For some reason I’d imagined that after my recent heart valve repair I would feel fit. Instead, after nearly 2 years of only the most gentle exercise, akin to walking and no more, I find myself in a place I’ve never been. At first 2 miles of canal bank and therefore flat riding was hard going. Up the final, gentle 45 feet ascent on the road I was just about finished. Things are getting better.
7 weeks after my operation I’m gradually improving. Today I rode for 7 miles and though my speed was steady, I didn’t feel tired riding up the final slope. I rode to an old haunt, Johnson’s Hillock locks, where I turned around at the bottom or first lock. I didn’t want the extra strain of the climb. The rise may only be 60 feet in 7 locks but the slopes on the towpath are steep in places. 7 miles was enough for today. My heart rate was 112 at my turn around point, which I was happy with. I’m sure my whole system will get stronger as my riding increases and my heart rate may rise less for a similar effort.
We’re enjoying a glorious and lengthy period of sunny weather this spring and it’s great to be out. I rode fairly early to avoid the hottest part of ths day though I don’t suppose temperatures were ever going to rise beyond 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit.) My plan is to build my distance and difficulty to get back to the trail riding I love.
Mountainbiker 