December 2025: An Unplanned End to the Year

December was supposed to be about building a solid base for the year to come. Instead, it became an object lesson in listening to my body. The month was almost entirely consumed by a nasty bout of the flu, which meant training came to a complete and total halt. It’s a frustrating way to end the year, but it also provided a necessary pause for reflection and recovery.

The Numbers (Dec 1–31)

• Total Duration: 0.8 hours
• Distance Covered: 8.5 km
• Training Stress Score (TSS): 7
• Average HRV: 43.9
• Average Resting Heart Rate: 60.8 bpm
• Average Weight: 74.3 kg

The numbers tell the story clearly. A monthly TSS of 7 is effectively zero. The sharp dip in my average HRV and the corresponding rise in my resting heart rate are classic signs of a body under significant stress from illness. Seeing these metrics is a stark, data-driven reminder of why rest was not just a choice, but a necessity.

What Training Looked Like

There was no training to speak of. The 45 minutes of activity logged for the entire month was a single, short walk just to get some fresh air. The primary focus was on sleeping, hydrating, and allowing my body to fight off the infection. It was a mental challenge to see the fitness I had built over the previous months just sitting idle, but health has to come first.

Life, Holidays, and a Forced Pause

While the athlete in me was frustrated, the forced downtime did allow for a quieter, more reflective holiday season. It was a time to be fully present with family without the underlying fatigue of a hard training block. It reinforced that this cycling journey is a long-term project, and a few weeks off, while seemingly significant now, are just a small blip in the grand scheme of things.

Looking Ahead to January and the New Year

With my health slowly returning, the plan for January is one of extreme caution and patience. It’s not about jumping back in where I left off, but about smartly rebuilding the foundation.

• Goal 1: Health is the Priority. I will continue to monitor my HRV and RHR daily. Any sign of a setback means immediate rest. I will not train if I’m not feeling 100% recovered.
• Goal 2: Re-establish Consistency. The aim is to complete 3-4 short, low-intensity (Z1/Z2) sessions per week. The goal is simply to get my body used to a routine again.
• Goal 3: Forget Performance. There are no TSS, power, or distance goals for January. The only goal is to successfully complete the planned sessions without any negative health repercussions.

It’s been a tough end to the year, but every setback offers a lesson. This one was about the importance of deep, non-negotiable rest. Here’s to a healthier, stronger, and more consistent 2026.