I Took It

My legs felt mostly recovered so, as threatened, I went for it on Zwift. I chose a flattish route with a few bumps. I don't have high cadence so have always tended to grind out more power on the climbs than the flat so the bumps would help keep the power up. After a couple of minutes at the start I felt I knew what power I was going aim for in the half hour ride and just kept at. In the end it turned out two laps of the chosen route and a very pleasing 25% increase in my FTP - I have a feeling the next structured training ride might be a bit more testing than Tuesday's session. Onwards and upwards. It's going to be an easy run day tomorrow...

It's Becoming Difficult to Take a Rest Day...

After twelve workouts, at various intensities, in two weeks I decided on a rest day. My legs felt a bit stiff this morning. They've eased but don't feel fully eased this evening. After yesterday's bike session, which didn't seem like it pushed me hard enough, I feel like another FTP increase is ready for the taking. Provided my legs feel fully refreshed tomorrow then I shall be going for it on the Zwift. If they still feel a bit heavy, then it'll be some sort of recovery 'run'. Either way, it's getting hard to pull a rest day. I know, I know, the body needs time off to rebuild the muscle tissue and all that jazz but I'm so keen to keep the momentum going I don't want to miss a day.

A Full Weeks Training

Overall, it's been a good weeks training. Today's reps felt a bit easier than I thought they would so I need to make sure I set myself targets that will push me. On the plus side, the data is still showing improvement, so things are still heading in the right direction.

And They Were Feeling Fresher Today...

The legs, that is. Yesterday's recovery walk did the trick and that led to today's session with my longest intervals to date. Nine 600's off a 200m recovery. I felt pretty good and at no point did my calves feel tight - which is another first of late. The pace is still not great, but it was my longest session distance to date.

Never has the philosopher Joni Mitchell's proverb, "you don't know what you've got till it's gone" felt more profound. For the first time in probably ten years have I really found the motivation to return. I've had many false starts during that time, where I wanted to get fitter without really feeling the same desire that I had twenty years ago, when it all began.

I can't yet predict when I'm going to be ready to stand on that start line, but never will it feel more satisfying when I do...

Legs Still a Bit Tired...

So I've been continuing with the training. Little by little increasing the duration and/or intensity - or both! It's still pitiful but I'm pleased with my progress. My FTP on the bike took another increase a few days ago and my treadmill sessions are seeing more running and less walking - apart from today.

I almost snuck in a rest day as my legs are feeling tired, heavy and a bit sore in places but instead I did a fast walk on the treadmill with a couple of faster 100m's at the end. The final 100m effort was my fastest since finding iron strength....

Today's session didn't put much strain on things so hopefully, my pegs will be feeling a bit better tomorrow - and I feel much the better from having walked fast rather than surfed the sofa. I've not planned tomorrow's training. I'll see how things are before deciding whether to ride the bike or pound the treadmill....

Legs a Bit Tired

I've been continuing to build the sessions this week with a couple of runs and a ride. I was definitely feeling it in the legs for today's third run of the week. Yesterday I had a decent effort up the Alp du Zwift. I'm nowhere near having the fitness to make the summit but it was a good effort, rewarding me with another FTP increase. Have to see how the legs feel tomorrow...

Little By Little

I've been sticking with the run/walk repetitions on the treadmill and have started to slowly increase the duration of the run interval. I've also been closely monitoring my 'body battery' to make sure I'm not going at it over zealously. I am keen to crack on but equally aware not to tip the balance and slip backwards. I can see it's going to be a journey of a thousand miles, but I've most definitely taken those first few steps.

I am so looking forward to what will be the magical moment when I'm able to return to fell running - I will be over the moon to come last - because to be last means I will have made it back.

Where's the Spinach?

Things are still headed in the right direction but I'm definitely starting from a very low point. All the data - have I ever said, I love data - is showing improvement. Stress levels are dropping, resting heart rate is dropping (from a somewhat high level), body battery is on the up, sleep quality is improving, and the mysterious cycling FTP has increased for the third time out of four Zwifts. It is all very lowly but I'm so pleased I can see that light at the end of the tunnel - albeit a very long tunnel...