Winter Trainer challenge?

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Originally Posted by Crankin

I don't know what more I can do. I do boot camp 2x a week, ride, either indoors or out, and hike. This time of year through March, it is about as mixed up as it gets, with snow sports, too. I went through a yoga phase. I like it, but the classes at my gym aren't at the most convenient times for me. I do it at home occasionally. I can barely swim and I can't swim with my contacts in, nor can i see without them! I have been taking a step class once in awhile, too.
It's more the knowledge that I can never stop. I've been exercising at this level since I was 25. That's 35 years. I've had thoughts of wanting to be just a normal person who can eat lots of bread and sit on the couch. But, I can't. I got burned out on teaching at the gym, and it was a huge relief when I stopped. About 2-3 years after that, I got in a real funk, gained weight and just went through the motions. I went to classes, but barely worked. It was during this time that I started riding. It's been 13 years. I guess I've come to the realization that I need to work harder at riding; I just hate the thought of a "training" plan, it would kill the joy for me. But, on the other hand, I hate the idea of requiring more rest, aging, slowing down. And, this summer, I had a lot of things hurting. It's not resolving the way I want, but it's better.
I know what I need to do, and I will do it. The level of suffering just needs to ratchet up. I can be very tough; I think I'm just a little tired of it.

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I think my trainer would look at this and suggest taking a break for a week or two. Not being totally inactive but reducing the time/effort spent exercising to give your self a chance to recharge mentally.

I've done this in little bits and pieces.... 2-4 days at a time. I like doing "easy" or recovery level stuff so much that quite frankly, I could get in the habit of it all of the time and I don't want that to happen. I have no issues taking 2 days off a week, but, extended periods off, unless I am traveling, make it very hard for me to ramp up again.
Just came home from a killer step and weights class. I used to do this stuff all of the time and I need to do more to mix it up. I just hate being indoors.
Please, let it snow!

I've been on the trainer once this week, for just 30 minutes. Since I haven't been on a bike at all for almost 4 weeks for various reasons, it was uncomfortable.
I've put the studded tires on my commuter, but can't get motivated to actually ride it. For some reason, walking the 4.5 k to work seems like less hassle, even if it does take longer. It's more exercise, certainly. Actually, if you add the time I'd have to shower after riding in - I can't avoid sweating on winter rides no matter how carefully I choose the clothing - it probably doesn't take that much longer.

Sitting here deciding whether to go on the group ride or the group hike. It may be my last chance for an outdoor ride for awhile, acording to the weather forecast. No studded tires here.
I feel motivated to ride until I actually have to get dressed for it.
OK, I have 5 minutes tod ecide.

I don't "train" myself on a defined thing in the winter: I just try to go cycling no matter how short if there's not much ice/snow. But we got a snow dump and some ice after a snowstorm 2 days ago. So for me, it's trying to eat healthier/less. Not sure about latter.

One thing for certain, I'm surprised at myself that I have become a bit more acclimatized to colder winter temperatures here after moving here 3 yrs. ago. I found it waaaaaay too cold when I first relocated from Vancouver. I never thought I would ever want to walk around when it's -19 to - 25 degree C in the snow for half an hr. when I'm @54 yrs. But I actually like doing it now...but not for over an hr. unless I've consciously dressed up warm and am snowshoeing. :rolleyes: