There is always a certain apprehension that comes with returning to squad swimming training when you have been away for a little while. The break may be quite short (only a week in my case) but I still find I have that uncertainty of 'will I be able to keep up and is this going to hurt A LOT'.
Those were the thoughts going through my mind as I returned to the Swim Smooth Friday squad session this morning. Facing a solid session on slightly fatigued arms, I was not expecting anything pretty. Turns out though that I was in for a pleasant surprise. The session didn't contain any painful explosions, although I think that is probably as much due to the session being on the easier side as any particular physical prowess on my behalf. Having said that I am feeling pretty good on the recovery and return to fitness side of things.
After swimming it was time for a bit of Pilate's and then a spin on the bike. The bike session was done on the roadie now complete with a full set of 50mm deep Caden Carbon Clinchers. Very nice set of wheels that I am looking forward to putting some miles into.
After a week on the trainer it was great to be back on the road again. I almost couldn't be bothered riding in the actual outdoors since there was a good wind talking itself up outside and I wasn't sure I was up for arguing with it. In the end though it was nice being outside and the ride was very pleasant.
Whilst the ride was good, I did have to spend some time contending with one of those awkward situations you sometimes get on the bike. The moment happened not long into the session just after I had overtaken another rider up a hill. On the downward side of the hill I got caught behind a car and the other cyclist caught me up and started chatting. Now I have no problems chatting on the bike, but also when I am out riding I am usually out there to train, not have a social engagement. It quickly became apparent that this guy I was chatting to was looking to ride a bit slower than I was. However, once a conversation has begun on the bike I am yet to figure out a polite way to break it off and ride on. I didn't want to be rude, but I was also keen to get on with my session.
In the end though I knew it was only supposed to be an easy recover spin so I stayed with the guy and chatted. Once he turned off we had probably only be riding for 10km or so, so I had plenty of time to do my own thing as well. On top of that riding with him may actually mean that my easy recovery ride actually was an easy recovery ride for once. So really alls well that ends well.
Sometimes it is just worth being polite.
Running in the morning. Yep you read that right. Running. On a Saturday. What is the world coming to...
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