If I had to choose, then I would always choose summer over winter.  Warmth, light, longer days.  It’s just good to be alive in summer.  So as the weather has warmed up I have been building up a new exercise regime.  A big part of it is cycling.  I have been an avid cyclist and triathlete for much of my life, but as life goes on work and other things tend to get in the way.  Not to mention the fact that in the 25 years that I have been cycling seriously on the road, the levels of traffic have increased hugely.  So there have been plenty of disincentives to pulling on the skin suit and cranking out some miles.

One of the (many) good things about living where I now do (at Sydney Olympic Park) is the great roads and relatively small amounts of traffic.

So today I hopped on my (push) bike and did a couple of laps of the village.  I have no idea what the distance was, or how fast I did it, but I certainly enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and pushing myself physically.

Cycling is great exercise, it’s low impact and high intensity cardiovascular.  It’s also perfect for doing High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).  From the Wikipedia article:

an exercise strategy alternating periods of short intense anaerobic exercise with less-intense recovery periods. HIIT is a form of cardiovascular exercise. Usual HIIT sessions may vary from 9–20 minutes. These short, intense workouts provide improved athletic capacity and condition, improved glucose metabolism, and improved fat burning.

My partner has used HIIT with great success to lose over 20 kgs.  And while I don’t need to lose weight particularly, I will most certainly benefit from keeping my heart and lungs in great shape.

So, I am now relaxing in that delicious afterglow that only comes from full exertion.  Feeling alive and potent and full of potential!

John.