what a difference a day makes

[al78]

Yesterday, coming home from work, felt fit and strong, managed 17.5 mph average (9.5 miles with a net descent).

Today, had nothing in the legs, felt totally drained, average speed a mere 14.8 mph, the lowest on record for that particular journey.

Can't understand why, as I had a reasonable nights sleep last night, and the weather conditions were similar (dry with light winds).

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

 

[cyco2]

I reckon the clue to your demise is "Senior Member"

 

[Keith Oates]

Even the pro's have good days and bad days so for us mere mortals it's not unusual to have the same. The main thing is to keep cycling and enjoy the rides and not to worry too much for a slightly off day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tyred]

It's called being human.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Amen to the above. We get good days and bad days. Don't read anything into it. If the period of tiredness goes on for a long time then seek medical advice.

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

We all have days like this.

Yesterday afternoon, grey skies gave way to blue, I felt good and so I decided to leave out the usual train element of my commute and ride the whole 20 mile distance. My legs felt really fresh, my head was in the right place and I had a cracking ride. Even beat my previous best over 10 miles... This morning, however, grey drizzly skies were back, my legs felt heavy and my eyes were tired. I knew the commute was going to be a struggle and I was right. Don't forget that even without any outward symptoms of fatigue, it's still entirely possible that your muscles are recovering from previous efforts. I'm always aware that my commute gets slower (as a general rule) as the week goes on.

Something that was recently suggested to me that I've found beneficial, has been to make sure that you get your legs properly spun up before you start any serious riding. I always find that I have a tendancy to go off too fast and as a result I can often find myself blowing up along some of my shorter rides. Nowadays, I try to force myself onto the 39T chainring for the first 10-15 minutes to ensure that my legs are properly warmed-up before dropping into any serious effort and I find that it helps quite a lot.

 

[lulubel]

Was the humidity higher on the second day?

If everything else is the same, high humidity absolutely drains me. We get a lot of it here.

 

[al78]

Felt worse this morning (horribly groggy and generally weak) so decided it might be a good idea to have a rest day and drive to work. It will do the car good to give it a run out every so often as well.

 

[Bungleaio]

I'm new to this cycling lark but I know what you mean, taking time off the bike makes a difference.

For example I did 10 miles on sunday no problem but I struggled to do 5 on monday. I had a day off yesterday and I've just come back from doing just under 10 miles at a PB 12mph average.

 

[apollo179]

Recovery time is very important. With running the rule of thumb is one day recovery for each mile of racing so 26 days recovery for a marathon. Obviously cycling is different with the required recovery time being less but it does illustrate the , easily overlooked , essential importance of recovery time.

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Similarly, don't forget that recovery does not (neccessarily) equal no riding... It just means riding at a recovery pace