Let's kick things off my by giving some context.
I love cycling.
The freedom it offers. The places I can view. The experience of wind in my hair on every pedal stroke.
Recently, my love for cycling has been stilted. A mix of reasons has contributed to this. In my early 20's I would train religiously to compete in Triathlons. I was very rigid in my approach to my own training programme. I would stick my cycling kit on and would go out for a set distance or set time. Don't get me wrong, I would still socialise during these rides. With other riders who all had the same aim. I have achieved my goals in the world of Triathlon and injuries now mean I won't return to competing in this lifestyle.
The one thing that has stuck with me has been that connection of putting my cycling kit on and the expectation of performing. I have previously been transfixed on the data output of sessions. The numbers of previous performances have stayed with me, yet my bodies performance has wained. The comparison of then and now is ever present. To put my kit on is a reminder of then.
Since then and now, I've had significant lifestyle changes in the form of replaced body parts, a change in work, a relocation and starting a family. Recovery has been slow and steady yet the comparison still sits lingering in the back of my mind.
To combat the small demon, I have taken to more casual riding. Whenever I choose to go out now I won't stick on my expensive snazzy kit, instead I will ride in shorts and tshirt (jumper if it's a bit chilly). By changing my outfit to something more relaxed I'm able to relax in myself knowing that it's a joy ride and nothing more strenuous. Slowly my appetite for cycling is returning. I'm starting from scratch again. Learning new lanes and planning my progress in stages.
My fitness levels are nowhere near where they were before. I am excited and nervous about starting again. I know it will require the work and effort but I also know I have done it once before so can do it again.
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