Commuting schedule

[ChrisV]

My work has an earlier on a Monday and Friday, which gives me the chance to get home earlier and spend time with the kids. However, if this is a cycling day it means I get home later anyway and lose the benefit really.

I've tried each of the following over the last 3-4 weeks of commuting:

1. Cycle Mon/Tues, drive Weds, cycle Thursday/Fri. This was quite hard going.

2. Cycle Mon, drive Tues, cycle cycle Weds/Thurs, drive Friday.

3. Most recent - drive Mon, cycle Tues, Weds, Thurs, drive Fri.

What I like about option 2 and 3 is I'm not wiped out and can do a ride at the weekend (theoretically). However, this has never happened due to golf (Saturday morning) and family (rest of weekend).

My issue is fitness/weight loss. If I'm doing 3 days but I put them together, it then means 4 days off the bike. I could conceivably just put the weight back on that I've just taken off.

Is it better to spread the days out more? Do some weights on the off days? Any tips?

 

[Tommy2]

Surely you're still home earlier than if you were working until normal time? That means that you could drive on a Wednesday and have more time with the kids then on a Monday and Friday cycle and not lose as much to.e with them as you would cycling on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

 

[vickster]

Cycling alone won't take weight off, you need to eat less. Something like 3500 calories to lose a pound of fat. 30-40 cals per mile cycling, so you need to cycle 100+ miles to lose a pound. Having four days off shouldn't make that much difference if you eat less during those days Stay off the booze especially

 

[BSRU]

Spreading out the days is good as rest/recovery is just as important as riding.
Just keep riding as your body will just get used to it.
Probably not a popular option but turbo sessions could help as they help when time is very limited.
With a turbo you can ride shorter more intense sessions, so easier to fit in your day.

 

[martinclive]

I try to do Mon and Fri whatever - as they are the worst road traffic days

 

[Drago]

I work shifts, and following illness Mrs Drago insisted I cut down on cycling. So as a consequence I now only commute on late shifts...officially. I do sneak in a few day shift commutes, especially weekends when I can sell it to the missus as missing all that highly dangerous weekday traffic.

That said, no riding at all this week. My Ti constructed bionic arm has been painful so I've given in and taken the truck to work. Although I know it's the wise thing to do, I can't help feeling guilty at missing out on some rides. My mileage has plummeted from the thick end of 7000 miles in 2012 to barely 1000 this year

 

[Markymark]

Cycling should not be calculated on spread sheets. Cycling in on occasion, drive in occasion. The miles will add up as will the benefits. Don't over think it and don't over eat. All will be well.

 

[4F]

Eat clean, cycle Mon to Fri and give up golf Sorted

 

[crdf]

I think you shouldn't give up much time with kids.
Most people want instant result, but loosing weight is not fast unless you're starving yourself. But don't. Set yourself a goal to get fitter an healthier and you will gradually loose weigh. Research how to eat properly and give yourself some time ( like 1 year). Expecting to get lean fast will male you think you are failing, but you are not. Every ride counts.

Just my opinion.