CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting

Reluctant resters (fatigue and over-cycling)

(20 posts)
  • Started 8 years ago by ivangrozni
  • Latest reply from ivangrozni

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  1. ivangrozni
    Member

    @Amir struck a chord with me in Confessions of a Cycle Commuter

    "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.... "

    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?

    Posted 8 years ago #
  2. The Boy
    Member

    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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  3. paddyirish
    Member

    I'd say try to change things in some way.
    Go in a lower gear and spin the legs rather than grind.
    Try to find a different route- Edinburgh Cycle Streets should help you find one if you are not sure.
    Stop en route for a rest to take photos or for a coffee.

    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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  4. amir
    Member

    'instead I just feel guilty and eat nutella straight from the jar.'

    LOL!

    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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  5. amir
    Member

    I do also take different ways in to add variety. But this mainly happens when it's lighter or less icy.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  6. Dave
    Member

    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).

    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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  7. 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).

    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.

    Falling off on ice or being blown across the road tend to have the opposite effect ;-)

    Posted 8 years ago #
  8. Luath
    Member

    "Remember you are only getting fitter when you rest."

    Yeah, but not many folk cycle commute for more than 2 hours a day, leaving 22 hours to rest and get fitter ;-)

    If you're feeling tired, perhaps just don't cycle as fast that day?

    Posted 8 years ago #
  9. The Boy
    Member

    [Bernard Hinault]
    Or cycle faster - just think how tired everyone else must be
    [/Bernard Hinault]

    Posted 8 years ago #
  10. deckard112
    Member

    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.

    @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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  11. Roibeard
    Member

    how do folks deal with fatigue?

    Allow more time for the journey and more time in bed...

    Slight problem if the cause of the fatigue prevents either of both of these solutions - kids, I'm looking at you!

    Robert

    Posted 8 years ago #
  12. paddyirish
    Member

    @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.

    Worst part of the ride was probably through Cammo Estate which wasn't gritted.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  13. deckard112
    Member

    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!

    Posted 8 years ago #
  14. wee folding bike
    Member

    Cow-orker cycled in a couple of times this week and said how he is impressed that I always do it.

    I don't think I deserve any kudos for this as it's the way I like to travel, it's not a chore.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  15. gembo
    Member

    Swap bikes? My old hub gear bike is sit up and beg stylee and slow so you take a different approach and attitude

    Posted 8 years ago #
  16. Claire
    Member

    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 :)

    Posted 8 years ago #
  17. jdanielp
    Member

    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.

    Posted 8 years ago #
  18. Grahamn
    Member

    some people wouldnt be as tired if they didnt 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

    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.

    my commute : from town up the Gilmerton road out to Eskbank

    Posted 8 years ago #
  19. ivangrozni
    Member

    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.

    Swapping bikes and routes I do try - although my second bike is a knobbly heavy steel frankenbike - hard work for ~20 mile commute home.

    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....

    Posted 8 years ago #
  20. ivangrozni
    Member

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

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