August has come and gone in a blur of changing routines, steady base training, and some memorable family milestones. As summer draws to a close, I’ve found myself in that familiar transitional space—part reflection, part preparation—balancing training blocks, personal life, and a slow shift toward autumn.

Training in Numbers

August marked the second month of my Base 2 phase in preparation for the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. This phase focuses on building durability through Sweet Spot and Threshold work while maintaining consistency across commute rides, strength training, and weekly aerobic runs.

• Total Duration: 26 hours 36 minutes
• Total Distance: 513.9 kilometers
• Total TSS: 1292
• Average HRV: 61.0
• Average Resting Heart Rate: 54.1 bpm
• Average Weight: 74.7 kg

These metrics reflect a solid block of aerobic development with just enough intensity to keep things progressing without digging too deep into recovery. I’m especially happy with the consistency—most weeks landed right around 6 to 9 hours, which is sustainable and effective at this stage.

New Rhythms at Home

One of the most meaningful changes this month has been seeing my daughter start pre-school. It’s wild how quickly those early years go by, and this new chapter brings with it both structure and a bit of emotional weight. Drop-offs are getting easier, but that lump-in-the-throat feeling still hits now and then.

We also celebrated my grandmother’s 80th birthday—four generations gathered for an afternoon that reminded me just how much endurance takes many forms. Her strength and joy at this milestone are a kind of inspiration that no training plan can replicate.

The Basement Gym Returns

With colder months ahead, I’ve started prepping the basement “pain cave” for indoor rides and winter training. There’s something meditative about clearing space, tuning equipment, and revisiting old playlists. It’s a quiet ritual of intent—knowing that consistency through winter will make the spring races that much sweeter.

Outdoor Leadership Training

A brief detour from the usual routine came through a multi-day outdoor leadership training in mid-August. While not structured cycling or running, the days involved plenty of load-bearing movement and long stretches of time on my feet—more zone 1 endurance than anything else, but valuable in its own way. These sessions help maintain a strong aerobic foundation while offering mental resilience that’s hard to simulate in the gym or on the road.

Looking Ahead

September shifts things into a more structured load. With Sweet Spot intervals, Threshold work, and steady running back in rotation, the focus is on preparing both physically and mentally for the next phase of the long-term plan. There’s also a planned block of high-volume outdoor training coming up in early October—something I’ll have to carefully navigate around work and family commitments.

Reflections
August reminded me that training doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s woven into family moments, work transitions, and life’s natural cycles. By leaning into structure where it helps, and loosening the grip when needed, I’ve found a sustainable rhythm that’s both rewarding and realistic.

Thanks for following along—see you out there in September.