You had a long season and are just winding up for the winter months to come. Looking back on last year, you had a couple minor injuries and perhaps few set backs, but you managed to get in those last few competitions of the season. There were a few races that were unable to finish, however you did have that one breakthrough race that made it all worth while - that one race in which you felt as high as a kite running down the finisher's chute. You achieved this on your own, you and only you. This is where you are wrong. What many athletes cease to remember is that when all is said and done - there is no way that you managed to get across that line alone. That feeling of total and utter satisfaction is not all yours for the taking. Others blood, sweat and tears were apart of your accomplishments as well, and they deserve to be given some kudos too!

Be it a teacher, a mentor, your mum or dad, a coach, a partner, your physiotherapist, or a sponsor, these people aren't just average people in your life - they are your support staff. They are the hard workers who help to keep your valuable factory running smoothly. Each and every day, they are continually lighting your spirit with understanding and words of encouragement, in order to help you attain that one moment of athletic satisfaction that may come only a few times per year.

These supporters are not only there to feed you with words of encouragement - they too are impacted by your training day in and day out. While your body takes the pounding, so do their daily plans. Be it a school teacher who has helped put aside a test and move it to a different time for you. Perhaps you may be too tired to spend that extra bit of time with your child at night or sit down to dinner with your significant other. A friend may drive hours to watch you compete and your mom may wake up every single morning to drive you to training. A sponsor may help you with financial issues or the local bike shop may throw in a few extra tubes or water bottles to show their enthusiasm and support. A coach who has spent hour on developing a program that suits your exact needs, or your partner who may be willing to pick up your daughter from dance practice, just so that you can rush home from work to make it out on your bike before dark. All of these people are vital to helping you perform THAT much better come race day.

Towards this time of year, it is incredibly important to thank your support team, whoever they may be to you. Let them know how much you appreciate their support. Tell them what goals you have accomplished this season and how you are grateful to have them by your side. Sit down with them face to face, write them a card, an email - or nowadays even a text message will do! A little can go a long way, and just showing that you recognize theirs support will do wonders. Not only will this help your spirit and mind, but it will help to ensure their long-term support of your goals and accomplishments. Both you and your support team will reap the benefits in the long run!

Thanks to Jessica Kirkwood for her contribution to this piece.