Training & Nutrition - Burnout - What now?

I think I am suffering from burnout. My legs feel tired when riding and I seem to be constantly fatigued. So I am going to take some time off from riding....

Any suggestions about how long I should take off or should I just see how I feel in a couple of days? Should I stop all activity or just stay off the bike?

How long have you been riding? How many rides per week? Distance? Duration?

How long have you been riding? How many rides per week? Distance? Duration?

Got my road bike 1 year ago. Riding 6 days a week, about 30-40 miles per ride. This season, my average speed was increasing from about 15.5 to 17+. Average has been dropping off in the past couple of weeks...

Well, do you think you rode too much?

Being tires and lacking energy all the time, could be a sign of serious health problem. If this doesn't go away in a week or two (after resting), it could be a good idea to get medical check up.

Take some time off. If you're overtired, until you get some rest time in with those legs, you'll continue to feel fatigued.

Also, see if you can get a massage or something. Try the massage schools in your area. Give them a call and ask if they have reduced price student massages. A good massage will go a long way.

Koffee

Got my road bike 1 year ago. Riding 6 days a week, about 30-40 miles per ride. This season, my average speed was increasing from about 15.5 to 17+. Average has been dropping off in the past couple of weeks...

It's entirely possible that you've become overtrained. If you can rule out any medical difficulties. Take a week off. See if you don't come back stronger. I don't ride as hard as you guys do. But in my strength training I usually take one week off every 16 weeks.

Thanks for the information. Part of my problem may be that I really don't have any specific training program - I just ride. Think I will take this downtime to set up some goals and work on setting up a more specific program and mix things up a bit more....

I think it's always a safe bet that when in doubt about pain or fatigue, take time off and see if it helps.

I agree with the above take a week off. Then as you get back on the bike try to make every 4th week or so easy. Instead of 40 milers try to do 20 cut the back on intensity and mileage. And if you feel the need take an extra day off during the week. You can use the break both mentally and physically.

Take 2 days off with no activity other than walks. After the 2 days do an easy ride with the HR around 130-140/65% MRH. If your legs still feel fatigued or sore, take another 2 days off. This way you don't lose too much of the strength you gained. Make sure you are getting enough sleep as well.

You get stronger in the recovery period-if you just keep hammering you end up getting hammered.