I'm getting a bit of a late start this year, so I've only been riding regularly for about a month now. Yesterday, did my first "big" ride of 42 miles and for the rest of the day my body was just DONE. I'm not sure it's a nutrition issue as much as just normal fatigue when I whip my body into shape. I had 30 oz of banana, strawberry, honey smoothie before the ride, a wheat bagel ham, egg and cheese sandwich not long after and tons of water. I napped for a few hours in the afternoon, but never really felt up for much else.

Today, my body felt great, but I didn't ride, instead walking a leisurely 6 miles and again, body asked for naptime. After my nap I felt much more refreshed and went for a lovely 5 mile spin ride around the park near my house, just for pleasure. Body felt good.

So here's the thing: do you think I should just listen to my body when it is begging for some naptime? I was reading in the cyclist's training bible that naps are integral to some pro's success. I think it probably has something to do with the early stage of my cycling as well. I took a year and half off to swim intensively instead and lost a lot of the awesome bike muscle I'd spent years building. I don't think I'm pushing too hard, generally I've been listening to my body.

Are there times when I should ignore my sleepiness do you think? It's summer vacation now that school's out and I can get away with naps for now.

What are your takes on naps and being pooped after rides?