Stretching before riding?

[bluebug32]

My problem is being able to tell the difference

I've followed a few of your other threads and I can certainly sympathize with you in terms of injury and nagging pains. I posted a thread about my problem understanding the fine line between training and overtraining. That thread and a few conversations with a trainer/chiropractor/ coach finally got me to stop and realize the hamster wheel I've been spinning on. I was pushing too hard, ramping up my training too quickly, and getting injured, but then never fully recovering.

I knew I had to force myself to stop this cycle. I've devoted this winter to a long period of slow riding. I've been building my base, noting any pain I experience and slowly ramping up my efforts as my body remains pain-free. This means no spin classes, no vigorous XC skiing and no anaerobic bike intervals. I'm staying aerobic and as my bike-coach husband keeps saying "you're not training, just riding." That helps me not feel so lazy as I watch Food Network and pedal away. I'm also doing a few pedal drills to help improve my pedal stroke (something that was exacerbating some muscle pain).

I'll tell you, not hurting is an amazing feeling! I've also worked with a personal trainer to add a core/upper body workout and leg strengthening to help any muscle imbalances. For once, my body is recovering quickly and my pedal stroke is really improving.

Just a thought, as I've seen myself in a lot of the threads you've posted. Feel free to PM and we can start our own support group for overachievers

[Catrin]

Overachievers "R" Us

What got me in trouble last fall was that I was not sore. Ever. My body gave me no real warning that I was over-doing things until I had already crossed that line - then I got stubborn...

This year will be different and I have a plan - as long as I have the discipline to actually stick to the plan. It helps a great deal that my personal trainer is also a cyclist and he is no longer shy about speaking up when he thinks I am pushing too hard. That does help, for sure.