The Disconnect

[nscrbug]

Honestly, Linda, I think you're wholly undestimating the toll the miles you typically do can take. You don't need to go all out to wear yourself out. The mileage itself (and if I remember correctly, you had almost 7k miles last year which, for Chicagoland, is amazing) is certainly enough to lead to overtraining. Add in all the other gym workouts you do and the fact that you have some bike fit issues and, frankly, I'm sort of surprised you don't feel "disconnected" more often than you do. Add, further, the stress of your sister's illness and I'd be inclined to tell you take it easy more often than you do.

In fact, I am going to go out on a limb and encourage you to take it easy. Bodies and brains need rest and recovery to be at their best.

Thanks Indy...yeah, I guess when you put it that way...it does makes sense. Sometimes I think hearing/reading it from others, puts it all into perspective. And you are right on all counts...I did ride very close to 7k miles last year, I do continue to have some bike fit issues, and my sister's illness has been a source of stress. I'm actually glad that you pointed all of those things out to me, because now I won't feel guilty if I allow myself to take it easy now and then. Thanks for saying exactly what I needed to hear.

Linda

[Becky]

I was re-reading a section of Andy Pruitt's book, The Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists, last night. In it, he talks about how cyclists underestimate the effects of the other facets of their lives on their riding. Going to work, keeping the house up, taking care of family matters....all of these things have an effect on how we feel and train and recover, and we shouldn't expect to ride as if we don't have these responsibilities. But it's easy to fall into the trap of saying, "well, it's only X miles....Chris Horner rides 10X per week!". Year, because it's his job....it's his primary responsibility!

I'll look for that passage tonight....Andy said it more eloquently than I can.

In short, be kind to yourself, body and mind.

[indysteel]

Thanks Indy...yeah, I guess when you put it that way...it does makes sense. Sometimes I think hearing/reading it from others, puts it all into perspective. And you are right on all counts...I did ride very close to 7k miles last year, I do continue to have some bike fit issues, and my sister's illness has been a source of stress. I'm actually glad that you pointed all of those things out to me, because now I won't feel guilty if I allow myself to take it easy now and then. Thanks for saying exactly what I needed to hear.

Linda

I'm glad you took that well! I admire the heck out of you; I really do. You are one strong woman. You shouldn't feel guilty for even a nano-second about taking a rest.

[Catrin]

I wish that I had listened better last year when my injuries started to exhibit themselves, kudos for you for listening to your body! It sounds like you are doing exactly what you need to do, and before you know it both your body and your mind will be yearning for that bike

[Owlie]

I rode on Monday--22 miles--but didn't feel great. I haven't ridden otherwise this week, and while I woke up at 6 for a ride, I didn't actually ride--I went back to bed after breakfast. I know I haven't been sleeping all that well lately, which is probably what the problem is...

[Roadtrip]

I rode on Monday--22 miles--but didn't feel great. I haven't ridden otherwise this week, and while I woke up at 6 for a ride, I didn't actually ride--I went back to bed after breakfast. I know I haven't been sleeping all that well lately, which is probably what the problem is...

Just take it easy. Are you sure it's not more in your head then your body? Stressed out about school? I know this started when you did your 40+ mile ride, but it seems your body should have recovered.

[Owlie]

Some of it is probably mental, at least on the sleep front. I've also noticed I've been getting leg cramps for a few days--not helping anything. Time to hit the bananas...