PERSONAL RECOVERY STORY

At 50, I Learned to Stop Turning Every Weekend Ride Into a Test

A six-week personal journey from pushing every weekend ride to building a more sustainable cycling routine.

Cycling became more enjoyable when I stopped treating every ride like a test.

Every ride had become a challenge

I liked cycling because it gave me a reason to get outside. But somewhere along the way, every weekend became a test.

Each ride had to be harder than the previous one. I kept asking myself whether I had improved enough. Then my body started telling me otherwise.

I realized that if every ride left me feeling worn down, I might need to rethink what progress looked like. I still wanted to ride—I just didn't want every outing to feel like a challenge.

I changed what success meant.

  • Professional assessment when needed
  • Easier rides
  • Progressive training volume
  • Strength work to support cycling
  • More recovery time
  • Red light therapy as an optional adjunct to my recovery routine

Red light therapy is an optional adjunct—not a replacement for professional assessment, rest, or a gradual training routine.

Explore Wondear Full-Body Red Light Therapy

WEEKS 1–2

I took easier rides and focused on enjoying the route. If I felt tired, I shortened the ride. The goal was to make cycling feel enjoyable again.

WEEKS 3–4

I started alternating harder rides and easier sessions. Not every ride needed to be a personal record.

WEEKS 6–8

I gradually increased my riding time when I felt ready. I was constantly borrowing energy from the following week, so I made more room for recovery.

Cycling felt more sustainable when I gave myself time to recover between rides.

What I learned

  • Not every workout needs to be hard
  • Recovery is part of training
  • Strength work can complement endurance activities
  • Don't ignore recurring pain
  • Consistency beats occasional extremes

I still like challenging rides.

I just don't need every ride to prove something.