Addiction

Addiction: A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.

I want to start by admitting that I am an addict. Now, that I have admitted I feel a lot better about my addiction as announcing it to the world I can continue without having to think what others will see me as.

My addiction is not life changing, it does not physically or psychologically affect me in any way that is adverse, my addiction is a good addiction!

Ok, enough suspense....I am addicted to CYCLING. There is said it.



Yes, cycling. What started off as a way to commute to work as it was the easiest, cheapest and environmentally friendly way has become something that I crave, I need to do if I don't I feel unhappy, lathergic and just lazy!

The definition above states: "A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance such as a drug or alcohol." My drugs of choice is endorphines, dopamine and adrenaline!

Endorphins are the body’s natural feel good chemicals, and when they are released through exercise, your mood is boosted naturally.  As well endorphins, exercise also releases adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.  These chemicals work together to make you feel good....

During exercise, these endorphins are released, and this can produce feelings of euphoria and a general state of wellbeing.

Read more:

http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Exercise_Endorphins.#ixzz278AZuMcL

I found that my daily commute to work was not longer enough to satisfy my needs, I started by increasing the distance through finding other ways to work. I am sometimes found to go 5 miles out of my way in the opposite direction so that I can make more of it and thats at 6am!

As I found all my routes were limited through time and my ability was improving, I took to really pushing myself with big rides before a late shift, these ranged from 20 to 40 miles dependent on time starting in afternoon.

 Here is a typical ride before work using strava:

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