Feeling v. sluggish

Giant Phil

Allo all

If anyone could give me some advice, it would be fantastic, because I seemed to have beached myself.

Was avidly cycling before november, but as it got colder, I just didn't get out so much. But I would always go out when I could, just to spin my legs abit. Nothing intense. But recently, after Christmas, and despite training on the rollers (which seems fine), my road riding just doesn't seem to be going anywhere at all. I feel really sluggish, and even short rides tire me out. When I stop I get abit dizzy because I've been working so hard, and not going very fast at all.

Planned a 20 mile route the other day, got out there, ended up doing about 7, because I felt so tired on the bike. My legs felt like iron lugs.

I just feel sooo crap on my bike now, and I never used to. Strange thing is, I feel absolutely fine indoors on the rollers. Can really push myself. I'm not convinced that its just the getting back into it stage either, because I've felt like this for several rides now. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong lately. Any advice at all would be great.

All the best, happy new year.

Phil

softlad

'seasonal affective disorder'...??

Try setting some relatively easy time or distance targets - which will hopefully be achievable and which might then give you a bit of a lift.

On really dull days, wearing yellow-tint shades makes a big difference to my mood on the bike - seriously...

wheeler585

Hi Phil, sorry to here about your dilema!! Whats your daily diet food intake?

Giant Phil

If I know I'm going out, then I always have porridge. Lunch varies a huge amount, Egg on toast, fish ina bag with potatos, pasta, etc etc. Tea is the same, very much dependant on how much I feel like eating, but nothing packed with too much fat and stacks of carbs. Try to go for protein and some carbs, especially after a ride.

I don't consider my diet bad at all, which is why I didn't mention it in my first post. I very rarely have fast food like pizza. I drink tea and apple juice. I'm not over weight.

It might just be that the time of year is making my feel so unmotivated.

Thanks for your imput.

Phil

Giant Phil

softlad wrote:

'seasonal affective disorder'...??

Try setting some relatively easy time or distance targets - which will hopefully be achievable and which might then give you a bit of a lift.

On really dull days, wearing yellow-tint shades makes a big difference to my mood on the bike - seriously...

Cheers mate. I already ride with orange tint lenses on, they don't seem to help much. I shouldn't imagine I've got SAD. I'm not depressed at all. I still go out and do all the normal, stupid things I normally do. Just seems to be exercise.

Will try setting myself smaller targets, then building on it I think.

Thanks again

Phil

Jeff Jones

It's simply harder riding in the cold than in the warm (for most people). My heart rate is always significantly higher and my speed lower at this time of year compared to summer, no matter how fit I am. I also find it tough to do really long rides.

After years of getting used to this, I find it's best to reduce your expectations in winter and be content in the knowledge that you'll get faster when it warms up.