Energy Low--Can't identify the problem

[greasycassette]

WOW!

I had forgotten how helpful this forum is and haven't checked back in a while.

Turns out I was on the verge of a severe intestinal infection that rendered me in the ER. I'm still having problems as of today, having been to three doctors and finally being treated correctly.

The problem is that I don't think that is the extent of it.

My plan is to go to the Doctor next (I just got health insurance and can do this liberally now!) with this to check on:

salt
iron
diabetes (runs high in my family and i have other symptoms besides fatigue)


And I am headed to the store for potatoes today!

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in on this issue--my energy problems have been dampening my life lately!

Oh--and I'm going to bed earlier these days despite being so busy, and it's helping!!!

[RoadRaven]

Great to hear you pinpointed a major problem and hopefully your recovery is rapid and you shake those nasty bugs!


A completely unmedical opinion on your original post?

Sounds like you are not getting enough rest (see Eden's post about rest days, rest weeks and active recovery rides).

When we stress our muscles with hard or different riding, the muscles get tiny tears in them as they stretch and adapt. Thats why it hurts some days. You need to allow your muscles time to heal into the "new shape" you are asking of them - you need to allow your body time to adapt to these new demands.

I also second more carbs in the diet - if minerals and vitimins are ok, then its probably carbs. You have increased your energy output, so you need to increase your energy intake.

If you haven't (increased the fuel you are putting into your body) it is comparable to asking a car which goes 400km on a tank of gas to go 600km... and thats just silly, cause after 400km you would be stranded and probably nowhere near a gas station...

So rest and fuel - think about those - a food diary is an excellent beginning - did you start it? Note beside your food for the day your energy on the bike. And remember that yesterday's food may very well have an impact on todays performance.

[greasycassette]

Thank you, Road Raven,

I have begun many food diaries and loose interest quickly I think it's time to take this seriously! And last night I made sweet potatoes with my fish dinner--yummm!

Becca