It's been too long, far too long.
There has been a three body problem with regaining my fitness: my age, my previously sedentary career, and the length of time I was sick. I'm still receiving treatment for Long Covid, but I'm a long long way from where I was...and I'm one of the lucky ones.
On top of which I tested positive again about two weeks ago after feeling a bit under the weather and it seemingly getting worse over a couple of days. This almost 12 months to the day from the original positive test result, just my luck. It was a bit of a setback, but apart from a few days feeling very poorly again I've managed to shrug most of it off. However, I've still got some fluid on my lungs, so how this morning was going to go was anyone's guess.
The new job is great. I love it but it's knackering. A couple of my new colleagues are Zwifters and are encouraging me to join them, so if anyone can recommend a smart turbo trainer that doesn't cost an arm and a leg I'm open to suggestions.
Anyway...
There have been reports of an Osprey having been sighted locally. I've wanted to see it for a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd pass that way on a ride out along the TPT. I didn't see it as it has a fan club that turned up mob handed this morning. I'll go have another look on a weekday when I'm off next week.
Early, miserable autumn morning. Lots of wet leaves making for very slippery surfaces. It was quiet when I went out, damp after overnight rain, and about 12°c.
I did about 17 tentative wobbly miles with a disappointing pace. Although I did leave a couple of riders behind on a couple of occasions which surprised me.
A loop along the TPT into Doncaster, picking up the Greenway, then back on to the TPT towards home. The steep climb by the Conisbrough Viaduct was far too much on this occasion so I got off and pushed. My lungs wouldn't entertain it and my legs were dead by then. We'll see if I can manage it next time.
I took the RSP and it felt really stiff and unforgiving. I need something a bit softer, and maybe noodley, until I get my mojo back. I'm also a bit saddle sore. I'm very happy I went out.
Below the remains of an 18th century pump house, that drew water from the River Don, up 180ft to a storage tank that fed Sprotbrough Hall - which no longer exists.
