Lost my cycling mojo

[Partygirl]

Hi All

newbie cyclist here so hi A little bit of info first. I'm mid 30s, living in S.E. Asia and started cycling just over 2 months ago. I love the freedom of it and hoping it will help with a little weight loss, also I have bad knees so its good exercise for me.

Anyway I have been cycling 6 days a week for the past 2 months. I do between 20-35km each cycle. But for the past week I cannot seem to get past 10km, I am struggling with hills, my back is sore and I'm just not enjoying it. Has anyone else experienced this, I'm hoping its just a temporary blip as I was really enjoying my daily ride until now.

Thanks!!

[indigoiis]

It's easy to get burnt out if you are cycling so much.

It's okay to take a break once in awhile! There are other ways to mix it up - yoga or pilates or running or xc skiing, or rollerblading, or just simply cycling for the fun of it (rather than for fitness.) Or try a different scene - a different route - a mountain bike on trail?

Don't worry - it comes back.

[PamNY]

Could it be you need some additional forms of exercise or stretching? When I first returned to cycling, I was having so much fun and getting so tired that I completely neglected core strength, yoga, hamstring stretches, etc. I started getting some back pain which resolved with a more balanced exercise routine.

I also had to learn that there are natural variations in my energy level.

Pam

[OakLeaf]

It's possible you're not taking enough rest. Not only your workouts, but everything that places demands on you - work, family, etc. - can increase your need for recovery time. What were you doing before you started cycling (i.e., are you doing a lot more cardio than you did two months ago)? Are you riding hard every time you go? Try to work in at least one active recovery day and one real rest day each week.

[chicagogal]

Or maybe you just need to mix it up a bit on your bike. I get really tired of my usual route. It is a conveniently located MUP that is perfect for before work bike rides. But every so often I cannot stomach the idea of seeing that same pavement again. I just need a different ride. And, when I get to that "I'm bored with this" stage, it usually helps me to ride with different people. New riding partners can introduce you to new routes. learning their riding style and working together with new people also introduces a new set of challenges, so the ride isn't boring anymore!

Or, if you are a roadie, try some (not too technical) off road stuff every now and then. That is another way to add some new challenges/interest.

But definitely plan rest days into your schedule! Especially when the weather is good, this can be a challenge. I go through phases where rest days = rainy or cold days. And then when it doesn't rain for a couple of days, I get no rest and my body/mind take a toll. I try to get at least 2 complete rest days a week, and maybe one active recovery day - that'll really help keep you fresh! And keep you enjoying riding!

[Partygirl]

Thanks everyone your advice helped loads.

I took 2 rest days and feel so much better for it. I also just cycled the past 3 days with no timing or using my odometer, I really enjoyed it. So have decided to take 1 rest day mid week and at weekend I'll do a long cycle on Sat and take rest on Sun.

Thanks, looking forward to chatting to you all again.

[cylegoddess]

Overtraining, according to my teaching at moment. Good thing to take a restie. Bad for you really.Know what it is like, did it myself. Maybe add some strength training , squats and stuff for strong quads and hams - also will up your metabolism helping along with your cardio. You want to do some ST, if you want to lose kilos, cos you will burn hard earned muscle too, unless your helping it to be put on. This will cause your metabolism to slow, making it hard to lose weight.

[moderncyclista]

Give yourself some time between rides. Hydrate. Drink lots of water. I've found that if I drink plenty of water that I don't have sore muscles or pain at all the next day. And I mean alot. Do some mild stretches before riding to warm up. Back pain could be do to riding position. Change your hand positions or fiddle with seat height, bar height, etc. That often helps solve mysterious pain.

Keep on trying. I've lost lots of weight through cycling. I'm quite proud of how if you change your outlook, you can change your life. Don't give up.