Olympic Cycling Classic, 5/20 Port Angeles WA

[Starfish]

PN, thanks.

I'm trying to learn a little more about listening to my body and my feelings. I know that in cycling there is so much of a culture of suffering, pushing, training, mind-over-the-burn, etc. And, of course I know that to keep improving, we have to have additional training loads so our bodies can adapt and get stronger.

However, I've been looking back at my training diary, and I see that when I try to train according to all the popular wisdom of days/week, etc, I often will burn myself out and my diary tells me that's when I quit riding for a week or two. So, contrary to most of what I read out there (and what people around me are doing), I am trying some new ideas.

Right now I'm only riding about 3x/week, and I'm not even doing any other exercise (thinking about adding swimming, tho). And, I've been feeling better on the bike and having more fun, and find I am still able to add mileage & elevation to each week. I'm newly divorced, and I have been ASTOUNDED at the physical toll--the need for rest. I think that, for me, for this season, I just need more recovery days off the bike.

So, I was feeling sad about not doing the Classic, and I know I could have gone out there and done it one way or another (at least I *think* LOL). But, well, I didn't FEEL like it! I guess something about our bike culture (or general culture?) just makes me feel a little weeny-ish, and perhaps afraid that if I don't push, push, push, I'll never improve.

This got long - thanks for listening.

[jobob]

I know that in cycling there is so much of a culture of suffering, pushing, training, mind-over-the-burn, etc.

Yeahbutt ... it still has to be fun, otherwise what's the point?

I think you're doing the right thing in listening to your body and doing what you want to do and what you're ready to do. Otherwise you run the risk of burning out, and what good would that do you?

[Starfish]

Jobob, thanks. Turned 40 this year, so am trying to see if there isn't a little more wisdom in my brain somewhere to compensate! LOL

[Popoki_Nui]

Yeahbutt ... it still has to be fun, otherwise what's the point?
I think you're doing the right thing in listening to your body and doing what you want to do and what you're ready to do. Otherwise you run the risk of burning out, and what good would that do you?

Very wise. I only listen to my body now; to do otherwise got me into all kinds of physical problems.
Starfish: I empathize with you re your divorce. Been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. It is draining, physically and emotionally. Do take care of yourself, and take time to heal. There will be plenty of days ahead to train on your bike.

[Starfish]

Starfish: I empathize with you re your divorce. Been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. It is draining, physically and emotionally. Do take care of yourself, and take time to heal. There will be plenty of days ahead to train on your bike.

Thanks. It helps so much just to hear that. The trouble is that out on my bike, on a good ride, is when I really can smile, work hard, and process some of this anger! But, when I really work hard and get it all OUT, then I'm really tired, sad, and crash for a couple days. Thanks again...like I said, it just helps to hear that it is normal to feel drained right now.

I'm so grateful for the bike!