help re fueling after night shift for a ride

ianbar wrote:

hello. i have worked nights for 10 years so always found training hard but recently changed jobs. i am now working a very physical shift in a warehouse. i don't feel too bad when i walk ut but i have a good 30-40 min drive home and by then my legs just go on me. i have managed a little turbo but no more then 30 mins, and that really pushing me. does anyone have ideas for what i can have on the way home to get some energy back int he legs, i don't know wether to get a big dose of caffeine but risk keeping myself awake when i need to go to bed. anyone else with a similar situation would be great.

Hi mate, been in standing up employment for years and the following things can help with heavy/tired legs after work, but obviously, if you are on your feet all day, there is only so much you can do. Aside from the obvious quality insoles I use these things, in no order but all helpful. Of course, if you are talking energy levels than as per usual upping you calorie intake to match your hours can help. I suspect many people do long shifts and eat hardly enough fuel during the day, thus impacting a 'bike ride' / training session.

1. A cold foot spa. Get the blood out of the feet. A cheap plastic tub can suffice, cold water with ice cubes .

2. Drive home in or change into knee length compression socks when you leave work. Massive help in getting the blood moving.

3. Quad compression can help too.

4. Foam roller.

5. Hot baths followed by showering the legs in cold water.

6. The biggest paradox is that riding to and from work is the best remedy as gets the legs moving/blood flowing and shakes out the day. I do about 100 miles a week commuting and great base mile training etc. Had the week off this week as father in law died last week and managed a ride yesterday and legs like stones as 6 days off the bike.

I feel your pain. Hope this helps.

Pete.