I'm writing this from my bed. I'm still getting used to sleeping elevated with my head propped up, but it's working.

It's just over a week since my nose operation, and the recovery has been surprisingly smooth.

The best part? I can finally breathe through both nostrils.

After years of blocked breathing, that feels like a small miracle.

The surgery was last Thursday, and every breath now feels effortless.

The underside of my nose is still a bit numb where the stitches were, but it's healing nicely and feeling more normal each day.

My partner and I even managed to laugh about the whole situation, though I did have to sleep separately for the first few nights to avoid any accidental knocks in the night that might've derailed everything.

The sleep position has been tricky.

Sleeping on my back with my head elevated for 4 weeks to aid healing has been tough, especially since I'm not used to it.

The first few nights were rough, but it's slowly getting easier now that I'm back in my usual bed. Progress, even if it's just getting comfortable with a new sleep position.

I've now had 10 full days completely off from training and the gym. No cycling.

No intensity. Just rest. And next week, I'm planning to ease back in with some very light spinning, not even Zone 2, just gentle movement to get the legs turning again.

Nothing that'll raise my heart rate or blood pressure and risk a nosebleed mid-ride.

The goal is to gradually build back up through December, so I'm ready to go when the Cycle Lean Project kicks off in January.

But here's what this recovery has really taught me: patience is everything.

Whether it's healing from surgery or improving your fitness, you can't rush it.

You've got to listen to your body, trust the process, and give the work time to pay off.

That's the only way to build sustainable results, not through heroic efforts or pushing through pain, but through consistency, smart choices, and respecting what your body needs.

Winter training is exactly the same. It's not about going all out right now. It's about building gradually, staying consistent, and setting yourself up to start the new year strong.

That's where real transformation happens.

And if you want to start 2026 on the front foot, here's what I'd recommend: join the Cycle Lean Project starting January 5th.

It's our 8-week group coaching program designed specifically for cyclists who want to lose weight, gain power, and build lasting fitness.

On average, riders lose 6–12kg and add 20–60 watts to their FTP. Real results.

But here's the urgency: today is your last chance to grab the Cycle Lean Black Friday Bundle.

It includes lifetime access to the Cycle Lean Blueprint course, a 4-week December training plan to get you started, and 3 months of TrainingPeaks Premium, all at a discounted price until midnight tonight.

After today, the price goes up to £150, and the bonuses disappear.

Don't wait. Click below to grab your bundle and secure your place for January.

Start the new year the right way.

👉 Grab Your Black Friday Bundle Now

P.S. I cannot shave under my nose just yet while my stitches are still in. So I've decided to rock a moustache for a week or two. Does it suit me? 😂