Stressed Cycling

gotwood25

After a pretty stressful few weeks (redundancy, job interviews plus other things) I have found it hard to keep my heart rate under control whilst on the bike. I notice that even under the slightest of strain my heart rate is sky rocketing with breathing more difficult.

Now my resting heart rate is relatively normal 40/50's but I have always had a high lactate threshold (between 177-184 depending on the test) however during this period of duress I have managed to set a new maximum HR at a whopping 201 and relative easy rides (commuting for example) I find myself struggling to get below Z4 on occasions.

Now fingers crossed the work situation is going to be sorted very soon so I am expecting things to start to get back to a bit normality with the old ticker. However I was wondering if you think I should lay off the bike until that time?

Thoughts or similar experiences most welcomed.

meanredspider

I'm not a medical doctor but gentle riding would probably do you good to burn off the stress - but do take it gently. I've been through a lot at various times in the last few years and cycling has been my friend. Try to avoid other stimulants like coffee, Coke etc

Good luck with the job stuff!

DKay

I'm a teacher and I suffer from very poor performance on the bike during term time. The combination of stress, being on my feet all day, poor diet and lack of sleep takes it's toll. I make great strides during the summer hols and then I'm back to blowing out of my @rse after the long winter term.

I wouldn't stop riding if I were you though. It's a great way to de-stress and clear your mind of crap.

gotwood25

Appreciate the feedback chaps.

LegendLust

Keep riding but take it easy. I've been through long bouts of stress and anxiety and it can affect your performance. However as people have stated - exercise and especially cycling can help relieve the stress.

Once the other aspects of your life are back under control your fitness will take off again

hstiles

Definitely keep up the exercise. It stimulates the production of dopamine, which is what you need to counteract the effects of stress and uncertainty.

However, you need to try and treat your rides as a break from the stresses of life. Hard I know, but an hour to clear your head will do you the power of good.

gotwood25

Well thankfully the situation has improved greatly with me landing the first job I applied for so not only have I improved my yearly salary (only just but never mind) but also got a nice severance package which the wife has assured me not very much of can go towards new bike stuff.

Amazingly the effect has been close to immediate, just check out the two below rides' HR. First one was post job and second is prior to a job interview.

http://www.strava.com/activities/131404553

http://www.strava.com/activities/126797826

Crazy the difference and highlights the affect of stress. Scarily two weeks prior to my department being closed my project lead died of a massive stress related heart attack at the age of 46 so counting my blessings.

kajjal

gotwood25 wrote:

Well thankfully the situation has improved greatly with me landing the first job I applied for so not only have I improved my yearly salary (only just but never mind) but also got a nice severance package which the wife has assured me not very much of can go towards new bike stuff.

Amazingly the effect has been close to immediate, just check out the two below rides' HR. First one was post job and second is prior to a job interview.

http://www.strava.com/activities/131404553

http://www.strava.com/activities/126797826

Crazy the difference and highlights the affect of stress. Scarily two weeks prior to my department being closed my project lead died of a massive stress related heart attack at the age of 46 so counting my blessings.

That's great news. You would be amazed how much the stresses of life impact your performance and make injuries more likely.

meanredspider

Yes - that's great news. Stress is insidious. Cycling definitely helps.