Why do I feel less strong in cold weather?

[PamNY]

I'm biking through the winter just fine, but over the last 6 weeks or so I've found I just can't make myself work very hard. This could just be a normal variation in my energy level, I guess, but I wonder if the cold has anything to do with it.

My cycling goals are modest, but normally I do have them firmly in mind and I do challenge myself at least a couple of times a week. Lately I've felt that just getting outside is such a huge hurdle that it's all I can do.

Anyone else felt this way in winter?

Pam

[rubywagon]

Yes! While on a club ride yesterday (the ride I normally LEAD), I was trailing behind everyone, and I am normally near the front of the pack. I feel like a total slug in the cold weather.

[Maxxxie]

My theory is that your body is spending so much energy trying to keep itself warm that it keeps your legs from turning. Also, for me there is definitely a mental barrier. You know, that inner voice that says "It's cold, take me home, it'd be so much nicer just sitting on the couch with a nice cuppa tea!".

Max

[Ritamarie]

Yes, different attitude for winter riding. I think it has to do with all of the clothes. It's like the kid dressed by his mother in the snowsuit, that says to his mother, "Go run and play?! I can't even move!"

[moderncyclista]

Well your blood is thicker in cold weather, muscles are tense and you (and everyone else) is generally uncomfortable in cold weather.

Some of it is physiological and some is psychological. I think everyone is more sluggish in cold weather. I add at least an extra 5 -10 minutes to any journey in the cold.

[redrhodie]

Plus, you're wearing more clothes, which is more to bear.

[shootingstar]

I always tell myself for winter cycling, not to beat myself up for cycling less. That my body does require more energy to keep warmer.

As long as I cycle several times per week and if possible for myself, add in 1-2hills on some of those rides, to get my heart working harder. That type of psychology works for me.

For certain, I feel "heavier" when winter cycling under colder temperatures and with more layers.

There is a great article in Impact magazine, on body's use of energy for cold weather sports but unfortunately not online.

[shootingstar]

Gosh, after a 47 kms. ride in 4-9 degree C sunny weather today, I'm ready to fall asleep. It's only 6:30 pm.

'Course that included standing around outside for nearly 2 hrs. in total for various reasons before and after Dutch bike mass ride.

Ride wasn't an unfamilar ride in terms of my capacity, but maybe I didn't eat enough before, during this ride. Maybe cold temperatures requires more body fuel anyway.

Or maybe it's the warm shower afterwards, that nearly lulled me to sleep before supper.

Amazing what cold temperature riding can do to body. And there wasn't even any snow the ground today. How easy can winter riding be?
I better shape up this spring. Oh well, it was all good. There will be a blog story shortly, provided I don't fall asleep in front of computer.

[Owlie]

I think it's a combination of more clothes, the fact that I'm breathing cold air and expending more energy to keep warm.

[TrekTheKaty]

There's something to be said about periodic training (I think that's the correct term). The midwest weather doesn't allow us to ride in the winter. We take 2-3 days of spinning (down from riding 5-6 days a week during the summer) to keep up our fitness and then cross train: yoga, weight training, treadmill. Maybe your body is just ready for a break and a change of activities.

[Dianyla]

All of the above, and also investigate Vitamin D deficiency which can impact athletic performance.

[PamNY]

Interesting that Vitamin D should be mentioned. I've become very curious about that.

So, I took a week off and now I'm back to feeling like Wonder Woman. I am burning myself out a bit, and I probably need to rotate activities as was suggested.

However, I think my main problem was in my head -- I just wasn't allowing for the difference cold weather makes and I was getting negative about it. Once I got reassurance here, I was okay. We all know there's a mind/body connection, but this was a good chance to see how powerful that really is.