The secret of eternal youth. do I have it?

neilo23

I've noted somthing strange. I seem to be riding better now at the age of 37 than I did at 30 despite my lifestyle taking a "wrong turn".

6 or 7 years ago I stopped smoking and drinking for 2 years during which time I was mostly unemployed. During this time I (obviously) had a lot of time on my hands and was able to train as often as I wanted. Spent most of the time in the hills in Austria spending 3-5 hours a day riding, 5 days a week, plus 1 easy day and 1 day doing nothing. I made sure I didn't overtrain. ate really healthily and weighed between 12 and 14 kilos less. I basically lived like a professional (without the racing and talent).

These days I smoke again, drink too much on a regular basis, can't train as much due to work and weigh more (not that you can see it: must be getting a fat liver). I don't train more intensely due to time restrictions and I work on my feet in a bar until late at night so my recovery time after training is not so great. However, I have more power and speed on the flat, can get up hills faster with less of a struggle and can sprint faster. The only thing which seems to have decreased is my endurance, but I can put that down to the length of my rides decreasing.

I'm not complaining, but I can't help wondering why this is as I'm not living the kind of life which should result in my getting better. anyone have any ideas?

ives.

However, I have more power and speed on the flat, can get up hills faster with less of a struggle and can sprint faster.

this seems anecdotal.
Presumably you don't have a power meter and numbers to back up your claim?
If you had quantifiable data, I'd be more impressed.

softlad

awesome - I'm off to buy 200 fags and a crate of beer....

explosifpete

cigarettes are like power sticks and they are like lung training

gbs

neilo23 wrote:

I was mostly unemployed. During this time I (obviously) had a lot of time on my hands and was able to train as often as I wanted. Spent most of the time in the hills in Austria spending 3-5 hours a day riding, 5 days a week, plus 1 easy day and 1 day doing nothing. I made sure I didn't overtrain. ate really healthily and weighed between 12 and 14 kilos less. I basically lived like a professional (without the racing and talent).

I

Seems to me that you discovered the secret of financial levitation - simultaneously unemployed but pursuing yr preferred lifestyle. What is the secret? Tell me before it is too late.

Headhuunter

I've heard that endurance increases in your mid 30s, however you say your endurance has decreased so that's strange. Your 20s are supposed to be better for sprints and bursts of energy. Well if the drink 'n' fags appear to work, keep it up.... I smoke a couple of fags every 2 or 3 weeks and it doesn't make any difference to my riding

BeaconRuth

neilo23 wrote:

I've noted something strange. I seem to be riding better now at the age of 37..................

Erm, I think you'd look less silly if you were old before you raised this question. There are dozens and dozens of competitive racing cyclists in their 60s and 70s who would almost certainly make mincemeat of you if you went for a ride with them. They also have the basic common sense not to smoke and to eat/drink healthily.

Come back in 40 years and we'll see how your liver, heart and lungs are faring then.

Ruth

neilo23

ives. wrote:

However, I have more power and speed on the flat, can get up hills faster with less of a struggle and can sprint faster.

this seems anecdotal.
Presumably you don't have a power meter and numbers to back up your claim?
If you had quantifiable data, I'd be more impressed.

You're right. I don't have any figures. But I generally feel better on the bike and can maintain a (for me) decent speed for longer. The only difference in my training routine is that I now do strength training in the gym which could be one explaination.

This isn't a silly enquiry and I'm not extolling the virtues of smoking. I've been struggling with the addiction for years and after giving up for 2 years thought that I was free of it. Managed 2 months without recently,but didn't manage more. Very annoyed with myself for being so weak I'm sure that I would improve a lot more without them. That much is obvious.