The Busy Cyclist’s Guide: Training, Work, and Family Without Burnout

The Busy Cyclist’s Guide: Training, Work, and Family Without Burnout

Newsletter (#137)

Let’s be honest…

You’ve got a career that pulls 40+ hours a week.
A family that deserves your time and energy.
And somehow, you still want to get faster, fitter, and lighter on the bike.

Sounds impossible, right?
But it’s not.

The problem most cyclists face isn’t lack of willpower—it’s following training advice designed for people with infinite free time. When you’re already stretched thin, adding “15 hours a week on the bike” is a recipe for burnout.

So here’s the shift:
👉 Your training should fit into your life, not the other way around.

That’s exactly what I built into the Cycle Lean Method. It’s not about max volume or endless intensity. It’s about smart, sustainable training that delivers results without sacrificing your career or family life.


3 Steps to Balance Stress, Life, and Cycling

1. Anchor Your Training

Don’t try to ride “whenever you can.” That’s chaos.
Pick anchor sessions each week—non-negotiables that fit your schedule.
For example:

  • Tues night Zwift ride after the kids are in bed.
  • Saturday morning club ride before family day kicks off.

The rest? Flexible. Optional. Bonus if it happens.
Anchor sessions keep momentum, even when life gets messy.


2. Play the Energy Game

High-stress jobs drain mental and physical energy.
That’s why you can’t just copy a pro’s plan—you’re starting the ride already half-spent.

The fix:

  • Use short, targeted sessions (30–45 mins midweek).
  • Prioritise Zone 2 endurance and strength work over junk miles.
  • Save the harder efforts for when you’re fresh, not fried.

This way, training restores your energy instead of depleting it.


3. Think Long-Term, Not Week-to-Week

Most riders think progress = perfect weeks.
Reality? It’s about consistent months and years.

So when life gets in the way:

  • Don’t scrap the week—do what you can.
  • Don’t “start over Monday”—stack small wins instead.
  • Don’t chase fatigue—chase sustainability.

When you zoom out, you’ll see real progress without burning out.


Where the Cycle Lean Project Fits In

The Cycle Lean Project (which goes live today for people on the priority list) is built for cyclists exactly like you—people juggling work, family, and a passion for riding.

Here’s how it works:

  • 4 focused cycling sessions/week (~7 hours total) → maximum gains in minimal time.
  • Strength + cross-training → keeps you strong, lean, and injury-free.
  • Flexibility built in → the plan adapts to your schedule, not the other way around.
  • Community support → you’re not riding this journey alone.

Most riders in the program see 4–6 kg weight loss and 20–50 watt FTP gains in 12 weeks—without living on the bike.


👉 If you’re ready to balance your career, family, and cycling goals—and actually see results—learn more about the Cycle Lean Project today.

Click here to learn more: Places are open to the public on Monday, 1st September.

This isn’t about fitting into someone else’s training mold.
It’s about creating a sustainable process you can continue for life.

Because at the end of the day…
Cycling should add to your life, not take away from it.


Whenever you're ready, here are the ways I can help you:

  1. The Cycle Lean Blueprint: This comprehensive, all-in-one product is everything you need to shed kgs and ride faster.
  2. The Cycle Lean Collective: Get ready to transform your fitness journey with our new and improved monthly membership program.
  3. Personalised One-on-One Coaching: Get the results you are aiming for with our one-to-one service. Explore our tailored coaching options designed to help you reach your goals fast.

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