Dealing with a loss in form...?

bristolpete

Strange one this and a bit perplexed. Firstly not posted in a while hope all is well.

I have hit a bad stretch of form. Finished summer with 5000 miles in the diary from March 30th to Sept 30th. Had two weeks away off the bike and got back on it 3rd week of Oct. However, first couple of rides felt fresh and strong but suddenly, boom, its like a plug has been switched. My friend suggests it is classic symptoms of over training as I feel ready for full gas when required but there is nothing there and in turn I actually feel slower when looking to go. Also, hill climbing has gone backwards which is really odd. Diet and regime are OK ( have lost just under three stone this year since Feb) but cant work it out.

So, what is the best remedy for over training given I had a nice long holiday off the bike. I am aware you loose fitness twice as quick as you gain it (or so I read on here). Shall I have another week off the bike and see how I feel?

As far as I am aware I have no other issues. Appreciate any feed back here. I did 200 miles last week and at points all three rides were tough in certain ways but the notable thing is the lack of power when needed though on Weds I did 100 miles with an average of 17 mph with a slower middle section 60 - 80 miles.

Thanks,

Pete.

SBezza

Possibly a virus, or just tiredness after the break. Unless you felt the same way prior to the 2 week break, I would doubt it is overtraining. Overtraining creeps up over time generally rather than bang it is there. 200 miles in a week after a 2 week break might just have stretched you a little too much.

100 miles with that sort of average is pretty decent to be honest, rather than have a week off the bike, just take it easier on the bike for a week or two and build up again.

bristolpete

SBezza wrote:

Possibly a virus, or just tiredness after the break. Unless you felt the same way prior to the 2 week break, I would doubt it is overtraining. Overtraining creeps up over time generally rather than bang it is there. 200 miles in a week after a 2 week break might just have stretched you a little too much.

100 miles with that sort of average is pretty decent to be honest, rather than have a week off the bike, just take it easier on the bike for a week or two and build up again.

Thanks. I have never really understood the realms of over training as they say as riding a bike is sheer joy and never felt like I 'over train'. It is strange to see my form dip such as this though. I feel like that fella in the bible who has his hair cut off ! Appreciate the reply.

Pete.

ozzzyosborn206

i am also jus getting back into training after 3/4 weeks off and feel cooked but i think it is just the transition phase from having not done anything to training again, keep riding as per norm and if it doesn't get better in the next few weeks maybe then you should take a month off but as SBezza said if you didn't feel tired before your break i doubt it is over training