7 Mindset Tips I Learned from Completing the Tour Alberta for Cancer

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7 Mindset Tips I Learned from Completing the Tour Alberta for Cancer

This past weekend, I completed the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer—a 2-day cycling event held in Strathmore, Alberta to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. I rode with a corporate team sponsored by UniqEnergy Solutions, an oilfield services company that provides drilling fluids, chemicals, and technology to oil and gas companies.

Each day offered different cycling distances. On Day 1, riders could choose from 160 km, 100 km, or 65 km; on Day 2, the options were 100 km and 65 km. I chose to ride 100 km on both days. I knew I could handle that distance on fresh legs, but repeating it the next day would be a much greater challenge—mentally and physically.

Our bike kit (cycling uniform) was designed with pink flamingos—symbols of grace and beauty in the face of adversity. Flamingos can stand on one leg for long periods without tiring. They represent strength, balance, and quiet endurance. People who have survived cancer and those undergoing treatment were also recognized with special flags on their bikes—reminders of what true resilience looks like.

While this was a fundraising event, it was also a deep lesson in motivation, mindset, and perseverance. What I learned from this ride has meaningful parallels for anyone striving toward a big personal or health goal.

Here are 7 mindset tips and shifts I took away from the weekend.

7 Mindset Tips & Shifts from this past weekend

Mindset Tip #1: Know Your Why

Why sign up for something difficult? Why keep going when it gets hard?

Before I began training, I got clear on my reasons. This wasn’t a race; it was an event of completion. I rode for many reasons:

• To raise money for cancer research. Like many, I have friends and family impacted by cancer. Supporting this cause gave my effort greater purpose.
• To create structure and intention in my fitness training. Having a defined goal kept me focused.
• To build friendships through movement. Training with a friend and a team gave me connection and accountability.
• To do something for me. As a mom of two teens becoming more independent, I wanted to reconnect with a part of myself that thrives on challenge and adventure.

When you define your “why,” it becomes easier to keep showing up—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Mindset Tip #2: Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Big goals can feel overwhelming if you stay fixated on the finish line. Focusing on daily actions and small wins along the way keeps your mind grounded and reduces anxiety.

I trained for 7 months leading up to the Tour. I joined Zwift, a virtual cycling platform, and committed to early Saturday morning rides with a training partner. As the rides accumulated, so did my confidence. Trust the process—and give yourself enough time to grow into your goal.

Mindset Tip #3: You’re Not Alone in the Hard Moments

On Day 1, around the 80 km mark, the headwinds picked up—hard. I was already tired, and now I had to push harder just to keep moving. My pace dropped, my energy wavered, and I felt the mental toll.

On Day 2, just after the turnoff between the shorter vs longer course distances, there were several big hills to climb. I knew these were coming but I just wanted these to be done and over with!

But then I looked around—and realized everyone was struggling. I wasn’t alone in my suffering.

This moment reminded me of the power of common humanity—a pillar of self-compassion. Rather than berate myself, I drew strength from the shared experience. It wasn’t about finding joy and feeling good that others were suffering—it was about finding strength from watching people suffer while carrying on. We all struggle, and we can all keep going.

Mindset Tip #4: Discomfort is Not Permanent

There were parts of the ride that felt amazing—wind at my back, coasting with ease. And there were parts that felt brutally hard. But none of it lasted forever.

When I hit a low point, I reminded myself: This won’t last. Breaks helped—whether it was a snack, a sip of water, or just a few deep grounding breaths. In time, the hard moments passed and were replaced by better ones. Peaks and valleys come with any big effort.

Discomfort is an expected part of big change. It is not about avoiding discomfort. It is about knowing that it is a part of the journey….and it won’t last forever. We can learn to tolerate discomfort through titrated doses and exposure.

Mindset Tip #5: Break It Down

Thinking about riding 100 km can feel daunting. But riding the first 10 km? That’s doable.

I broke the ride into small milestones and focused on just reaching the next one. “If I keep this pace, I’ll be done around this time.” “Just make it to the next rest stop.” Little goals carried me forward.

When big goals feel out of reach, shrink them. Focus on one small step. The only way to get started is to get started. 

Mindset Tip #6: Show Up as YOU Can

To ride, each participant committed to raising a minimum of $2,500. I personally raised $2,875. Our team raised over $57,000. And collectively, this event raised over $9.3 million for cancer research.

But it wasn’t just the riders who made this fundraising event happen.

There were hundreds of volunteers who clapped and cheered. People who handed out snacks and directed traffic. Support vehicles. Meal servers. Route organizers. Countless contributions that made a big event possible.

You don’t have to be the person riding 200 km to make a difference. Your presence, energy, and willingness to contribute matters. When we stop comparing and start participating in ways that are accessible to us, we unlock something powerful.

Mindset Tip #7: You Can Do Hard Things

Patients with cancer do hard things every day. They show up to appointments. They face treatments. They face the side effects of their treatments. They navigate uncertainty and adversity.

If they can do that, I can ride through the rain. I can climb a hill. I can push against the wind. I can keep going when I want to stop.

There were moments on the ride when I was caught between two truths: I wanted to quit… and I wanted to finish. These two things can coexist, just like 2 wolves fighting. The wolf you feed is the one that grows.

By gradually increasing my tolerance for discomfort, I’ve strengthened the part of me that knows: I can do hard things.

Mindset Tips Final Thoughts:

Whatever you’re working on—be it your health, your mindset, or a major life goal—I hope this inspires you to start, to show up, and to keep going. You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it. With clarity, self-compassion, and community, you can go farther than you ever imagined.

Personal Thank You’s:

• Thank you to Chrissy W for inviting me to join this team.
• Thank you to Uniq Energy for sponsoring our team.
• Thank you to Kim S, for leading our team.
• Thank you to all members of our team for making this experience as special as it was. Big shout out to Adam for his perseverance after adversity.
• Thank you to all my ride donors who so generously sponsored my ride, helping me to participate. It is through these generous donations that hope is provided to people who are impacted by cancer.