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Training burnout question

1107 Views 20 Replies 13 Participants Last post by MrEconomics, Dec 28, 2009

9-18 Fast

Discussion Starter · Dec 26, 2009

Does anyone have suggestions for mid winter burnout

. As of late I have been feeling rather sluggish when it comes to sticking with my training schedule. I have been feeling like getting on my bike is like going to work. The problem is I can’t just stop riding, I got picked up by a new team for 2010 and now I feel like I have a lot of pressure to perform:madman: . I know I should take time off the bike BUT if I do that then the first half of my season will suck.

How do the pros stay motivated?

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

suvowner

· #2 · Dec 26, 2009

find a cyclocross race that will allow mtb and just make yourself go do it......something about riding in a competitive event reminds you of why you want to be stronger.....

take some extra vitamin d or get some UV light exposure.......

if you can just do an hour of intense intervals 3 times per week and some weighlifting you prob wont loose much........

find or buy some cycling videos to watch.......

free-agent

· #3 · Dec 26, 2009

Not a pro here...

9-18 Fast said:
Does anyone have suggestions for mid winter burnout . As of late I have been feeling rather sluggish when it comes to sticking with my training schedule. I have been feeling like getting on my bike is like going to work. The problem is I can't just stop riding, I got picked up by a new team for 2010 and now I feel like I have a lot of pressure to perform:madman: . I know I should take time off the bike BUT if I do that then the first half of my season will suck.

How do the pros stay motivated?

but I do know that if you continue to force yourself onto the bike you may of no use to your new team. I got burned out a few years back, and quit racing altogether. Give yourself a break for a week and do a mtb ride for fun, either by yourself or with others. No HR monitor, no power meter, no worries about the amount of climbing, just riding for fun. Have some good food and a beer after and then reassess. You aren't going to ruin half of a season in a week, especially if you can still get in at least one ride with that has some intensity. If you need another week, then so be it.
Are you doing a rest week here and there? Sleeping/eating well? Getting sick?

Poncharelli

· #4 · Dec 26, 2009

I think having a coach helps. Two reasons:
-if you're paying, then it's hard to miss work outs, just because of the mere fact that are also wasting money also
-gives you someone to be accountable to and push you

desnaephoto

· #5 · Dec 26, 2009

Time to take a break. no one is saying STOP. But now is not the time to force something.

Cross train. What else are you doing? I have been hitting the pool more and more. I still spin or hit the rollers 3-5 days a week. But not for nearly as much time as I would in season.

9-18 Fast

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 26, 2009

Thanks for all the feedback. I do have a coach and he had me take off this past week. I did go for a mtn ride on Tue with a friend, and it really helped. I left my HR monitor and GPS at home and I just rode my bike….it was great!!!! I would like to take off for a couple weeks BUT our race season starts in 2 ½ weeks.

One thing is I HATE the cold. Yes I know AZ is not that cold as compared to other states back east, but for us here in AZ 40-50 degrees is damn cold.

I like the idea of watching some riding videos though. Cycle cross is out because we just finished the CC season last week. WTW what would the Vitamin D do for me?

I will be getting my new team bikes next month, so I hope that helps. Nothing says motivation to ride like a new 2010 Superfly and SF SS.

suvowner

· #7 · Dec 26, 2009 (Edited)

9-18 Fast said:
Thanks for all the feedback. I do have a coach and he had me take off this past week. I did go for a mtn ride on Tue with a friend, and it really helped. I left my HR monitor and GPS at home and I just rode my bike….it was great!!!! I would like to take off for a couple weeks BUT our race season starts in 2 ½ weeks.

One thing is I HATE the cold. Yes I know AZ is not that cold as compared to other states back east, but for us here in AZ 40-50 degrees is damn cold.

I like the idea of watching some riding videos though. Cycle cross is out because we just finished the CC season last week. WTW what would the Vitamin D do for me?

I will be getting my new team bikes next month, so I hope that helps. Nothing says motivation to ride like a new 2010 Superfly and SF SS.

Vitamin D has hunbdreds of beneficial effects on the body, but we all become deficent in winter months due to lack of sun exposure and lack of uv-b intensity, and can be associated with feelings of fatigue and reduced energy.......

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/phys-ed-can-vitamin-d-improve-your-athletic-performance/

9-18 Fast

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 26, 2009

suvowner said:
Vitamin D has hunbdreds of beneficial effects on the body, but we all become deficent in winter months due to lack of sun exposure and lack of uv-b intensity, and can be associated with feelings of fatigue and reduced energy.......

Thanks I will try that!!!:thumbsup:

selector

· #9 · Dec 26, 2009

Take a break.

Besides all the sports I've done/do, I've surfed and ridden motocross and taken both very seriously and put a lot of time into each. But, there are times when you're just burnt and need a break. Force yourself to not touch the bike; it's ok to think about riding, but just don't do it.

When I've practiced this in the past, I've come back refreshed and w/ renewed drive.

tiffanyinanthem

· #10 · Dec 27, 2009

For me, the cold is a big motivation killer. I rode inside today because yes 50 degrees is COLD! Riding partners help too, makes those long boring miles tick by.

BTW, you'll do great this year! I know you've put in your time and trained smart!

jeffwilsonn

· #11 · Dec 27, 2009

50 degrees is NOT cold. Ha, I was excited today that is was 18 and not that windy.

9-18 Fast

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 27, 2009

tiffanyinanthem said:
BTW, you'll do great this year! I know you've put in your time and trained smart!

Thanks, for the pick me up Tiff !!!! BTW did Jeremy get you guys your awards?

onlycrimson

· #13 · Dec 27, 2009

suvowner said:
Vitamin D has hunbdreds of beneficial effects on the body, but we all become deficent in winter months due to lack of sun exposure and lack of uv-b intensity, and can be associated with feelings of fatigue and reduced energy.......

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/phys-ed-can-vitamin-d-improve-your-athletic-performance/

When my pet lizard doesn't get the proper UV rays he get very sluggish and won't eat! I realize he is much different that a person, but we need sun light too!

I like to watch cycling videos online to help motivation. Also, it's fun to practice little games like riding in the house (basement) without putting a foot down or practicing track stands. While offering no workout, the little games can help build skill and bike handling finesse. Take a break too. If you time the break right, you'll come back stronger.

ptfmb71

· #14 · Dec 27, 2009

I think we all get burnout at some point....I do as well during the holidays and for me it's because of the cold temps (I do most of my training early morning). I just plan out a rest week in advance and it's something to look forward to. during this week I will not eat as well, sleep more, maybe do some cross training with fun rides, but not do any training.
The problem is I live in an area where there is a lot of road cyclist and when I see them I feel like everyone is getting better while I'm resting.

ptfmb71

· #15 · Dec 27, 2009

jeffwilsonn said:
50 degrees is NOT cold. Ha, I was excited today that is was 18 and not that windy.

when you put it that way makes me feel lucky. When the temps drop below 50 I lose motivation. Living in SoCal we get spoiled.

scooter2468

· #16 · Dec 27, 2009

9-18 Fast said:
Does anyone have suggestions for mid winter burnout . As of late I have been feeling rather sluggish when it comes to sticking with my training schedule. I have been feeling like getting on my bike is like going to work. The problem is I can't just stop riding, I got picked up by a new team for 2010 and now I feel like I have a lot of pressure to perform:madman: . I know I should take time off the bike BUT if I do that then the first half of my season will suck.

How do the pros stay motivated?

No, if you DON'T take some time off, the first half of your season will suck.

free-agent

· #17 · Dec 27, 2009

Early season races

scooter2468 said:
No, if you DON'T take some time off, the first half of your season will suck.

are training as well. Don't view the first race as the start of the season where you need to be in tip top shape. View them as training tools to reach an identified peak (state champs) later on. Then crush it.....:thumbsup:

Poncharelli

· #18 · Dec 27, 2009

Another motivator for me is to think of the competition right when you want to slack.

That motivates me to stick to the plan.

BruceBrown

· #19 · Dec 27, 2009

9-18 Fast said:
One thing is I HATE the cold. Yes I know AZ is not that cold as compared to other states back east, but for us here in AZ 40-50 degrees is damn cold.

Yeah, right. Since when is 40-50 degrees considered cold? It's warmed up to 12 degrees here in the Midwest as I type this - and I was out riding in the snow this morning with the dogs when temps were much cooler. Then I shoveled snow for another hour after that to get some nice upper body work done.

Plenty of clothing available so you can ride and train in temperatures of 40-50 degrees to be nice and toasty. Not quite as easy to do in sub 0 to 15 degree weather, but many of us manage.

When your racing season starts in 2 1/2 weeks I assume the temperatures will be about the same - so consider the training you do in those temps to be very beneficial once you are racing in those temps.:thumbsup:

Are you going to opt out of a race because the thermometer says 41 degrees? Then why should you opt out of a training session at the same temperature?:nono:

Notice I didn't mention anything at all to you about manning up, growing a pair or not being a sissy thinking that 40-50 degrees is cold?

9-18 Fast said:
I will be getting my new team bikes next month, so I hope that helps. Nothing says motivation to ride like a new 2010 Superfly and SF SS.

Cool bike. Enjoy and I hope with some rest and recovery things get back on track motivational wise for you.

BB

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9-18 Fast

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 27, 2009

Thanks for all the info guys!!!

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