WK5: Bank Holidays, Beers & Biltong: Balancing Life, Recovery & Indoor Cycling Gains

Hey everyone, and welcome back to The Indoor Cyclist!
It’s been yet another bank holiday weekend here in the UK, and as always, I’ve got a mix of workouts, recovery struggles, and gear updates to share. So, grab a coffee—or maybe a protein bar—and let’s get into it.


Bank Holiday Blowout… and the Aftermath

CrossFit really ramped things up with some hero workouts this weekend—always a test of both physical and mental strength. I pushed hard, but I also had a couple of late nights on the beers with friends (guilty as charged), and that definitely threw my sleep and diet out the window.

The knock-on effect?
I felt lethargic, unmotivated, and just couldn’t seem to catch up on rest for about four or five days. It’s a tough reminder that as I get older, recovery doesn’t come as easily—and it leaves me asking, is the juice worth the squeeze?


Diet Wins: 7 Pounds Down

Despite the weekend wobble, I’m making steady progress on the diet front. I’ve now dropped 7 pounds in the last three weeks by focusing on simple, sustainable changes:

  • Less snacking
  • More fruit and veg
  • High-protein, low-fuss snacks like:
    • Protein bars
    • Hard-boiled eggs
    • Greek yogurt with nuts
    • Beef jerky or biltong with fruit

It’s been a big help for managing energy levels during the day and trimming down gradually.


Crushing Zwift: INEOS Grenadiers Pro Training Camp

Training highlight of the week?
Definitely completing the Zwift Pro Training Camp by INEOS Grenadiers.

It was an 18K session, burning 378 calories in just 45 minutes. The ride featured varied power segments and ended with a brutal series of Zone 5 short efforts—I was absolutely wrecked. I think there were eight of them in total. Honestly, I nearly fell off the bike pushing through that final stretch!

But that kind of intensity is starting to pay off. Between this and regular CrossFit sessions, I’m really noticing increased leg power and consistency in my performance.


Zwift x Wahoo: A New Training Alliance

This week I also discovered something pretty cool—Wahoo workouts are now available on Zwift, complete with a new virtual kit to mark the collaboration.

It’s great to see these two fitness giants working more closely together. It’ll open up more structured training options for those of us who want the best of both worlds.

(Also… I think it’s finally time to update my Zwift avatar. He’s been rocking the same gear since day one!)


Resource of the Week: Global Cycling Network

If you’re not already following Global Cycling Network (GCN) on YouTube, now’s the time.

They’re a treasure trove of expert-led, in-depth content—especially for outdoor cyclists, but there’s plenty that translates into the indoor world, too. From training tips and technique breakdowns to full-blown workouts and product reviews, it’s genuinely helpful stuff.


Wrapping Up

So, that’s the round-up for this week—hard sessions, hard lessons, and steady progress. The key takeaway? Balance is everything. You can enjoy a beer with mates and still move forward… just don’t forget to sleep, fuel properly, and keep showing up.

Until next time, Keep cycling on!

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