Energy levels- when you do a knackering job- HELP!!!
Edwinsprint
Posts: 66
I am REALLY struggling at the mo with my energy levels and could do with some advice.
I am a primary school teacher who teaches yr 2 (6 yr olds). Before anyone thinks its just reading them stories and finger-painting try and imagine organising an all day children's party for 26 6 yr olds and then having to comment on how much each child has achieved during each day with evidence. After all that work someone who doesn't have a class says 'it was satisfactory'.
IN truth the job is great and I wouldn't swap it.
I do a 30 mile round trip to school twice a week by roadbike and often go for a few hrs mtb at the weekend.
I get up at 6 am every morning and leave work at 6ish getting home at 7-7.30.
I am completely knackered and feel as if I am running on empty. I broke up for 1/2 term on Fri and did the mtb section of the Cirencester Duathlon 4 x 2.5 mile laps during the 2 nd lap I nearly gave up out of lack of energy/interest!!!! Did LEJOG in 7 days last year so I know I dont give up.
Wife is expecting a baby in 6 weeks which we are chuffed about but I am pretty concerned about energy levels taking a further drop...
Does anyone out there also find it difficult having a non-sedentary long hrs job. If so how do you manage your fatigue? Duvet days? Nutrition-I think mine is good but maybe could do with no alcohol so better sleep?
Alternatively any Dads to be who are bracing themselves for the shock of a new arrival?
Maybe its because cycling has become a bit of a chore? Chicken and egg situation. (The thought of going climbing or swimming- both of which I could easily organise-makes me want to head for the TV or in fact my computer chair!!!)
Your thoughts please-I know there's some wise heads out there.
Ed
I am a primary school teacher who teaches yr 2 (6 yr olds). Before anyone thinks its just reading them stories and finger-painting try and imagine organising an all day children's party for 26 6 yr olds and then having to comment on how much each child has achieved during each day with evidence. After all that work someone who doesn't have a class says 'it was satisfactory'.
IN truth the job is great and I wouldn't swap it.
I do a 30 mile round trip to school twice a week by roadbike and often go for a few hrs mtb at the weekend.
I get up at 6 am every morning and leave work at 6ish getting home at 7-7.30.
I am completely knackered and feel as if I am running on empty. I broke up for 1/2 term on Fri and did the mtb section of the Cirencester Duathlon 4 x 2.5 mile laps during the 2 nd lap I nearly gave up out of lack of energy/interest!!!! Did LEJOG in 7 days last year so I know I dont give up.
Wife is expecting a baby in 6 weeks which we are chuffed about but I am pretty concerned about energy levels taking a further drop...
Does anyone out there also find it difficult having a non-sedentary long hrs job. If so how do you manage your fatigue? Duvet days? Nutrition-I think mine is good but maybe could do with no alcohol so better sleep?
Alternatively any Dads to be who are bracing themselves for the shock of a new arrival?
Maybe its because cycling has become a bit of a chore? Chicken and egg situation. (The thought of going climbing or swimming- both of which I could easily organise-makes me want to head for the TV or in fact my computer chair!!!)
Your thoughts please-I know there's some wise heads out there.
Ed
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Comments
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Sounds like you need to slow down, Ed! Find some time to put your feet up. Not sure how in your schedule but if you feel run down then somethings gotta give.0
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...Edwin, now come on...you teachers get all those long holidays to recover :?
...just joking...don't be too hard on yourself, rest and days off the bike are as important as riding...take a couple of days off, go by bus, drive, whatever...I have days off now and again and I'm always itching to get back on the bike, it helps me to keep fresh when it all becomes a chore... 
...all the way...'til the wheels fall off and burn...0 -
Sounds to me like your body is trying to tell you something, not to mention your new arrival, which like it or not, is quite rightly effecting your head.
Not that this helps, but I've had an extended winter break, completely away from cycling, this place, Wiggle/Prendas etc.
I only climbed back on when I knew I was really ready and the weather wouldn't get in the way of my enjoyment. Now I'm like a kid in a sweet shop, again.0 -
Edwin
I'd think about the following:
Are you eating enough & getting all the bits you need (eg, B vits are essential in energy production & recovery & are stripped away by alcohol. Stuff like zinc & magnesium can be hard to get in some diets & can affect energy levels). It sounds like you're using huge amounts of energy in a week, so if you're no getting enough calories, you could end up feeling very tired.
Have you had a virus & not given yourself enough time to recover? Since I passed 25, I've found that I need longer & longer to recover post-virus. Returning to exercise too soon can lead to horrible fatigue.
Finally, how much of it might be psychological? If exercise slips from fun to chore, then perception of energy can fall hugely. I had a similar episode last year & took a few weeks off cycling & returned with far more energy & enthusiasm. Ask yourself how you would feel if you weren't able to cycle for a few weeks. If the answer is something like, "not too worried," then a few weeks off might be in order...
Hope this helps!0 -
Lots of good advice thanks.
I might switch to getting some swimming sessions under my belt.
And yes I did have flu up until Xmas and then went and did the Salisbury Plain challenge a week after my temperature went. I certainly felt that I had gone back too soon.
I think I will stick to doing some short rides in the sun on nice routes nowhere near my work route.
I have a beautiful ride to work often witnessing sunrise but it does get a bit the same. The alternative is a fast and dangerous A road which might wipe away some cobwebs but me too!
I'll also try some multivits.
The baby- yes it is bound to be affecting my head- also having wife having disturbed sleep. 'Are you awake Ed' 'I am now'...
Cheers guys.0 -
Hi Edwin,
It must be a bloody hard job looking after a class of 6 year olds. I have my own four kids, ranging from age 1 to 9 and that just about wipes me out. I cycle to get a break!
This weekend I really struggled with motivation to get out and so took a few days off. I went out today and felt great again and now I'm looking forward to another ride tomorrow. The others are probably right in suggesting you take a bit of a breather.
Get your wife on raspberry leaf tea - it makes the second stage of labour (the really hard bit) shorter apparently! (well, it worked for me, my 11lb 1oz baby flew out!! )
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i'll swap, you wanna try working in steel construction everyday..............now thats knackering!!
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Espresso. Lots of it.
Then when you start shaking, whisky.
Flawless and legal.0 -
Do you think time of year is having any effect ?
From around mid Jan to about now I always feel a bit lethargic and have to have a word with myself to get out for a run or the bike. Not sure if its the weather , lack of light etc - I just know once spring kicks in my mood and energy levels change for the better and I'm much keener on exercise.
As above though, I'm sure looking after yourself with rest and diet would help too.0 -
I think you're right about the weather.
When cycling to school I do about 85% of my ride in darkness, and often very cold in the morning. Though I soon warm up.
A sponge bath at the other end hardly makes it enjoyable!
Still feel better than driving though and thats not because of an eco-friendly stance, just sense of achievement I suppose.
I am just doing some swimming for next few days.0 -
I use some sports nutrition stuff which are supposed to work specifically for energy and recovery.
They seem to work, particularly during / after a ride, though I really don't know if the effect is just psychosomatic!
I won't plug anything here, but if you want a link, PM me (assuming that's possible).
ieu0 -
I, like you, teach (year 5/6) and am always knackered. Also have 3 of my own youngish children. I cycle every day to work (only an 8 mile round trip) and find that the winter riding definitely hard work. I tend to treat this time of year as purely base miles and wait for the dryer, lighter, warmer climate before I do too much serious mileage, speed etc.
I always find that when this lovely weather finally arrives my spirits rise and the incentive to ride more increases. Tiredness from work, domestic pressures etc seem to lose some of their hold on me (the sunshine ) .
Try not to cram in too much. Other than my short commute, I may only get out once every three weeks in winter and have only increased to once/twice a weekend with the spell of relatively dry weather we have had.0 -
Great to hear from a fellow teacher who is also knackered. But isn't half term great!0
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Main thing is to learn the Art of doing NOTHING every now and then. I am not talking about watching Tv . Stick the radio and listen to good play bagpuss0
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I've worked sedentary but high stress - sales director, targets + own business
Now I work as a self employed window cleaner physically demanding but stress free!
Mrs Grayo does deaf sign language for children at the local primary school and we've 3 kids - she's way more stressed/knackered than me.
But ... neither of us are manic types - push push push like I get the impression you may be - that road leads to stress/depression/burn out M.E. type stuff so relax like the others have said and do NOTHING for a day!__________________
......heading for the box, but not too soon I hope!0 -
richardast wrote:Espresso. Lots of it.
Then when you start shaking, whisky.
Flawless and legal.
Asolutely love this advice - the zen like simplicity is something I admire.
Off for a coffee and I'll pick up a bottle of McCallan at the airport tonight....you are a medical genius.
Write a book! (1 page - big writing) 0
