http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Reluctant resters (fatigue and over-cycling) en Wed, 13 May 2026 02:06:49 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-242491 Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:37:08 +0000 ivangrozni 242491@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Funny how things go in cycles! I'm feeling fairly unenthusiastic about the cycle-commute this weather. My posts above were 12 months ago - must be a seasonal thing! Summer can't come fast enough. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-212073 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 10:39:43 +0000 ivangrozni 212073@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Reckon my tiredness is partly related to my immune system kicking into action - similar to what Daniel described. My heavy legs are probably due to over cycling/climbing exercise - and reckon sleep and a rest day is the only solution.</p> <p>Swapping bikes and routes I do try - although my second bike is a knobbly heavy steel frankenbike - hard work for ~20 mile commute home. </p> <p>I'm never stuck for motivation - its usually looking forward to the cycle home that gets me through the work day. The prospect of chasing Grahamns down.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-212016 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:49:24 +0000 Grahamn 212016@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>some people wouldn<code>t be as tired if they didn</code>t feel the need to chase ever other cyclist on their commute down and try and rip their legs off. It`s usually only a commute after all </p> <p>feel free to pass me without the need to be putting out more watts than your average pro rider as I`ve grown out of the commuting racing lark at my age. </p> <p>my commute : from town up the Gilmerton road out to Eskbank </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211972 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:46:45 +0000 jdanielp 211972@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was feeling weary for a few weeks, which I mostly put down to the regular high winds and general lack of light, but I finally came down with a nasty cold towards the end of last week so I took a couple of days off work to avoid spreading it any further and then took a bus this morning to take it easy while I'm still recovering. I would say that I've generally been ill less often after becoming a regular cyclist, but I do often end up feeling run-down, probably because my body spends more time trying to fight off illnesses before(/if) they do take hold than before. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211931 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 21:24:53 +0000 Claire 211931@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If I am knackered after a day at work and the cycle home seems daunting, I will eat something before I get on the bike (banana! but more often chocolate...) and that gives me a bit of energy to get up the road :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211844 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 08:54:46 +0000 gembo 211844@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Swap bikes? My old hub gear bike is sit up and beg stylee and slow so you take a different approach and attitude </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211834 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 18:33:44 +0000 wee folding bike 211834@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cow-orker cycled in a couple of times this week and said how he is impressed that I always do it.</p> <p>I don't think I deserve any kudos for this as it's the way I like to travel, it's not a chore. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211807 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 15:55:26 +0000 deckard112 211807@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not sure I fancy the elevated sense of danger taking that route! I had a hairy moment past Royal Elizabeth Yards where the road was completely sheet ice (water running off the field and across the road had frozen. Didn't notice it until I was on it...daren't touch the brakes, closed eyes, clenched cheeks and expected to be on the deck but somehow made it over! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211796 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:52:01 +0000 paddyirish 211796@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@deckard112- SQ cobbles were interesting and then once I got into the estate, I hugged the coast and with paths were rough, ice wasn't a factor under the trees. When I came out in front of the house it was glassy. I slowed down, didn't brake and got away with it, probably relaxed as no traffic there to hit me... Then once I emerged after Strade Bianche, it was lots of icy puddles, a couple of which I couldn't avoid.</p> <p>Worst part of the ride was probably through Cammo Estate which wasn't gritted. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211792 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:43:49 +0000 Roibeard 211792@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em> how do folks deal with fatigue?</em></p> <p>Allow more time for the journey and more time in bed...</p> <p>Slight problem if the cause of the fatigue prevents either of both of these solutions - kids, I'm looking at you!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211785 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:35:23 +0000 deckard112 211785@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have a 30 odd mile round commute and usually do two days, day off then back on it. I couldn't do five days a week, legs still get too heavy.</p> <p>@paddyirish - how were the roads through the Estate? Would have thought they would have been treacherous this morning! I avoid the paths when it's been this cold. Came via Kirkliston road then straight along Queensferry Road today. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211778 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:18:49 +0000 The Boy 211778@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>[Bernard Hinault]<br /> Or cycle faster - just think how tired everyone else must be<br /> [/Bernard Hinault] </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211777 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:06:02 +0000 Luath 211777@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>"Remember you are only getting fitter when you rest."</blockquote><br /> Yeah, but not many folk cycle commute for more than 2 hours a day, leaving 22 hours to rest and get fitter ;-)</p> <p>If you're feeling tired, perhaps just don't cycle as fast that day? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211775 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:38:56 +0000 threefromleith 211775@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've not ridden to work since the start of the year - mainly because of the storm-forced winds and the ice risk. Over the years I've found that whilst Leith can be fine, by the time I get half-way to the Gyle it can be lethally slippery (and I use to get ripped clothing, paintwork scrapes and bruises to prove it).</p> <p>I try to keep myself bike-ready by using the turbo indoors, but I do find that once I get back to riding outdoors after longer absences and the rest it has given me, I enjoy it all the more.</p> <p>Falling off on ice or being blown across the road tend to have the opposite effect ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211771 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 12:24:29 +0000 Dave 211771@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Depends how long your commute is I think. You do have the option of just getting more and more tired until you recover on the weekend, then after a month or two you won't be able to fatigue yourself day to day. (Doesn't apply to really long commutes, obviously).</p> <p>Remember you are only getting fitter when you rest. Exercise is breaking your body down, so if you don't rest enough, you aren't going to get that much fitter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211767 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:54:10 +0000 amir 211767@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I do also take different ways in to add variety. But this mainly happens when it's lighter or less icy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211766 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:52:36 +0000 amir 211766@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'instead I just feel guilty and eat nutella straight from the jar.'</p> <p>LOL!</p> <p>For me cycling is all about mood. A short period off can lead to renewed motivation and vigour on the bike, especially if the alternative has been the bus or driving in heavy traffic. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211763 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:43:27 +0000 paddyirish 211763@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd say try to change things in some way.<br /> Go in a lower gear and spin the legs rather than grind.<br /> Try to find a different route- Edinburgh Cycle Streets should help you find one if you are not sure.<br /> Stop en route <strike>for a rest</strike> to take photos or for a coffee.</p> <p>For me, when I'm getting jaded (or particularly enthused), I go through Dalmeny Estate. Adds about 10 mins to my ride, but is lovely, easy traffic free cycling and never fails to brighten my mood. This morning was an absolute cracker. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211761 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:37:56 +0000 The Boy 211761@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Day off then ride harder the next time to make up for it. Although this doesn't work anymore as I stick to the paths rather than the roads - instead I just feel guilty and eat nutella straight from the jar. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16053#post-211759 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:35:30 +0000 ivangrozni 211759@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Amir struck a chord with me in Confessions of a Cycle Commuter</p> <p>"<em>That slightly guilty feeling when, in - 1 degrees and with tired body, you opt for the bus, accentuated by seeing a surprisingly large number of cyclists braving it. Next time.... </em>"</p> <p>The week has finally caught up with me - facing a similar decision to Amir this evening (although I don't feel I have been overly exerting myself ). Apart from not cycling (a last resort) - how do folks deal with fatigue? </p>