Every now and then I do a workout and then get a noticeable bump in fitness 2 or 3 days later.
In particular I’ve noticed it lately under the following scenarios:
Weight training - I’ve been doing the Maximum Overload plan. If I do the routine and walking lunges I’m left with DOMS the next day but when I get on the bike the 2nd or 3rd day after my legs just feel great.
Base - 2-3 weeks into a base miles block I was flying, breaking PRs, nabbing Strava KOMs. And then in the 4th/5th week my legs were feeling tired and stale.
In the fall I did a 3.5 hour tempo/sweet spot ride with some masters cat 1s from my team. Sitting on their wheels for me was like being motorpaced for over 3 hours. I was in my tempo or SS zone most of the time while they were in Z1/2. After this ride I was baked but 3 days later I was flying.