able to do is ride less every day, but ride every single day and start compounding those miles without taking multiple rest days at a time. And that's what will enable you to be more robust and stronger in these events. Doing less, but doing it more regularly is the key."
The Process vs. the Goal
Is thinking about process the key to such challenges, rather than the goal of the world record? "I'm going to be perfectly honest with you – I don't care about records," she says. "We apply for them because I think it's powerful to do so, especially as a woman in the sport, to have your name in the books, but I'm not riding in competition with anybody. My goal and how I measure success is being able to say that I had nothing left by the time I got to the end. If I empty the tank and I didn't get the record, I would have been just as happy because I would have known I would have found the limits of my capabilities."
In the press release of her record, Ruggins said her ride was about "focusing on the controllables that allow you to keep moving forward when the environment is not in your favour and your mind is telling you to quit. I've learned you can outwork most challenges as they arise if you adhere to your process and not your emotions." This idea, of focusing on the process rather than the goal, is a powerful one, and one that Ruggins has mastered. Her ability to separate how she feels about doing the thing from the fact that she has to do the thing is what ultimately led to her success.
A Second Chance at Life
Still just days on from finishing the ride in Norway, Ruggins is happy to bask in the glow of what she’s achieved for herself, even if she’s got an eye on a follow-up ride (one that she’s not willing to discuss just yet). "I still feel like it's a dream that I get to do this," she says. "This is my second chance at life. I was told I may never regain mobility. And so the fact that I can do this and be so well-surrounded trying such hard things is a privilege that will never be lost on me."
In conclusion, Sarah Ruggins' journey from novice to European end-to-end record breaker in just three years is a testament to the power of focus, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to one's goals. Her personal journey, shaped by both triumph and tragedy, and her unique perspective on the sport, make her story even more fascinating. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, she inspires us all to embrace the process and strive for excellence in our own lives.
