Nearly always ill after cycling

[Sam Kennedy]

I've noticed a trend... nearly every time I go cycling at a reasonable intensity, a few days later I'm ill. For example, on Tuesday I did my first turbo session in ages, now I have a sore throat and cough, an eye infection, dizziness and a headache. I've had these since Friday. Could it be related to me not drinking much during exercise? I normally drink before exercise, but once I start I don't feel the need to drink.

Any solutions? I need to be cycling at least 3 days a week for the next few months, to get fit for racing and also to prepare for a couple of sportive and charity rides.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

may be symptomatic of over training or a suppressed immune system.

how good is your diet?

 

[GrasB]

My first thought would be diet & under eating. When you're losing weight you have to be careful not to eat to little & also make sure that you're eating enough of the right things.

 

[ttcycle]

Make sure you eat well and actually reign in the training until you've shifted the cold and then work up gradually with plenty of rest days. Perhaps consider lowering the intensity as your body may be struggling at the moment

 

[darkstar]

Doesn't matter if you don't feel like drinking, if you're out for a while on the bike make sure you keep hydrated, little and often.

As others have said, you might need to look at your diet. It's something I'm struggling with at the moment, in training for a big run and struggling to get the calories in. Also, are you eating plenty of fruit and veg?

 

[ttcycle]

Yes totally forgot to comment on keeping hydrated! Mix some orange squash and keep drinking as being dehydrated can affect simple bodily processes. Even more important when putting your body under stress as you do when training

 

[Crackle]

You might also want to go to the docs and see if they'll check your iron count out. As already said, diet and maybe intensity. Does the same thing happen if you do an easy ride, you might be pushing it to much before your body is ready, especialy if you recently had any kind of infection. Be patient, build it up gradually.

 

[Fiona N]

Good advice from Crackle - I also think you need to get a check-up.

I seem to remember that you're a young'un Sam and if you're otherwise healthy, you really didn't ought to be suffering infections every time you ride no matter how little you drink or eat. A bit of dehydration, especially in cold weather can give you a bit of a cough but it's usually a matter of the evening after the ride not something that lasts for several days. Same for the headache and maybe dizziness (low blood pressure).