For the past couple of years now, I've been commuting on a regular basis. At one point, I've gotten pretty quick getting to work. I broke record after record on my time, and kept pushing harder and harder to break that all time avg speed and total time. Well, I have found I tend to average 16-16.5mph when I really push. My record to date is 17.0mph avg. Now granted this is a 23mi commute, on a 30# bike, with 1200ft of climbing. So, all in all, not bad.
However, there is a major drawback to this. When I get to work, I'm very sore, and VERY tired. So, I find myself fighting for 8hrs trying to stay awake on my night shifts, and not being able to get much done. Then, I have to ride home. (ugh!) My job is an office job, but on many a day I need to do physical labor as well. This is very difficult. It has gotten to a point over the last year or so, that I almost don't feel like commuting anymore, because I'm always burnt out at work, starving for more food, and so sore that I don't feel like getting anything done.
Then, a couple weeks ago, it dawned on me....
"Why not slow down?"
It was as if this little 10w halogen headlight came on in my head.
Ok, so, at 16.5mph, it's taking me a total of 1hr & 20mins to get to work. At only 15-15.5mph avg, it takes me about 1hr & 30mins. About 10mins longer. If I'm riding for almost 1.5hrs anyway, what's the big diff? So, I have decided to slow down for the last couple of weeks, and just ride fairly steady, but with little push, and more intent on maintaining a good pace without breaking up a huge sweat. In other words, just try to enjoy the ride.
Anyway, I find myself much more conscious at work, and able to get up and actually go to the bathroom more often without debating on whether or not my bladder is big enough to wait another ten minutes. I no longer need to ask myself "Do I really need to get out of my chair?" The resulting lethargic brain function alone, was enough to make myself wonder if I was still alive and conscious, or had I slipped into a coma? Oh, and I haven't had to blow $5 for extra food at the cafe everyday to satisfy my starvation. My lunch bag actually holds enough food now.
Aside of the fact that my socks still get pretty sweaty... all in all, slowing down 1mph is actually proving to be a good thing.
