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Meet London 2 Paris Rider John Gill
Written on May 10th, 2023
John Gill has worked for Booths for 16 years and currently head up the Marketing & Trading team.
“I’ve just turned 48 in March, so this challenge is definitely part of me clinging onto my youth. With my kids now in their late teens, I’m finding a bit more time to fill, so thought the L2P would give a good focus and something to works towards.
What’s your motivation to ride the L2P?
Supporting the team at Cure Leukaemia, raising money to help them keep doing what they do, which really is incredible. It’s also great to have a personal goal to work towards, it keeps me focussed.
What leg of the tour are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the whole thing, but think Day 1 might be the most exciting, as I’m really not sure what to expect and once we start, I know I’ll make sure I finish it.
How are you training for the tour?
I’ve only just really started again on the bike in the last month, definitely a fair-weather cyclist plus the longer days help massively. Starting last month I’m aiming to get out for two big rides a week. For the past year I’ve been in the gym 3 times a week minimum and have started to focus or cardio more in recent weeks. A couple of walks a day with the dog and a longer one at weekends as every bit counts.
Could you share your favourite training routes? Share your Scenic rides!
Living in Lancaster I’m blessed with the Trough of Bowland in one direction and Morecambe Bay in the other. I’ll choose the flattest and go for Lancaster to Heysham onto Morecambe along the promenade up to Carnforth and then back home. A circular route of 42km with spectacular views of the South Lakes.
What are you eating and drinking to keep you motivated?
Training and getting fit makes me really hungry, but the great thing is, I find myself eating much healthier. I’m in the habit of batch making meals now, fruit salad for breakfast, soups and pasta salads for lunch and then generally an evening meal. My weakness is snacking, crisps and cheese especially, working at Booths surrounded by great food all day makes it really quite a challenge.
What’s your “power song” to keep you going?
In training I tend to opt more for a podcast or audio book, they seem to make the miles fly by. So sorry no song but a really gritty real life crime podcast will do the trick just nicely.
What will inspire you when the going gets tough?
When I’m really up against it I think about those that would love to do what I’m doing but aren’t able to, or are not here anymore, that’s all I need to get through the tough times.
What’s your personal or inspirational motto?
We’ve got this!
What do you look forward to doing once you complete the London to Paris?
I’m expecting the first pint of lager in Paris to be one of the best I’ve ever tasted, so I’m looking forward to that especially. After that I’m not sure but certain I’ll find another challenge to take on soon after.