Burned-Out

[Bike Chick]

Two jobs and two kids????? No wonder you are tired!!! I'd be exhausted without all the training

I think you need to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine and no interuptions (ha ha) followed by a 2 day nap. You should be good as new!

[chicagogal]

I agree with everyone who said to take a few days off. 10 months of training is tough (you did take some rest weeks in there didn't you???) and a few days off will only help, not hurt. See how you feel after that, I bet you will be stronger and faster than ever.

Since your goal is to peak for this one race (is it a MTB race?) you should taper anyway. After a few days off, ride easy one day, do a couple of days (not back to back) of intensity but maybe do half the number of intervals you usually do in a normal training session, ride easy again, and do a pre-race ride the day before your event where you don't kill yourself but you get a few "race-pace" efforts in. You'll be fine!!!!

I trained and raced for 9 months (jan-september), and soon as my last race was over, I was DONE physically and mentally, so I totally feel your pain! Now I am riding 3-4 days/week, but my rides are (mostly) unstructured fun including some long rides with friends. It is the reward for a tough season that you will be able to enjoy AFTER the excitement of your race!

Good luck, and have fun!

[limewave]

I think you need to soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine and no interuptions (ha ha) followed by a 2 day nap. You should be good as new!

I think I can handle that!
Thanks for the encouragement. I needed the reminder that this is just a funk from overtraining, lack of sleep, and poor diet choices.

That really helped me to get back on track yesterday. Managed to make healthy food choices and even got to bed somewhat early.

[arielmoon]

Tulip is on the money!

I trained and rode really hard this summer and I experienced the physical side of over-training. I wanted to ride but was increasing feeling slower and tired all the time. I am a total health foodie so I knew it wasnt my diet!

So, for the past month I have been doing B rides and once a week mtn bike ride to keep the wheels spinning but not over work myself. This is the season of centuries and charity rides and I have a full schedule. I am going to keep my goals realistic and just enjoy the rides!

Dont deny your body the two most important things it needs to heal and build strong muscles- Sleep and nourishment!!

[limewave]

I just did some reading about overtraining--that's some pretty serious business!

I've had all the symptoms too. I've even been really forgetful. I drove to the grocery store the other day and sat in the parking lot for 5 minutes trying to remember why I was there. Then I looked in my rear view mirror and saw my bike. I was supposed to meet a friend for a bike ride!

New training strategy: rest and supplying my body with the proper nutrients. I foresee walks with the kiddos, movie nights, and roasted veggies in my future.