Day 40 - April 18

Week 16 of 2026.

This week brought a change from the rhythm of the last four weeks. The other track riders traveled to Hong Kong this week for racing, with Malaysia to follow next week. This week was a good example of things falling into place. With the team and coaches away, there was no track training. But after my first four-week block, the timing was right for recovery. The two weeks also lined up perfectly with the UCI Coaching and Mechanic certification courses. Training volume was low this week. Next week the build begins again.

The shift in routine has been a good challenge. My bag-packing routine has shifted and I'm moving through different parts of the building at different times than normal. It means new interactions, and it’s making the days a little more dynamic. When Monday through Saturday are typically scheduled out, the flexibility and novelty are appreciated.

The topics we’ve covered throughout the course have been engaging. Some of the topics that stood out:

Monday - Understanding the principles of conditioning and how to use them to create a training plan for an athlete.

Tuesday - Determining lactate threshold zones for a rider to support more individualized training.

Wednesday - Sport psychology. Understanding how the mind is the starting point of performance.

Thursday - Strength training. Using the weight room to develop stronger athletes on and off the bike.

Friday - First aid and nutrition. The first aid section brought back feelings from Day 08. Dangers are part of the sport. Accidents happen. Quick thinking and action can save a life. The nutrition section was a good reminder that cycling is largely about energy management. Good outputs start with good inputs.

Routine will carry you through most days, but flexibility will carry you through the rest.

How do you find your footing when your normal rhythm is disrupted?