A Winnipeg, MB, grandfather is nearing the middle-point of a Guinness World Record attempt, and while he's well on his way to breaking that record, he's also at the point that most people abandon their attempts.

Arvid Loewen has been cycling since July 1 in hopes of breaking the record for the furthest distance cycled in 30 days. That record currently belongs to Mark Beaumont of the United Kingdom, at 11,315 kilometres. That works out to an average of 377 km/day. Arvid's average is currently at 393.4 km/day.

Arvid is in what he calls "The feared middle-third," however. He writes in an update to his Facebook page on Sunday evening that "The enthusiastic start is no longer visible when looking in the rearview mirror. The anticipated celebration of the finish line seems like it is a fairy tale at this time."

It's at this point, Arvid says, that is especially difficult to find any motivation. "I am trapped in the middle third with nowhere to go but to mentally, physically and emotionally continue each day."

Arvid's wife Ruth says no matter how long an event is, the middle-third is always difficult. The middle-third of this attempt is especially difficult because it lasts for 10 days, Ruth says.

Arvid is alone on his bike for about 17 hours a day, and it's in his mind that Ruth says the biggest battle plays out. 

"Just pray that God would set a protective hedge around him. He has lots of time to think on the bike; [pray that] his thoughts would stay positive and focused on the kids at MCF."

While many might think that his current record-setting pace would keep him going, he says he's been here before and it was just as difficult then.

"In 2014, right here in the same loft, after having completed half of my GWR attempt for 10,000 km, I decided to DNF," Arvid writes. A DNF is a Did Not Finish, and is something that hangs heavily over ultra athletes like Arvid.

"I had been riding around record pace as well. This stuff is real."

Arvid asks that people would continue to pray not only for physical stamina but spiritual and emotional stamna as well.