Solid effort

Nothing ground-breaking to report, but a solid result...

Got in my 3 strength sessions last week and 2 (so far) this week. Last week I also managed a 2.5 hour gravel ride with Rob (HurstWorksCC) at a relatively easy pace but nice nevertheless. That brought the total last week to around 5 hours.

This week one of my strength sessions was fortunately with my Son (a gym owner and experienced PT - Function Facility). He kindly acknowledged that there was some decent strength traits, albeit my technique needed some work and guidance. Great to see the boy doing his thing - proud Dad moment.

This morning I managed a HIT run set on the treadmill (Peloton inspired) and pushed the speed to the max on the last rep (20km per hour - 3min pace per km).

Need to keep the consistency going (early days) and continue to build up the strength training. As the weather improves (awful at moment) I need to include longer outside rides and runs.

Onwards and upwards 

The week so far

New Year - new me (said that before 🤪).

Monday started with a solid strength set - I was feeling strong and am enjoying the change of focus. Hopefully the results will follow, just need to keep the faith and stay on course (very early days).

Tuesday - I was outside and completed a 43min (Garmin recommended) Tempo run - 10mins warm up, 23 mins at a pace target of sub 5:15 (I managed 4:56) and then 10mins cool down. Garmin only gave me an 'Average' grade, as I expect I went too quickly - next time - do as I am told. My VO2 is still 47 (it actually looks like it went from 48 to 47 - what that simply because I went harder!). The goal is for VO2 to be back above 50 and in the top 'Superior' segment.

This morning (Wednesday) I completed a 20min (half-cocked) strength set - I possibly didn't give myself enough recovery time. So not so good.

Tomorrow, I plan another cardio set, likely to be inside (Peloton or treadmill) as the weather looks pretty awful - snow storms.

Need to keep the focus on strength and get a minimum of 3 sessions in the weekly diary. My son, Alex (PT) has booked me in to one of his group lunchtime sessions later in the month - exciting.

Happy New Year - 2026 is going to be a good one!

Saturday 3rd January - the weekend before life gets back to some form of reality and my mind turns towards 2026 and beyond.

Goals have been researched and written down - my health/wellbeing goals are right up there, and if the truth be known are often the ones, which I struggle with the most, despite fitness being a passion for so many years. 

My health is, and must continue, to be my cornerstone, the foundation everything else is built upon.

I am going to glide myself in slowly - consistently is key.

This afternoon I completed a hard 30min power zone (zone 6 intervals) on the Peloton. Yesterday it was a 40min+ interval set on the treadmill (8min, 6min, 4min and 2min at 4:45 pace), followed by sauna and a short cold plunge (so cold 🥶).

Tomorrow, it is likely to be a decent strength set. Despite the cold weather I could see a bike commute on the cards for Monday - possibly on the gravel bike with my new Brooks saddle. Let's see how the week goes - check in soon.