Each week I try to review and reflect on my previous week on the bike. This allows me to see how my fitness and ability is progressing on a wider timescale than day to day. For previous weekly reviews please click here.
The goal for this week was to hit the Trough of Bowland. Mission accomplished. I got myself a good bit of mild sun stroke in the process, along with a bruised ass. Still, I wouldn’t have traded it.
And whilst I’m sat here typing this, remembering how hot it was last week, outside it’s chucking it down, so I suspect we’re in for a very different week ahead.
Here were this week’s rides:
- Monday – Decompression Session (Outdoors)
- Wednesday – Trough of Boil-land (Outdoors)
- Friday – Double Dip (Outdoors)
- Sunday – Dirty 30-ish (Outdoors)
On again, off again, seems to have been the order of the week. A bit like the rain showers as I sit typing this. I’ll let you into a little secret. It’s about five minutes since I wrote the paragraph above, and at that point it was chucking it down. Now it’s blue skies. Quite confusing. Summer showers, maybe.
The thing I’ve found hardest over the last week has been the mentally taxing process of applying and interviewing for jobs. By comparison the cycling is easy peasy.
Monday’s ride was really about getting out of the house – away from having spent all morning on the jobs boards – and just pootling around, enjoying the sun. Sadly that did result in a large gash in the tyre which involved an overnight replacement from Wiggle. Even with their £5 next day shipping it was still cheaper and faster than Amazon Prime, which seems to be going down hill faster than ever lately.
Wednesday was by far the star ride of the week. Riding through the Trough of Bowland is always a massive treat. It’s simply stunning scenery, super serene and a great way to escape from reality for a few hours.
Taking the easier of the two approaches, I found I was far less tired / hungry / drained than I expected to be after a ride that was far more intensive than I’d usually undertake.
The downside to that ride was in getting a mild bit of sunstroke. I felt crappy the next day – no appetite, which was weird. And as it was my wife’s birthday we were out for a meal and I couldn’t much face the food. But even so, I got a lovely tan – once the burn had worn off. Should have taken a bit of extra sunscreen. Whoops.
Anyway, super pleased to have not only nailed the weekly riding goal, but had the privilege to ride that on a lovely warm and quiet day.
By comparison Friday was less fun. I got soaked on my first attempt out of the house, and by the time I got out after the rain had stopped I got soaked from wet roads, and dirty because of the same reasons.
Also Wednesday’s ride had left me with two bruised sit bones, so it was hecka uncomfortable. Not a fun ride all round really, mainly mentally it has to be said.
Again, that led to yet another ‘rest’ day. Partly related to the sore ass, but partly the mental aspect. A week of applying to jobs etc is more exhausting (by far) than actually working. At least, it is for me. On Saturday I had nothing left to give.
Equally I felt similar waking up Sunday, but being forced to ride early due to other time constraints, I really enjoyed that ride once I got out. Plus I pushed myself harder than usual. So I felt good for that when I got back and saw the calorie count.
That kinda leads me into the week ahead.
I’ve done so much outdoor riding lately that my form / consistency on the harder efforts is shot. So with the weather taking a turn for the worse I suspect I will be indoors at least once, if not more, this week ahead.
As such I need to do more intensive indoor stuff. Sweet spot for sure. Maybe something a little more involved. Sitting writing this, I’m up for it. However how I will feel mid to later in the week is anyone’s guess. It always sounds like a good idea few days before.
Beyond that, the plans this week are the usual five rides and finding a job. Boo.