Well I have taken the decision that this time of year, it is best that I try and keep my weight gain to a minimum and improve my core strength for the season ahead. No matter how hard I try, it is incredibly tough to balance riding and family with winter mornings. I have had to make humble apologies to my bike sitting in the garage waiting in anticipation to be taken out. But it is just not feasible at this time of year. I will continue to ride on the weekends when my time is a bit more flexible and can do the longer rides at a decent hour.

I feel that the shorter period of time right now are better spent at the gym working on core strength. I am doing a lot of low intensity cardio work in the gym too to try and prevent the winter weight gain - I am battling, but persisting. So all of my gym work is at below 70% MHR - to aid in the fat loss. This coupled with a low-fat diet will hopefully see me getting into summer stonger (thinner!) than in previous years - we will just have to see if it works. I must say though I am really missing the time on the bike in the mornings - and as soon as the school holidays come around I might brave the early mornings dressed like the abominable snowman!