The early years

While I was cycling / commuting since 2003, it was 2012 when I bought my first road bike and soon enough I registered myself in a local cycling team “AEK”.

This helped me workout more efficiently and get into amateur races.

I really enjoyed it and I am still having very close friends whom I met in this era ( 2012 – 2016 ). In 2017-2020, I almost stopped cycling. In 2020, covid (🤦‍♂️) and getting hired in Automattic got me back to riding 1-2 times per week. But Nov 2022 – Mar 2023 where very hectic months for me. My allergic asthma had kicked in and I could barely breathe at nights – not getting any proper sleep. After getting some medication ( cortisone ) I was back in action. Couldn’t yet step up my game though, each ride was very hard for me and I had to wait for almost a week to recover.

What changed?

• In August 2023, I started an Immunotherapy for my allergies. They were triggering my asthma and not letting me do productive workouts. The therapy in conjunction with better antihistamine pills ( bilargen, which doesn’t make you feel sleepy or drowsy ) and Montelukast ( which is used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma ) made me feel energetic again.
• In September 2023, I changed my saddle to a more comfortable one. It made a huge difference – I couldn’t believe it. I rode 9 days in a row 😎 that month. This is when I started doing 1000km / month on average.
• In October 2023, I ordered a new bike 💸. While anticipating to receive it, I knew I had to get better to deserve such a “weapon” – photos below.
• From when I received the new bike on Dec 22rd and till now, I literally can’t think of not riding at least once every two days. Vacations and work meetups ( usually a week long ) are very hard for me 😅.
• I almost dropped my average weight by 10kg, hovering at 77kg right now.

SHOW ME THE BIKE!

The bike is geared with an Sram Force wireless, electronic group-set with a power-meter, disc-brakes and 55mm deep carbon wheels. All those were new for me. Especially the power-meter was a game-changer. I started pacing myself much better, making sure I add some recovery rides. In the last 3 months I managed to break some personal records:

The Races

I have already managed to line up in two races ( Giros Thisias, Attica Race ), not in the most competing category though 😔 to be honest. I am very pleased with my performance, I finished third in both 😛.

The goal for 2024

For this season, my goal is to improve my performance when compared to 2013 when I was in my best shape. This will definitely make me feel 11 years younger 😛. The ultimate test will take place on Oct 28th, in mount Hymettus where I aim to participate in an uphill time trial 10k race. I will have to complete it in under 37 mins to beat my PR which is 37:20 🤞.

UPDATE – 30 Oct, 2024

The race was eventually cancelled 😞

I managed to get my coach pace me to the same route though and voila 🎉