Monday’s session was a hard start to the week. 30 seconds at 350W followed by 1 minute at 105W, repeated 10 times was hard work. Another 4 minutes at 105W and then the 10 intervals started again. The last 3 were a real struggle and I just hung on. I find these sessions a mental challenge as much as a physical one. When your legs, lungs, heart are all telling you to stop it’s important to remember why you’re putting yourself through this.

The one thing that concerns me is getting injured or ill during the training. Every little niggle gets amplified; this week its some discomfort in my right foot.

Two workouts based around repeating intervals this week. I can feel it in my lower back, not in a painful way, more in a being aware that the muscles have been used. Time to add some core workouts so that my core is being used rather than my lower back.

First ride not in the training plan this week too. It’s the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend so 2 extra days off work. Kaz has the all clear to start riding her bike again so 4 of us set out for a gentle spin. Apart from Kaz doesn’t do gentle spins so we headed off to the Hog’s Back including the climb over Keogh Barracks.

Bit of a disaster installing new cleats when the threaded part in the shoe pushed up through the insole! Good job I had a spare pair of shoes in the cupboard (like you do!).