Burned-Out

[limewave]

I started this year gang-busters. I was really motivated, riding the trainer all winter, getting out for as many rides as I could as soon as the weather became nice enough. I made a regimented strength training program for myself.

I've seen a lot of improvement on the bike and I'm in better shape than I've ever been.

During all my training I had one focus: a bike race.

And now that the bike race is just over two weeks away, I find myself completely deflated. I don't want to ride my bike. I don't want to eat healthy. All I want to do is eat junk and lay around on the couch. I'm tired, stressed, exhausted, and at my end.

I cannot believe, after 10 months of hard work that I want to throw in the towel.

Help?

[tulip]

It's called over-training. Or at least one aspect of it. How's your resting heart rate and sleep? High resting heart rate and trouble sleeping are also signs.

Give yourself a break, don't ride too much (taper) before the race. Do make the effort to eat healthy--it's a permanent lifestyle thing, not a temporary race thing. Get out and move--walking or hiking might be refreshing breaks from the bike.

Being physically prepared for a race is hard enough. Being mentally prepared is even harder, and takes effort and it's not easy. That's where a coach can be really helpful. Do you have a coach or a respected teammate with whom you can talk and get some feedback?

[limewave]

That makes sense. I changed my strategy a few weeks ago and have really upped my training. On top of that, Youth Group has started (I volunteer), Soccer for the kiddos is still going on, we've had birthday parties, anniversary parties to organize, a work crisis, and a teething toddler.

Perhaps all that is needed is a couple of good recovery/rest days.

I don't have teammates. Because of my schedule (I have 2 jobs and 2 little kids) I do most of my training by myself.

[nikkoblu2]

I'm thinking you're a perfectionist...yes? Perfectionists tend to set goals and then go "balls to the wall" to achieve them. When the time comes for the big challenge they get scared they won't do great.

I've never raced before, but if I may be so bold as to give advice remember you're racing against the clock. Don't worry about all those other people there. They're just there to give you motivation to pass them...it's just you...you and your bike.

Tulip gave good advice...stay away from the crap food. Believe me I love crap food! And occasionally I take a break from healthy eating and binge...and then I feel sluggish...just miserable.

Take a little break, get off the bike, eat healthy and be good to yourself, and give yourself a pep talk. You've done a lot of hard work girl! :)

[tulip]

And really make an effort to get enough sleep. With all those activities and kids, I imagine you're not getting the sleep that you should. Don't watch TV--go to sleep instead.

[Bike Writer]

limewave, WOW you have achieved something that few are able to; a healthy lifestyle, reaching for your dream and you're on the cusp of grabbing that brass ring - your first race!

Be kind to yourself girl, you are nine tenths of the way there.

[zoom-zoom]

Sounds like taper madness...which means you are going to have a fabulous race! :D

[abejita]

I did the same thing this summer when we were preparing for the Hotter'n Hell...we rode and rode and rode...I mean we were spending 10-12 hrs on the bike on a given weekend. went down to nothing once it was over. I didn't ride very much for a couple of weeks, then the bug came back and its love all over again!

m

[Bike Chick]

Two jobs and two kids????? No wonder you are tired!!! I'd be exhausted without all the training:eek:

I think you need to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine and no interuptions (ha ha) followed by a 2 day nap. You should be good as new!

[chicagogal]

I agree with everyone who said to take a few days off. 10 months of training is tough (you did take some rest weeks in there didn't you???) and a few days off will only help, not hurt. See how you feel after that, I bet you will be stronger and faster than ever.

Since your goal is to peak for this one race (is it a MTB race?) you should taper anyway. After a few days off, ride easy one day, do a couple of days (not back to back) of intensity but maybe do half the number of intervals you usually do in a normal training session, ride easy again, and do a pre-race ride the day before your event where you don't kill yourself but you get a few "race-pace" efforts in. You'll be fine!!!!

I trained and raced for 9 months (jan-september), and soon as my last race was over, I was DONE physically and mentally, so I totally feel your pain! Now I am riding 3-4 days/week, but my rides are (mostly) unstructured fun including some long rides with friends. It is the reward for a tough season that you will be able to enjoy AFTER the excitement of your race!

Good luck, and have fun!

[limewave]

I think you need to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine and no interuptions (ha ha) followed by a 2 day nap. You should be good as new!

I think I can handle that!
Thanks for the encouragement. I needed the reminder that this is just a funk from overtraining, lack of sleep, and poor diet choices.

That really helped me to get back on track yesterday. Managed to make healthy food choices and even got to bed somewhat early.

[arielmoon]

Tulip is on the money!

I trained and rode really hard this summer and I experienced the physical side of over-training. I wanted to ride but was increasing feeling slower and tired all the time. I am a total health foodie so I knew it wasnt my diet!

So, for the past month I have been doing B rides and once a week mtn bike ride to keep the wheels spinning but not over work myself. This is the season of centuries and charity rides and I have a full schedule. I am going to keep my goals realistic and just enjoy the rides!

Dont deny your body the two most important things it needs to heal and build strong muscles- Sleep and nourishment!!

[limewave]

I just did some reading about overtraining--that's some pretty serious business!

I've had all the symptoms too. I've even been really forgetful. I drove to the grocery store the other day and sat in the parking lot for 5 minutes trying to remember why I was there. Then I looked in my rear view mirror and saw my bike. I was supposed to meet a friend for a bike ride!

New training strategy: rest and supplying my body with the proper nutrients. I foresee walks with the kiddos, movie nights, and roasted veggies in my future.