Tulip: yes, there is some truth there I went out and did a fairly neutral ride (and I still haven't finished figuring out my plan). If I stop enjoying riding while incorporating more structure (the training plan) - then I will drop the plan. The most important thing is that riding makes me smile

OakLeaf: age... I am getting to where I don't heal as fast, indeed. That is part of why I gave up running about a year ago. My body was never made to run, and I made it do it for too long. Eventually, its protest won.
Thank you for the advice! I have trouble with listening to my body, common sense, and prioritization... I do have someone that knows me better than I know myself (often), so I will have to rely on him in the beginning *grumble*.

maillotpois: :-) Intervals... that is most definitely do-able. I have so many stops on my commute! Often the load I travel with, however, is not so good for sprints. If I have my laptop and the bike is going back and forth as I am out of the saddle - I fear I will just topple over on a particularly hapless day. I had been doing a few sprints and hill repeats on my way home on days w/o my laptop Gosh, if I have my chrome messenger bag, laptop, lunch, etc etc - I think that sucker weighs 20lbs on its worst day.