Why do I feel less strong in cold weather?

[PamNY]

It is a LOT less than I normally do in the gym, my theory is that when you add two pairs of long underwear, tights, thermal top, heavy jacket, muffler, kevlar vest, and the 30 lbs of stuff on my belt it decreases my productivity. The guys didn't buy that, but I'm sticking to it.

Ha. Your theory makes sense to me. I think standing around (or walking slowly) in the cold would be very trying indeed.

The replies to this thread are reassuring. I did bike last winter, but didn't have enough experience to detect the slowing I'm finding this year.

Skhill, your food theory is interesting. I'm as locavore as possible, so winter food is very different. And of course the extra clothes are a factor.

I'm taking a week off to avoid burnout. I plowed through a 32 mph wind last week which just about finished me mentally (and damn near knocked me off the bike, too).

Now that I know this happens to everybody and it's not just me being a wimp, I hope to regain my usual cheery attitude.

[shootingstar]

Gosh, after a 47 kms. ride in 4-9 degree C sunny weather today, I'm ready to fall asleep. It's only 6:30 pm.

'Course that included standing around outside for nearly 2 hrs. in total for various reasons before and after Dutch bike mass ride.

Ride wasn't an unfamilar ride in terms of my capacity, but maybe I didn't eat enough before, during this ride. Maybe cold temperatures requires more body fuel anyway.

Or maybe it's the warm shower afterwards, that nearly lulled me to sleep before supper.

Amazing what cold temperature riding can do to body. And there wasn't even any snow the ground today. How easy can winter riding be?
I better shape up this spring. Oh well, it was all good. There will be a blog story shortly, provided I don't fall asleep in front of computer.

[Owlie]

I think it's a combination of more clothes, the fact that I'm breathing cold air and expending more energy to keep warm.

[TrekTheKaty]

There's something to be said about periodic training (I think that's the correct term). The midwest weather doesn't allow us to ride in the winter. We take 2-3 days of spinning (down from riding 5-6 days a week during the summer) to keep up our fitness and then cross train: yoga, weight training, treadmill. Maybe your body is just ready for a break and a change of activities.

[Dianyla]

All of the above, and also investigate Vitamin D deficiency which can impact athletic performance.

[PamNY]

Interesting that Vitamin D should be mentioned. I've become very curious about that.

So, I took a week off and now I'm back to feeling like Wonder Woman. I am burning myself out a bit, and I probably need to rotate activities as was suggested.

However, I think my main problem was in my head -- I just wasn't allowing for the difference cold weather makes and I was getting negative about it. Once I got reassurance here, I was okay. We all know there's a mind/body connection, but this was a good chance to see how powerful that really is.

[TrekTheKaty]

My sister was just diagnosed with dangerously low Vit D levels. Dr. gave her prescription strength vit D, but it made her sick. I told her to ask about light therapy and the Dr. said, "Those lamps are expensive. Try going to the hardware store and buy "grow" lights for plants." She has the lamp next to her stationary bike in front of the TV. Can't hurt!

[malkin]

I think it might be because it is so much work to put on all those layers of clothes, and then squirm and struggle to smooth them all out.

Then I wrastle with those silly shoe covers.