Cycling challenges and lowering expectations

I’d been doing so well in terms of cycling to radiotherapy before I came down with this infection (It went downhill from there).

I’d first cycled on Day 4 (In the end, the wig ditched me). By the end of Day 7, I’d ridden to three sessions and had driven or been driven to four. Car 4 – Bike 3. Things were getting interesting. At some point during the third trip on the bike, I got the idea that it would be fun to aim to cycle to more radiotherapy sessions than I would drive to. At that point I had nine sessions left so it really wasn’t a tough target; I had plenty of leeway and I thought it might give me an incentive to cycle if I was feeling a lethargic or just plain tired. Then the infection took hold and while the goal is still achievable, it’s only just.

I’ve now had 11 radiotherapy sessions. The car has increased its lead over the bike and is winning 7-3 (I’m discounting from the car vs bike/me “duel” the session this past Friday when, for good reason, I used public transport). I came out of hospital last Wednesday and while I have been tempted to cycle on the odd day since then – particularly on Thursday, when it was such a beautiful day – I haven’t done so. I know I like a challenge but I’m not stupid and I knew I had to take it easy to give my body a chance to get over the infection.

So we’re at Car 7 – Bike 3. With just five sessions left, the best I can aim for is an 8-7 win. But a win is a win. To get it, I’ll have to cycle to radiotherapy every day this week. No pressure there. I’ve almost finished my course of antibiotics, I’ve had a very restful few days and so I’m up for trying. It’s a shame that on a couple of days the weather forecast is really not good.

Perhaps I should do as a friend suggests and just let it go. She could be right. There will be plenty more opportunities for cycling challenges. However, I’ve lowered my expectations over a good few things these past months, and as this is my final week of hospital-based treatment, there won’t many more of these particular types of challenges. I may be setting myself up for failure, but I’ve got to give it a go. I wouldn’t be being me if I didn’t.

I’m off to get my bike.