After Monday’s poor performance in my 1-mile test, I’m itching to get back into run-training. My competitive self tells me to push forward with sprints, hills, long-distance. Working hard produces results.

And while yes, this is true, it is also key to realize the importance of working smart. Running places a lot of stress on the body – knees, bones, joints, muscles. Trying to make up all the ground I lost by doing challenging run-workouts right away could be a high-risk proposition. Inching into running, while supplementing it with challenging bike rides is a safer strategy that is just as likely to produce the ultimate results I’d like to see.

So, this week, I’m inching back into running with 3-4 mile runs. Nothing more. I’ve already started feeling some nagging soreness in my legs and I’m hyper-sensitive to monitor them for any signs of injury.

Zwift recently made some changes to their Meet-Up ride platforms. They are allowing for more people per ride (a new limit of 100 instead of 50). They also are allowing you to ride any course at any time, which is an excellent improvement. The Meet-Ups rides are certainly getting more and more popular. I’m getting invited to random rides, and inviting random people to my rides. So… it’s all in good fun!