Do you ever feel like you're always on the go, without enough time to rest?

This past Easter weekend, my partner and I decided to take a step back from our usual routine.

After a gruelling week of training in Mallorca, we headed up to Leicestershire to visit family and unwind.

You might be wondering about all that hard-earned fitness. Trust me, I had the same thought. But sometimes, you've got to listen to your body and give it the rest it craves.

So, what did we do instead of logging miles on our bikes?

We took a leisurely stroll around Rutland Water on Easter Saturday. The change of scenery, the slower pace – it was exactly what we needed to recharge our batteries.

In addition to resting our legs, we also gave our minds a break.

We're talking 10 hours of sleep a night for three nights straight. No alarms, no early morning rides, just pure, uninterrupted rest.

I know you might be thinking that 10 hours of sleep is excessive, but let me ask you this: when was the last time you woke up feeling truly refreshed and ready to tackle the day?

Because let me tell you, after those three nights of extended sleep, we felt absolutely amazing.

And that's the lesson I want to share with you today: rest and sleep are just as important as the cycling itself.

You see, we often get caught up in the "more is better" mentality when it comes to training. We push ourselves to ride longer, harder, faster.

But here's the thing – your body doesn't get stronger during the ride. It gets stronger during recovery.

Think about it. When you're sleeping, your body is hard at work repairing muscle tissue, consolidating memories, and regulating hormones.

It's like your own personal pit crew, tuning up your engine while you're off the bike.

So, how can you apply this to your own cycling routine?

Here are a few tips:

1. Prioritise sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours a night, consistently.
2. Take rest days: They're not a sign of weakness, they're a tool for improvement.
3. Listen to your body: If you're feeling run down, it might be time for an easy ride or a day off.
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Remember, cycling is a long-term pursuit, not a short-term sprint. By giving your body the rest it needs, you're setting yourself up for long-term success and enjoyment on the bike.

Now, I want to invite you to join the Cycle Lean Collective.

We're a community of cyclists who understand the importance of balance – between training and rest, between pushing hard and taking it easy.

In the Cycle Lean Collective, you'll find support, guidance, and a wealth of knowledge to help you become the best cyclist you can be.

We'll help you optimise your training, nutrition, and recovery so you can reach your goals without burning out.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to take your cycling to the next level by giving rest the respect it deserves?

Join the Cycle Lean Collective today and start your journey towards sustainable, enjoyable cycling.

Remember, sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a step back and rest. Your body (and your cycling performance) will thank you for it.

Ride on, and sleep well!

Neil

Founder, Cycle Lean Collective