June 2014

[Sweder]

Seeking to regain fitness is a bit like playing a video game.
The early levels prove challenging, mostly due to unfamiliar surroundings and battle fatigue. As you work through the first level, slowly coming to terms with what's required, you see light at the end of the tunnel, a possible portal to progression.

Today I reached that in-between round, the time-trial, where you pause from the day-to-day slog to amass bonus points and test your sharpness.

Three loops of the far end of a sheep-less Landport Bottom. 500 metre downhill sprints, one minute recovery lopes then back up the other side (steady, not flat out). The second loop was the toughest. I really felt the loss of form as I slogged up the steepest section, desperate for respite and oxygen, certain that a third lap would be beyond me. Yet, even as I chugged up after a morning's best third plummet along the rabbit-lined fence, I realised I'd ascended to that next level. My breathing settled as I relaxed into the jog home. I smiled inwardly at this small victory.

Light at the end of the tunnel.
I do hope it's not an on-rushing train.

45 minutes, warm and sweaty.