Intro + Help

Sorry to hear about your Son drew. Not the best news to hear but the planning you have got seems to be working.

Since this post, I have joined the club and have been going out a min of 2 times a week, on my lunch breaks, and potentially a 3rd if I can slot it in. Last week I did about 50KM which is good going I'd say.

I think until there is a bit .ore of a routine these long 50K+ single rides are out of the question.

Hey Adam, I feel your pain. I have a five year old, currently going through the process of being diagnosed with Autism. This can mean everything I have planned goes out the window if my son is having a bad day. I do my best to get out when I can, and do plan in trips into my schedule. (Planning helps my son) but I have to be willing to throw all these plans away if he's having a bad day. Equally - I tend to plan rides with multiple turnaround points (unless my son is having a very very good day), so that I'm never that far from home, this gives my wife the confidence that if she needs to call me home, I won't take all day to get home. If seeing others workout encourages you, I'd second the recommendation of the Strava club - It has definitely kept me motivated at times. Drew

Hell of a post Ben, so thank you for all of that information.

Last couple of years, I have done about 1000KM (600 odd) per year, and that was without properly trying and also fitting this in around family, my allotment etc. Also, I was cycling to work when possible to get the distance in. Working from home now so, I plan to got out 2 times per week on my lunch, about 20-30KM/45-60mins and that seems to be a decent distance for a lunch break.

Normally I am an early bird, and would happily wake up at 5am and ride for 1 hour before everyone wakes up. Problem is that everyone is awake at 4am so I am on Dad duties.

Weekends are just like you, with both sides of family being big, and with young kids it is just going for a ride when they are asleep, normally 30-50KM.

I have two bikes, one for family rides and one for rides. I am going to get out in the morning to get my son, and use that as a "commute" cycling to the office and back about 10KM per day, and where possible fit in a big lunch ride.

If I am to do the above, there is no reason with commutes on top that I could not push 100KM per week, but I am also being realistic and setting myself a target of 30KM per week for this year, roughly what I have done last year and anything on top is bonus.

Winter time is probably where I have not done well, I have a basic turbo, but did not get it out as the twins were due and space etc. But will probably get into this more when I have a better routine for the family. I do want to stress that I am only 2 years into really properly cycling, and have only get a proper road bike this year. Previously, i have had a 14 speed city bike which was 10 years old. This is my "thing" now.

Hey, Adam. Great to have you onboard. Make yourself at home. 🤜🤛

First off, I hear you. You've got a lot on your plate and juggling everything is challenging. It won't work for everyone as career /life situations are different, as are times of the day when people feel most energetic /productive etc. I also have a very understanding wife who lets me ride a lot (I think she's just happy to get me out the house!) so I appreciate some of the below might not work for you. With that said…

Typically, in colder /wetter months I aim to bash out 50 -75 miles a week - just to keep the body ticking over until the warmer seasons.

When I'm really 'on it' I'll get up at 6am, get dressed, and then straight on the bike and do 15 - 18 miles whilst fasted (no food. I just take a bottle of water with me). I do intermittent fasting anyway so usually stop eating at 8.30pm and then won't eat again until 1pm (ish) the next day. It's worth noting that I can do 15 - 18 mile in c. 45 mins - 1 hour so tweak this distance based on your fitness levels. Do what you can based on the time you have. (I then need to get home, walk the dog and do school drop off so I can start work at 9ish).

When early morning rides aren't possible (either I can't be arsed or due to bad weather) I have a turbo trainer. I'll either jump on this at a similar time for an intense 30 - 45 mins or will do in the evening, after work /before dinner.

Then there are the weekends. To fit around social engagements /son's footy training and matches /Uber driver for my 14 year old daughter etc., I ride when I can.

This will usually be either early morning or mid-afternoon (depending on chores /commitments etc). Depending on the time I have, weekend rides can either be one or both days and anything from 30 - 100+ miles (usually around the middle).

Again, don't use this as your barometer. I've been riding for 10+ years. In short - don't worry about how far you're doing. Any ride is good. My advice? Plan when you're free and use those slots to ride. Your thinking should be "I have a spare 45 mins. I'm going to ride for 45 mins" NOT "I want to ride X miles" Any riding, done consistently, will improve your fitness, stamina and strength.

Also, before COVID-forced working from home was a thing I used to commute to work a couple of times a week. This was 18 miles each way going in and out of the City of London. But I appreciate this depends on people's confidence about inner-city riding plus the washing and bike storage facilities at your place of work (amongst other facts that make commuter riding possible for people or not).

Check out this post if you're looking for a bit of help with discipline and motivation (the former drives the latter ☺️) - https://www.m2mcycling.com/post/staying-motivated

There's also a helpful section in this podcast episode from approx 33 mins onwards (obviously, the whole thing is great 😉 but for this purpose, I think you'll find this particular bit helpful) - https://www.m2mcycling.com/post/on-your-mic-podcast-6

Good luck with it, buddy. Keep us posted with how you're getting on.

Shout if you need anything else.

Cheers