Injury largely overcome - First test ride... my training diary entry from July 8 2026

_{(I took this beautiful mountain panorama last September from the balcony of our holiday accommodation, the day before our hike up the Zugspitze.)}

Hi Actifitters,

it took 31 days before I felt ready to get back in the saddle. So, yesterday I hopped on the bike for a relaxed 30-minute ride; I simply wanted to see if I could ride pain-free again. As if Zwift (indoor cycling software) had a hunch, the route chosen for this week—the flattest in their entire lineup—was the perfect fit. This meant I could not only enjoy a relaxed ride but also complete my first challenge since my long injury layoff.

I was a bit shocked when I saw my numbers. My heart rate shot up to 178 beats per minute, and those supposedly "laughable" 37 minutes were actually really grueling. It’s crazy how quickly you lose fitness. Here are a few figures regarding this first test drive—one that, under normal circumstances, would not be worth mentioning:

Duration - 0:37:49
Distance - 20.77 km
Elevetaion gain - 33 m
Average speed - 33.0 km/h
Maximum speed - 41.6 km/h
Average power output - 167 watts
Maximum power output - 269 watts
Average heart rate - 148 bpm
Maximum heart rate - 178 bpm

They say it takes about half the time you spent away to regain your previous fitness level. I’ll keep an eye on that and ride the same route again next week to see where I stand.

But back to my injury for a moment. Something still isn't quite right, though it doesn't seem to be muscular anymore—otherwise, I certainly wouldn't have been able to cycle so easily. Instead, I suspect it involves a tendon or something similar. I experience a sort of blockage when stretching; for instance, I find it significantly harder to touch my toes with my hand on the left side. It feels as if a tendon has shortened. I plan to have a doctor take another look at it in the near future. For now, though, I’m just really happy to be back in the saddle.

---

Mission 80 (Day 10 = 88.3 kg / Goal = 80.0 kg / Initial weight = 90.0 / Total loss = 1.7 kg)

There is positive news here as well. After being very disciplined again yesterday—and surely thanks in part to the calories I burned while cycling—I can report a further 300 grams of weight loss.

---

Since I have to be in the office again today, I’ll limit myself to push-up training and hope to achieve another small improvement. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

---

Daily HSBI raffle (The rules)

Congratulations @onemanonewrite, you won today's share... it has already been sent.

If you also want to win a HSBI share simply leave a comment. The winner will be announced in the next report.

That's all for today.
Be kind to each other and keep moving!

This report was published via Actifit app (Android | iOS). Check out the original version here on actifit.io