Do you have a dream or a passion? This week, I invite you to apply the 4P rule. You may have seen my post on Monday morning as part of Zenit Motivation Mondays. The 4P rule is about taking the smallest possible step toward your goal.
In short
- The 4P rule: take the smallest possible step toward your goal every day.
- Twenty years ago, women were rare on Quebec’s mountain biking trails.
- One small step at a time, a passion for cycling became a lifestyle… and a career as a nutritionist.
- The 4Ps also gave rise to Zenit Nutrition and its preservative-free snacks.
Twenty years of mountain biking
I have lots of passions… maybe even too many (LOL). Looking at old photos last weekend, I realized that I’ve now been passionate about mountain biking for 20 years. And without even realizing it, I used the 4P rule to make progress in this sport.
In the photo on the left above, you can see me at my first bike race, 20 years ago. Back then, mountain biking was not very popular among women. In Victoriaville, there were barely 7 or 8 of us riding the trails, surrounded mostly by guys. We trained hard, often in secret, so we could keep up with them and compete with them on the trails.
I knew every girl who rode, and over the years, we became friends. I remember Nadia, Caro, Nath, the two Genevièves… Then there was Camille. Sometimes we rode together, encouraging one another in this mostly male-dominated world.
Today, things have changed a lot, and I can’t help smiling when I see so many women on the trails. It’s so inspiring to see this change. What started as a simple passion has become a true outdoor lifestyle with my bike.
One small step at a time
Back then, we mostly rode at Mont Arthabaska and Mont Sainte-Anne. For two years, I perfected my style, one small step at a time (4P). I loved those narrow, technical trails: every ride was an opportunity to improve and learn.
Since then, I’ve ridden epic trails from the United States to Italy, discovering new challenges and landscapes each time.
From passion to Zenit Nutrition
Over time, I realized that my passion for cycling and the outdoors influenced my life choices, including my career as a dietitian. To me, nutrition is just as important as training. And it was by following the 4P rule that I managed to found Zenit Nutrition.
I saw an opportunity to offer athletes healthy snacks with no preservatives or texturizing agents, while still keeping a homemade taste. I wanted everyone to be able to nourish their bodies well, even when time is short.
Through my small and big adventures, I’ve learned an essential lesson: don’t be afraid to take the plunge and say yes to the unknown. Applying the 4P rule every day and taking a small step toward your dreams is the key to feeling aligned.
Be bold, follow the 4P rule, and you’ll be surprised to see where it takes you. That’s what it means to be at your Zenit. 🏔️
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4P rule?
It means taking the smallest possible step toward your goal. One small action each day helps you move forward without getting discouraged.
Who founded Zenit Nutrition?
Danielle Dubois, dietitian and mountain biking and outdoor enthusiast, wanted to offer athletes healthy snacks with a homemade taste and no preservatives.
What should you eat on a mountain bike ride?
For a ride lasting more than an hour, aim for 30 to 60 g of carbohydrates per hour: energy balls or squares, dried fruit or a sports drink, and water.
Danielle Dubois, Dt.P., dietitian
Member of the Ordre des diététistes-nutritionnistes du Québec
Founder of Zenit Nutrition