Slow recovery after riding

[MightyMitre]

Just recently I 've found my recovery after riding seems to be taking much longer than it used to. Although I take energy drink and food with me when I ride and have some Recovery drink when I get home , my energy levels feel very low for the following few days. Strangely enough my legs have been feeling fine and the usual post -ride ache has been wearing off quite quickly.

Could it just be a busy season finally catching up with me? Anyone else getting tired this time of the year, or got any suggestions?

[Veronica]

Has it been hotter than usual? Have you been getting the same amount of sleep? Are you eating the same regular meals that you had been earlier in the season? Have you been sick - even a little cold can put me off.

Veronica

[aka_kim]

I don't race, but I am (almost) always tired by September, after a 6 month riding "season". Maybe you're overtrained... or just old like me! I'm starting to do 2 rest days a week now, instead of just one -- that helps a little.

[Veronica]

Don't let her fool you - aka Kim is not an old and she climbs wicked fast!

Veronica

[MightyMitre]

Thanks for the replies and now you've mentioned it, it has been hot here. Last week was back to normal but before that we had 2 week heat wave , including the hottest day in England since records began when it hit the big 100. My office doesn't have aircon so we've had to sweat it out in temperatures in the office low 90's which in not nice.

During the heat I wasn't sleeping that well. Also, I was drinking so much in the day I had to keep going the loo in the night. So yes.. come to think of it I haven't been sleeping well. Can't think why that didn't occur to me It's really annoying as i've just got the mountain bike out again and want to go and play. I suppose I'll just have to take it easy .... I'm not much good at that!

[aka_kim]

Oh, OK, MM, you have a good excuse for slow recovery, this time . 100 degrees in England? ugh!

It must just be me then. The last organized ride I do is usually a "timed event" in early October, and I'm normally hating my bike by then. Last year was the first winter I ever continued riding and feeling good. This year I'm scheduled to do a century in late November, and part of my training is going to be a week or two off the bike I think, just so I can stay "fresh".

[MightyMitre]

Hi aka_kim.

Yeh - 100 degrees wasn't funny, especiallly as the Uk just isn't used to heat like that and everyone got a bit of summer madness. I actually went for a 40 mile road ride in the morning( see what I mean about the madness! ) It wasn't 100 when we set out but was still baking, but luckily I live by the sea and on the way home, stopped at the beach, BF held my helmet, shoes and bike and I jumped straight into the sea! It was just amazing and the water was so warm.

I know what you mean about needing a break from time to time - I think that was one of the reasons I got the mtb out. I normally ride road but just felt I needed a change of pace for a while and have had a couple of really nice, relaxing fun rides trying to get the hang of riding off road.

My last event for the year is in early October and is a 25 mile time trial which I've never done before, but just wanted to fit it in before the end. Most people over here take October 'off' and it's the time of year when a lot of clubs have their annual dinners and prizing giving, along with much and digesting and ruminating on the season, not to mention over-eating and drinking and I must admit I'm quite looking forward to this. Training then starts again in November and more seriously in January.

A century in November sounds pretty tough, but sounds like you've got the right idea planning in some rest time. You'll have to let us know how you get on