Finish Line Friday

Hey QCyclust Family,

Today marks a milestone that’s both exhilarating and introspective for me – the completion of my first-ever, fully customized 6-week training plan. As I stand at this significant juncture, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me here, the lessons learned, and the quiet, yet profound, moments of growth along the way.

The Genesis of a Goal

Embarking on this journey was no small decision. Historically, I’ve been the quintessential social rider, savoring the freedom of the open (Zwift) road with sprints and climbs thrown in for the sheer joy of it. The thought of adhering to a structured training plan, let alone designing one from scratch to improve on sprints, climbing, and endurance, was as daunting as it was thrilling.

Yet, curiosity and a deep-seated desire to challenge myself won out. I dove into research, plotted out strategies, and meticulously built each session on Zwift, transforming my vision into a tangible roadmap towards self-improvement. It was a process that was as much about discovery and learning as it was about fitness.

The Power of Partnership

None of this would have been possible without my riding buddy. This journey underscored the incredible value of having someone by your side – someone to hold you accountable, encourage you to push through the tough moments, and offer flexibility to accommodate the whirlwind that is life. The commitment to ride with me, be it in the quiet of the evening or in those precious, stolen moments between daily commitments, was nothing short of extraordinary.

Stats That Tell a Story

• 2,448 minutes (approx. 41 hours) of training

• 1,290 km (around 802 miles) covered

• 5-6 days of training each week

These numbers, while impressive, only scratch the surface. They don’t capture the early mornings, the late nights, the laughter, the sweat, and the occasional tears. They don’t fully convey the growth, both as a cyclist and as an individual, that this journey has fostered.

Reflecting to Move Forward

As I introduce “Finish Line Friday,” it’s not just about celebrating the completion of this plan. It’s about pausing to appreciate the path that led to this moment. Reflection has been my silent companion, turning every pedal stroke into a lesson, every challenge into a chance to grow. It’s in these quiet moments of reflection that we find the strength to keep moving forward, to set new goals, and to continue growing.

To everyone embarking on their own journeys, remember: the power of reflection is transformative. Embrace where you’ve been to charge ahead with even more purpose and passion. Here’s to the miles we’ve covered and the miles yet to come.

With gratitude, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose,

Queen Caution 🚴‍♀️✨🌿💜