Cycling after struck down with colds!!

[knapdog]

After three years without as much as a sniffle I've just picked up three colds on the trot with the present one inexorably working its way down to my chest. By the time this has cleared up I wouldn't have been out on the bike for three weeks.
Knowing that I would need to ease back into the saddle sensibly, how long does it normally take to get back to the fitnes level I was at, doing between 70 and 100 miles per week?

 

[Banjo]

After having flu which put me in bed for a week it took about a month to get back to normal.My first attempt at a 10 mile ride I normally average about 15 mph on I only averaged 8 mph.

Next time I wont be so eager.I think it just slows down your recovery.

 

[GrasB]

If you can fight through the cold it's not too bad but when you have to stop it's slow & steady buildup to your previous level. If you've stopped due to illness trying to dive straight in at full throttle & early only does more damage so be slow & steady.

 

[Hont]

I read somewhere that each week off exercise puts you back three weeks in training. Sorry I can't back it up as I can't remember where I read it.

 

[Woz!]

I'm off the bike with a cold too - been 2 weeks now as it went to my chest. Not looking forward to commuting again because I know I'll feel drained.

 

[Breedon]

my cold is starting to go, im hoping to do a 50 mile ride on saturday/sunday depending on how i feel.
I didnt quite feel right a week before i came down with it, i even took it easy one day very unlike me

 

[amnesia]

I have read somewhere that if you start exercise again before you are fully recovered it will prolong the illness and take longer to get back to full fitness.

I would wait until all the symptoms are gone and then hit the road.

 

[fossyant]

Depends upon the typre of cold...head cold keep riding, chest, then take it easy, you'll be coughing your guts up for a while when riding.

 

[wyno70]

Best thing is to take as much rest as you feel is necessary and then when you feel ready go out for a gentle spin to see how you feel. I certainly wouldn't do a 50 miler as my first ride back as if you aren't fully recovered it could be very miserable.

Why not go for something more gentle and shorter before, then if that goes fine go for it!

If you overdo it, or go back to soon, you'll either injure yourself, or prolong your recovery.

Good luck

 

[Norm]

Depends upon the typre of cold...head cold keep riding, chest, then take it easy, you'll be coughing your guts up for a while when riding.

Aye to that, an opinion also reinforced in C+ this week. If it's above the neck, (head cold, blocked nose etc) then keep going, if it's on the chest, then take time out.

It should take about a week after the last symptoms have gone to recover from a cold.

 

[knapdog]

Felt much better this morning so I went for it even though I was in two minds. Decided I would just have an hour's ride. Rode off westerly into a SW breeze so not so bad coming back. Normally I would do this ride averaging around 15mph and actually averaged 13.6, so quite pleased. My legs felt a bit weak when I stood up in the saddle for any inclines and my bottom is also a bit saddle sore. As for the cold, apart from a bit of catarrh, it's fading fast and I'm going to ease back into my routine. Thanks for all your replies. Keep them coming if you think it will help others.
The answer for me was, don't really worry if you're off the bike with a cold. Enjoy the rest!! In fact I think I've benefitted from having some time off the saddle as I was previously, at times, not looking forward to going out due to, for me, overcycling!

 

[PK99]

if it's on the chest, then take time out.

.

the medical reason being a risk of the virus invading/damaging the heart

 

[Norm]

Indeed. My boss at my last place had his heart stop three times (revived each time) and lost the sight in one eye because he wasn't careful enough and didn't take time out when struck down with a fairly routine virus. It got to his heart then into his head, he was in hospital for about 3 months and off work for 9.

 

[Randochap]

Don't feel bad; I've been in bed for 4 months after being struck down by ... a truck.

If you have a good base, you should bounce back quickly, even if the first couple of rides hurt. Don't push to get on the bike before you're well.