Illness and Training

[bicycling_nurse]

I'm currently 3 and a half months into a 6 month training programme for Ride London in August and, up until the past week or so, it's been going pretty well. I got my lovely new road bike (Specialized Ruby Comp) in April and I've been increasing my mileage a little bit each week by riding to work 4 times a week (80 minute round trip), doing a short road/MTB ride (about 1- 1/2 hours) and a long ride (building up to 3 hours) plus a rest day. I can usually average 13-14 MPH which is a massive increase on what I could do on an MTB - I realise that's not fast but I'm a 44 year old woman and I'm concentrating more on increasing the mileage than going faster than I'm comfortable with. I've been paying attention to my diet and trying out various items of kit too - my comfort on the bike has improved massively.

Anyway I was happy with how things were going until about a week ago when I started to feel horrible - really sluggish and lacking in energy, even on a short easy commute ride. I work pretty horrible shifts and have had a period of poor sleep lately so I put it down to that initially but I started feeling properly unwell on Friday - feverish, shivery, achy and short of breath to the point that I've been off sick from work for a couple of days.

I'm a bit better today after a couple of days in bed and I'm wondering how best to proceed with training once I'm back on my feet? I've missed my long and short ride as well as 2 commutes this past week - today I feel like I couldn't ride to the corner shop but hopefully that will pass. Should I have a "gentle" week and effectively write off two weeks of training and set myself back or try to pick up where I left off? I'm a bit worried about losing 2 weeks at this stage but I'm aware that there are dangers in pushing when you feel unwell. Any advice gratefully accepted!

 

[ianrauk]

If you are cycle commuting a 80 mile round trip every 4 days then all the other cycling is supplementary and not needed. You are at a very high scale mileage wise for commuting. Give the other cycling a rest, a change is as good as etc. Let your body recover.

The Ride London route is not a hard or challenging route for a competent and fit cyclist, or should I say it's as hard and as challenging as you yourself will make it. And with the amount of regular long distance commuting you do, you will have no problem.

You seem to be stressing too much about the ride. Remember on the day you will be cycling with thousand's of other cyclists which always makes things that little bit easier. Just keep within your comfort zone speed wise and enjoy the day, the peleton effect will more then help you along and before you know it you will have completed the ride.

 

[Sharky]

First ride back after an illness or a holiday break etc, just ride a short gentle ride without any expectations. After a couple of rides, you'll be back where you left off. But don't be too ambitious until you know you've recovered.

Good luck on the ride.

 

[bicycling_nurse]

No, no no - it's an 80 minute round trip - almost 14 miles! I do it on a semi loaded up utility bike and like to think lugging the heavy bike to and from work helps me. 80 miles - I wish (or do I?!!)
Yes I do seem to be stressing a bit, don't I? I felt ok until the last week or so, hopefully this is a temporary setback. Thanks for the replies

 

[ianrauk]

No, no no - it's an 80 minute round trip - almost 14 miles! I do it on a semi loaded up utility bike and like to think lugging the heavy bike to and from work helps me. 80 miles - I wish (or do I?!!)
Yes I do seem to be stressing a bit, don't I? I felt ok until the last week or so, hopefully this is a temporary setback. Thanks for the replies

Doh! Silly me.

But.. doing that commute regular 4 days a week and your fitness and stamina will get better. If you are not feeling the urge to ride your bike then don't. No point beating yourself up over it.

And as I said, there will be thousands of other cyclists on the route. Some better cyclists, some not so. So just enjoy the day.

 

[cyberknight]

As others have said if your feeling run down have a day or so off the bike and rest /recover as much as you can .I work rotating day and night shifts with a physically demanding job and sometimes i just veg out and catch up on rest especially after a long night shift when i can get maybe 3-4 hours sleep a day depending on kids, workmen outside etc etc .
Theres no point getting worked up over a missed training ride as by the sound of it you will do more harm than good , now have a nice bath , get to bed with some comfort food and drink then pass out till you feel better !

 

[bicycling_nurse]

Thanks! I, too, am hoping the group effect will help me - I do bike with friends sometimes but am not massively familiar with group riding/etiquette. I'm planning on doing the Cycletta Bedford 70k at the end of June which will give me an idea of how the group affects me. At the end of the day I'm doing this because I enjoy it, I want to prepare and do the best I can but know I must stop stressing!

 

[bicycling_nurse]

Cyberknight - I am going back to bed soon, you must be psychic!

 

[ScotiaLass]

I'd say take it easy and just see how you feel and do what you can.
I'm sure you'll build back up quickly

 

[cyberknight]

Cyberknight - I am going back to bed soon, you must be psychic!

Best offer ive had all week

 

[bicycling_nurse]

Ha! I've only got the energy to crawl upstairs and sleep - plus I've got a lurgy so wouldn't recommend coming anywhere near me

 

[Nigelnaturist]

As has been said just take some time off, it won't effect things overall, if anything it will improve, I always find if I do to much I dont want to ride, then it's a little bit of chore to get back on the bike but when I do I don't stop again, well you know what I mean.

I took most of the winter off (spun the legs once or twice a week), I was in hospital beginning of April Docs said I wouldn't be riding for up to 3 months so I took two weeks off and now I am about to achieve my second highest monthly total, or maybe thats me sticking the two fingers up at the Docs.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Hey bicycling_nurse, I've not read any of the other replies but here is my advice.

I reckon you have overdosed on cycling and you need to take a week off, just a week. Then, slowly get back out there and build up the miles again.

I have done the exact same thing a few weeks ago, I was just constantly doing crazy miles and never having a break off the saddle.
I have also trained for the Ride 100 (last year and this year too).
The training you have put in is bang on the money and you have time to rest up.

Your average MPH is fine, don't get too pre-occupied with it.

 

[Easytigers]

Lots of good advice given so just going to say I hope you feel better soon...just get out when you can...make sure you enjoy your riding...and don't give up :-)
You'll be fine on the day as long as you're smiling (for most of it!!!).

 

[flyingfish]

Just to take the pressure off my OH & a couple of friends will be there. You are SO not going to be the slowest
Pete