November 2025: A Month of False Starts

After a rough October, I was hoping November would be a return to form. Instead, it was a month of false starts. Lingering fatigue and a cold that wouldn’t quit meant that every time I felt like I was getting some momentum, I’d have to pull back again. The result is a month of very low volume and inconsistent training, but the final two weeks show a glimmer of hope.

The Numbers (Nov 1–30)

• Total Duration: 7.6 hours
• Distance Covered: 110.2 km
• Training Stress Score (TSS): 159
• Average HRV: 52.9
• Average Resting Heart Rate: 58.2 bpm
• Average Weight: 74.6 kg

The numbers are a clear reflection of the month. 159 TSS for an entire month is what I would normally aim for in a single week. It’s a clear sign that the focus was on survival and recovery, not on building fitness.

What Training Looked Like

The month was split into two distinct halves. The first two weeks were almost a complete write-off, with only a few short sessions and minimal TSS, as I focused on recovering from illness. The second half of November showed a positive turn, with a return to some structured training including Z2 rides, Sweet Spot intervals, and a strength session. While the overall volume remained low, the upward trend in activity and TSS in the final two weeks is a promising sign heading into December.

The Bigger Picture

This was supposed to be the start of my Build 1 phase, but that’s been pushed back. The goal for November shifted from building fitness to simply getting healthy. It’s frustrating, but the long-term goal of the 2027 UCI Gran Fondo is still the focus. A couple of lost months in 2025 won’t derail the whole project.

Looking Ahead to December

December is about rebuilding. The plan is to be conservative and focus on consistency. The calendar is already populated with a mix of Z2 rides, strength sessions, and Sweet Spot intervals.

• Goal 1: Consistency over intensity. I need to string together a few solid weeks of training before I think about pushing the intensity.
• Goal 2: Listen to the data. I’ll be keeping a close eye on my HRV and RHR. If I see any red flags, I’ll take a rest day.
• Goal 3: End the year on a high. It’s been a tough couple of months, but I’m determined to finish 2025 with some positive momentum to carry into the new year.

Here’s to a healthy and productive December.