OKay, well that was supposed to be 'how do you explain TO one of them...'

I have been working like a madwoman recently. Not out of choice. I am not, generally, a workaholic. However I am a perfectionist. I like to do my job well, and to completion, not leaving tasks unfulfilled at the end of a day if possible.

My managers have seemed to notice, and as such have been giving me more and more responsibility. Which, while I am complimented, is a bit frustrating.

See, it's cycling season now. This time last year I was riding 3x a week after work at 4:30. I was putting miles in.

This month at my new-ish position I am working 10-12 hour days every day, from 6 in the morning until 5 or 6 at night. I am working my *** off, not getting a lunch (well i get it, I just have to work as I eat at my computer). Today I promised myself a ride with the local group, but since the weather looked bad this a.m. I didn't put my bike in the car. (hey, it was 5:30 in the morning, sue me for not thinking straight!)

Well the thing is, I got in to work at 6, so technically I should get out around 2. 5:00 pm today I was still working feverishly, and I was the last one in the building practically. The sun had come out and it was glorious and warm and sunny out. My heart felt like it was crumbling away as I finally left work, wondering if I'd ever get a relief from the insane work schedule and get to enjoy MY things.

The thing is, I don't know if I can bring this up to my boss. When I bring up the amount of hours I'm putting in, I get sympathetic sounds and a mention of comp time. But comp time only can happen when I have time for it to happen. If they keep assigning me more and more work, I won't have any spare time to take off early.

i don't know how to tell her, a woman who lives her job, or any of my other managers/bosses who are also workaholics (such are the troubles of working with research PhD's) that I HAVE to cycle? If I come in to work early, I should get out early. Just because I'm leaving the same time as someone who came in at 9 am doesn't mean I've worked a full day. I've worked MORE than a full day.

I don't know how to bring it up, to let her know that I cannot skimp on any more cycling time, without sounding like a little kid. I mean, non-cyclists really just don't understand. You say I was supposed to go cycling and they hear 'I wanted to go ride my bike'. Which are two entirely different things. They picture you wanting to go toodle around on a trail or ride in circles in a cul de sac. They don't understand that it's training and it's as important as work.

I guess I am just frustrated and not wanting to sound to my bosses like I'm ungrateful or slacking on my job (I know I'm not, I'm giving 100% more than most people that work at my department).

Any help? Commiseration? Advice (other than get a new job... believe me, thought of that one already...)

K.