I’ve been out of action for three days since my toe trauma*. I’ve been fighting through the pain, hobbling from place to place, putting on a brave face.  Sympathy has been hard to come by.  It seems that comedy toe injuries demand laughter rather than sympathy, sniggers rather than tears, giggles rather than concern.  So be it!

Time to “Man Up!”.

I’ve been getting lots of sympathy from the ladies in my life!

After three days of enforced rest, today was the day to get back in the saddle…

Over the past week I’ve “connected” with people doing both the Euro City Cycle and “Ride the North” events.  It’s all feeling a lot more real now.  There’s less than 3 months to the start of the Euro City Cycle.  Time to start getting focussed!

It’s clear from early interactions that people are at different stages of readiness and very different levels of experience.  I guess that’s always going to be the case.  Everyone will be starting from a different base level of fitness and stamina,  Everyone’s preparation will be different.  So I’m expecting a real mix of fitness levels for the event.

Personally I’m keen not to hold anyone back on any of my rides over the summer.  I also want to make sure I’m fit enough to enjoy them.  This will obviously require me to be able to complete the events without pushing myself too hard, or putting myself in any physical danger.

I’ll be seeing my Cardiologist on Monday.  It will be our first meeting since I was discharged from hospital in June (technically it’s my 3-6 month check-up).  I’m looking at this to trigger a change in focus for me from “laying the foundations” to “getting ready to ride”.  I realise I need to spend more time on my bike, and get outside.

My preparation approach is:

1. Start now.  Don’t delay any longer.
2. Build up slowly; there is no need to go nuts. It’d probably do more harm than good. 
3. Don’t panic!
4. Make a preparation plan. Set targets.  Do your best to meet them.
5. Re-plan if necessary.  There’s still time.
6. Enjoy it!

Personally, I’m really looking forward to the switch in focus.  Bring it on!

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*  I could show you, but you may find it too distressing!