Training vs. Overdoing

[KnottedYet]

Bluebug, how long are you on the trainer for?

One of the things a sports psychologist can help with is getting out of the "numbers rut." Not to worry about time, or repetitions, or pounds, or wattage, or heart-rate.

To instead listen to the body. Not to look at graphs, "averages", or charts.

Not to get caught up in "I should be going THIS fast. I should ride THIS long. I should meet THIS goal. I only did THAT much, I can't be tired yet, so I'll keep going no matter how I feel."

[Becky]

One of the things a sports psychologist can help with is getting out of the "numbers rut." Not to worry about time, or repetitions, or pounds, or wattage, or heart-rate.

To instead listen to the body. Not to look at graphs, "averages", or charts.

Not to get caught up in "I should be going THIS fast. I should ride THIS long. I should meet THIS goal. I only did THAT much, I can't be tired yet, so I'll keep going no matter how I feel."

Get out of my head, Knott

No, seriously, I could have written that. I'm a data junkie with a competitive streak, and it's a tough habit to break.

One thing that has been helpful has been yoga. In addition to all of the good core and flexibility work, there's a strong focus on being in the moment, in tune with your body, and "not hurting you" (to quote my fav instructor). My brain needs that....

Bug, it sure sounds like you're overdoing it. Only you can decide why, and what you can do to fix it. Take care of yourself, okay?

[bluebug32]

Thanks for the insights, everyone. You definitely brought up some spot-on suggestions. I think every time I start to feel better (recovered and loose), I go all out, instead of slowly progressing.

To answer your questions, I'm riding probably an average of 3 hours a week on the trainer, at an hour a session. The intensity is fairly high however, lots of work pushing big gears at low cadence, sprints, etc as I do the Train Right dvds. Other than that, I might sub. a day with XC skiing and I do upper body weights and core 1 or 2 times a week and occasionally yoga too.

Other intense exercises (like jogging) cause the same delayed muscle soreness. Sometimes I feel sore shortly after the activity, but more likely I'll develop pain after 24 hours.

My bike fit looks good and I check it periodically with my fitter.

I am going to try some compression tights to see if they help, but not to give me an excuse to overdo (I promise!).

It's definitely time to back off once again and ease into more difficult intensities in the future.

Any tips for helping my muscles with this deep healing in the meantime? I tend to stretch and use the foam roller regularly. One doctor said to try an elimination diet to see if gluten is an issue or if something else was causing extra inflammation. Any thoughts on this?

[redrhodie]

My tips for sore muscles--Ibuprofen, and a hot bath with Epsom salts.

[KnottedYet]

Any tips for helping my muscles with this deep healing in the meantime? I tend to stretch and use the foam roller regularly.

Stop.

STOP.

STOP.

STOP.

Please talk to your doctor and get some help.

[featuretile]

Why are you worrying about doing 'centuries' when you have so much pain after riding? It seems like you need to relax and do some stress less 20-25 mile rides and see at what length and speed you can go where you do not hurt afterward. Then you can slowly build up. I am also more than twice as old as you. When I ride in the summer, I can go farther and more frequently than now - when the rain interferes with riding. I don't get really sore, but my muscles feel fatigued. Than I take a couple of days off. Or swim or water aerobics - it's great for stretching. I know I will be able to do more in the Spring. Just take it easy!

[smilingcat]

Resting is integral part of training!! Your body need to repair the micro-tear and strengthen your muscle. If you don't allow for healing time, YOU WILL GET HURT BIG TIME!!

+1 with what everyone else says.

I know its not easy when you are so excited about the century. It's a long ways away and plenty of time to train moderately to reach your goal.

Winter time is used for recovery and to build up your base. THIS IS NOT A TIME TO BE BUILDING SPEED OR POWER. THIS IS THE TIME TO BUILD YOUR BASE!! The base will give you the necessary body for building speed, and power for the summer.

Train right, Train smart.

Look at the big picture and work on your base for now.

Wish you lots of fun at your century.

[ridebikeme]

Bluebug, I would serioulsy listen to some of the great imput that many have left you here on TE.

You mention that you did lots of rehab, and now are doing the Robbie Ventura DVD series. My question for you is this; do you have any sort of base mileage or time on the bike before starting this training regimen? I know that you mention being fit, but as you are well aware, being fit quite often is specific to our activity. Now I realize that fitness does indeed carry over to lots of activities, but it does not carry over to a bike and the type of training that you are doing with the DVD's.

I realize that many people might disagree me with over having a base period, but I truly think it is crucial to the type of training/riding that you want to do. Although you are fit, it does sound as though you need more base mileage/time on the bike before starting to do workouts that you are currently doing. Not only will your body have the ability to respond/recover better; it might help you get in the training that you want. And lastly, remember as many have said here...recovery! You have to allow your body to recover if you want to ride faster/further.

Good luck with everything, and keep us posted !



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