Much appreciate all the support from you guys, it has strenghten my resolve significantly!
Since I still had quite a bit of leg-muscles left, I've been able to increase my workout rapidly rather than having to grind my way to a new cap steadily. I was doing a 105 minute bout by this Monday, split into two sessions of 50 minutes (and an extra 5 to cool down after the day's practice was done) sweating off 1250 kcal's per day over the course of 55 km (34.18 miles). To keep myself focused, I alternated between 5 minutes of cylcing at a normal pace followed by 5 minute sprints (increasing my speed by 20 to 30% compared to the other phase). Rinse repeat until I reached my timer and building up an extra section each day (by increments of 10%). I felt battered and bruised by the end of it (much like Hisao on the track), but nothing a good night's sleep couldn't recover me from. Unable to seriously turn around my diet due to living with a few people that require extra care (diabetic type-2 patient to name the least vurnable), I've nearly halved my portions from what I ate before and cut out all snacks inbetween. Even though it can be hard at times, it breeds a newfound discipline I didn't aspire me capable of. Just the other day, one of my housemates offered me a bar of chocolate and was able to refuse it. Being an emotional eater, it felt strangely satisfying to be in such control of myself.
Inbetween this, I've finally been able to land my first job in 15 months (even if it's only a temporary one). I'll be starting the 20th of October, a bright day as I'll finally be able to scrape together a living again. Regardless, with each positive comes a negative. Considering I'll be working 40 hours a week, I won't be able to increase my excersises further hence I've settled for a different approach. 1000 kcal a day, done in one session at a steady brisk pace over 80 to 90 minutes. It should keep my energy expenses high while retaining some strength to complete housework after all that. I'm currently adapting to this longer yet slower approach to ease myself into it the next week after work.
For those eager to start themselves, do not force yourself to improve from day to day as your body won't be able to recuperate that fast if you've never done said sport before. Back in the day when I first picked up my bicycle, I only rode it for about 10 minutes after which I had to call it quits. Begin at a decent pace for a short amount of time until you feel the activity in your muscles. As long as your heart-rate is moderately elivated from its normal rate and you're perspiring slightly, the excersise is paying off as you've increasing your output. Continue said course for 5 to 10 minutes and you're golden. Stay at that level for 2 to 3 days (harder method) or when your body adapt to the excursion, then step it up by increasing either the time length (builds endurance) or your speed (builds force) by 10% (the latter only measurable if you pack the meters for it, hence can be tougher to manage outdoors). Gradually, you'll be able to burn more & more and hopefully reach your goal.
Remember though, try to keep the excersises intresting to avoid boredom. Listening to your favourite music, especially at times of great effort, can sharpen the mind to press you even further. Following Emi's suggestion is a great one as well, get yourself a partner and work out together to keep eachother going and motivated.
What a strange turn this post has taken... ^^" I just kept typing since hearing you guys' encouragement did invigorate my spirit. Well, hopefully my post can aid you a bit as well as yours have supported myself. Thanks again!
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)