Thanks to Queen of Capes, I can now give you the first story I read that mentions Clark's cycle.

Time After Time

It is the second story in season five. I'm pretty sure I've come across the idea in other stories since then, but am not sure which ones they are.

ML wave

She was in such a good mood she let all the pedestrians in the crosswalk get to safety before taking off again.
- CC Aiken, The Late Great Lois Lane