Totally lost the desire to ride!

[thekarens]

Maybe find someone to ride socially with and do "fun" easy going rides as opposed to training or what I call fitness rides.

Depression sucks and will suck the life out of you, I know. Personally it helped when I forced myself to do stuff, but Lord was it hard.

[Theresse]

I get it, I've been there, and I'm sorry you're going through this. In some of the harder times I feel like cocooning and don't want to go out into the "world' as much. I'm wondering if you could sorta re-bond with your bike by buying one of those contraptions that turns your bike into a stationary exercise bike? Maybe you could ride like that while you watch TV or listen to music. Just a thought. Good luck.

[OakLeaf]

((((((kajero)))))) I think the 5 cent answer to whether it's the depression or something else is, do you still enjoy doing OTHER things you used to like, or is it only the bike?

If you're having trouble enjoying anything at all, then it probably is worth GENTLY pushing yourself a little bit (but never, ever beating yourself up about it when you choose not to ride). And mentioning it to your doctor (I hope you're getting talk therapy as well as medication).

If everything else seems as attractive as ever, but the bike doesn't call to you, then there's nothing wrong with taking a break for as long as it takes until it sounds like fun again.

[Crankin]

I went through this a few years ago, when I was struggling with some physical things as well as career decisions. I've also experienced the regular waxing and waning of my motivation for riding. The thing that helped me during the struggle was trying some "lighter" forms of exercise and trying new things that I thought might help. So, while I didn't ride for a whole fall, I walked outside and I did yoga. A few times, I actually rode to yoga. By the spring, I was riding again, but with no expectation of speed or distance. When summer came, I did a lot of destination rides, like errands, to local farms or the natural foods store. This somehow connected me to things that I hadn't experienced before. I also did most of those rides on my hybrid, not my road bike. My speed was way down, but I didn't care. Last year, I ended up riding less miles than in the past 2 years, I think because the winter had been so warm and I rode through the winter. I did not do this this past winter, and I have a much better attitude.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I go through this too, sometimes. I have lots of exercise videos and many times it's just easier and faster to just workout at home, rather than get all the gear together (clothes, shoes, helmet, water, etc). Sometimes it's physical laziness, sometimes psychological (for me). I don't know how often you ride, but maybe you just need a break from it?

When I'm in one of these slumps, I like to ride my bike to the store, or library - anyplace within a few miles so I won't be gone for long, and I actually have a purpose. I don't need the gear - I just go. Sometimes that little taste perks me up and then sometimes I'll ride around the block a few more times just for fun. I hope you feel better soon!

[kajero]

Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice and suggestions. I thought I was only one on this board who was going through this . . . else why would you post here. Anyway, I understand my situation a lot better than I did thanks to all your replies. I wish I could say more about work but it is the Internet. If anyone wants to contact me via email, perhaps I could explain more.

I am under psychiatrist's care and am on medication as well going to talk therapy. I know I am suffering from major depression. I have had serious episodes in the past but was doing quite well until all this work stuff started. I finally latched on to an excellent therapist. Among other things at work, she pointed out that I still may be grieving for my father who passed away last August. That's kind of a long time to grieve, but maybe she is right.

I don't have too many other interests. I do some sewing and listen to Audio Books. I also read a lot. I know I need to do something physical, but biking was thing I loved. I have trouble finding enjoyment in any other type of activity. I have a membership in a local health club but for the last four months, all I have done is paid the monthly dues. :-(

Thanks again for all the wonderful advice. Actually, what would make me happy right now would be to go biking on a hybrid and do errands. I have tried doing that on the road bike using a backpack but it wasn't all that enjoyable. I used to do errands using my old hybrid, but I hate that bike. It's the one I had the serious crash on and I don't like to ride it. It's too big and, once I rode the road and knew how comfortable riding could be, I don't like to get on that bike!

[IBrakeforPastry]

Oh gosh - I lost my father last August, also. I sometimes feel I haven't started grieving yet. I live about 5 hours from my parents' home so it seems like we'll just catch up next time I visit. Then it hits me. He was one of my biggest fans, whether I took a 2-hour bike ride, or a 2-week voyage, it was always "Go! Have a great time, and take lots of pictures!"

Sorry to throw all that in there. I'm going "home" for a family visit tomorrow, so it's really on my mind. I think you definitely need to get through that first year with all the holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.

Take care - I'm glad you found a good therapist.