Sanctify Yourself

I cycled to leg failure again on Friday. Most people, when faced with pain when exercising, will give up. It has taken a year plus of knowing the difference between bad pain and good pain for me to understand that what is happening to my body goes beyond the normal ‘yeah I’m getting fit’ mindset. This is a deep-rooted, cellular change. That meant yesterday I was on the bike again because there was no pain in my legs, just an ache that tells me long-dormant muscles are finally beginning to alter. Even though I was physically tired? Yesterday was progress.

The body changes are now inescapable. I have a defined waist, with abdominal muscles appearing (and staying.) Oddly my favourite trousers are now too tight: not around the waist, but the legs. In fact I’m rather pleased I’ve not gone full-on with replacing my wardrobe as yet because legs are now becoming a bit of an issue. Last night was the first time I’ve put jeans on since before Christmas (and before I started my cycling regime.) I sense I may have to go look at everything that isn’t either stretch or yoga pants to see if it still fits.

A cursory look in the Gym mirrors on Friday confirms I really have grown.

 

I will have competed for 450 miles by the end of today, and I should exceed 500 miles by the end of January. Considering I only started this late December, I am beyond happy with the progress. It is now time to look at how I vary the exercise and condition myself for longer rides. I’m having a last splurge on carbs today and then it will be a four-week push to focus on muscle building. I’m not sure how long my willpower will last, but if I can force myself on a bike six days out of seven it is worth a try.

Time to move to the next level.