The official New Year's resolution quit day is January 17th and it shows how hard it is to keep your promises. When it comes to biking I already wrote about killing the excuses in a previous post. Practicing what I preach allowed me to bike at least once every week, for the last 117 weeks!
Week 117 was very different from the 116 previous ones as I tested positive for Covid-19 earlier in the week. The Omicron variant is very contagious and Belgium is in yet another wave which makes people say "You too? Who hasn't?". My case was one with very mild symptoms (probably because of my sporty lifestyle...) but that's not the point I want to make. What I want to share is that it took me an additional moment of courage to Zwift this morning. Indeed, you read that you shouldn't underestimate the stress caused on your body by this viral infection and that you shouldn't overdo it when you resume sports. I certainly believe it's true but I'm convinced it's a question of balance. It's yet another excuse to skip your exercice...
Which alternative do I recommend?
Don't skip but make sure you don't overdo it by:
Choosing an easy flat road
Limit your mileage (in advance)
Watch your hrm and set a max
Neglect other riders
By doing so you can safely reconnect with biking. I did 48 minutes and felt great. The most important moment being the one when you decide not to. Not to bike longer, faster, more intense or more competitively than you planned for. Zwift remains an environment which is challenging for competitive folks. I went over my limits more than once but today it would be unwise for sure!
Covid gave me no fever but I kept my resolution fever intact. Veloviewer doesn't blame me with an empty week. I agree it's not spectacular. 25 km in a week... but it's infinitely more than nothing!