Balancing Travel, Training, and Enjoyment

The week started early – 3 AM on Monday, off to the airport for two intense work days in Amsterdam. I arrived back in La Ciotat very late Tuesday night, this meant Wednesday became a much-needed recovery day.

Thursday, I hit the bike again with some high-intensity intervals; short bursts at over 400 watts, followed by recovery, repeated until I lost count. It’s a an effective way to build strength without overloading the system too much. Though come Friday, I rather felt it and awarded myself another recovery day with just some, walking, and stretching. Particularly as a colleague I’d been with in Amsterdam earleir had just come down with a high fever. I really need to keep my immune system in top condition and not risk illness from overexertion.

Saturday’s ride was, cold, wet and longer, focusing on sweet spot efforts, focused, sustainable work that builds endurance without wrecking recovery.

Sunday, with perfect weather, I headed to my favourite road, Route de Crêtes, between Cassis and La Ciotat, giving 800m of climbing over just 26km resulting in more tempo and sweet spot work but really just a ride for pleasure.

Looking ahead, more travel is on the cards next week, so training will be adapted on the fly. The focus remains on listening to my body, balancing a hectic schedule, and ensuring everything adds to my life rather than detracting from it through too much pressure. I’m not here to justify my life through suffering. This is about growing and enjoying the process.

Madrid-Barcelona beckons at the end of May, and my mileage will gradually creep up, but for now, it’s about, adaptation, and keeping the joy in the journey.