Giving Up Cycling?

[Penny4]

I know how you feel about the heat. 3 weeks ago I decided to do a little spin around the neighborhood area, maybe 10 miles at most. It wasn't as hot as it had been (90 vs 105!), so I thought I would be ok. I probably got 3 miles into the ride and thought I was going to throw up and/or pass out. I limped home discouraged and defeated.
I skipped a few planned rides after that, and started making excuses to not ride. I was basically scared to get back on the bike again.
Finally, this past Sunday, I dragged myself out of bed early, and went down to the greenway, to do 12 miles. Well, 12 miles felt so great, I did the greenway 2x for 24 miles. I couldn't believe how happy and great I felt afterwards.
Sometimes you just need some time away from it. You don't have to be all in or all out. Sounds like there are times that you do enjoy it, so ride when the mood strikes you! Sorry about the stitches, but kudos to you for doing your own bike work. I hit the LBS for everything

[velo]

Bethany, I am quite new *back* to the sport, so I wanted to chime in. I have experienced burn out with cycling. I experienced it bad enough that I quit for 10 years. Now, I had a great excuse (family), but really, if I had the motivation, I certainly could have continued. I *let* life get in the way.

If you are feeling that you want to take a step back, I think that's normal. But please don't get rid of any of your stuff. There is a high likelihood that you will want to come back to it (more recreationally or more seriously or the same level as now) one of these days and you will be glad you kept everything. I know I was, even though it had been 10 years. Take a break, breathe, and perhaps when it cools off and you feel better, you could just go out for short, easy rides and see if it's still in you.

Best of luck and hugs to you. I do know what you are feeling.

[marni]

bethany,

just a thought from someone who lives in stinky hot, humid, summers in Houston. Maybe you could borrow a triners and try just some getle indoor riding in front of a fan, under the AC vent. This is what I resorted to last summer recovering from breast cancer therapy and coping with chemo/hormone therapy.

Several years ago I fell, gave myself a concussion, broke two ribs and collapsed a lung- 4 months off the bike, two months of indoor training and then riding and a month later, got brushed by a trailer of yard equipment and cracked the previously broken ribs and gave myself another mild concussion and road rash and embedded gravel instead of a collapsed lung. Another 6 months off the bike and easing back into training.

I don't recommend this method of taking a break away from cycling, but I will say that during that time off I was able to do some cross training and realize that I really really missed the bike. Since them (knock on wood) I seem to have exorcised the demons and am now really enjoying riding again.

Be patient with yourself. We are in here for insanity not stupidity. Maybe biking is for you and maybe you ust need to take a break and rethink why you are doing this and is there something else you would rather be doing.

Whatever you decide, it not locked in stone and you can always change your mind. ust hand onto the equipment and gear because if you try to replace in future years, you know it is going to cost more.