Training & Nutrition - When To Take Time Off The Bike

I'm 44 years old and have been riding for 3 years (2 seriously). During the season I train 12 hours a week (about 250 miles). This winter I have been training 8 hours a week on a fluid trainer at a PE of 7 (out of 10). Three months ago I had to take a week off because of the flu. Since then I've been back on my 5 day/8 hours a week schedule training pretty hard for 3 months straight with no recovery rides. This morning I woke up and did not feel like getting on the bike. Should I take some time off or continue to work through it until I get motivated again?

Change something up, try a bit of mountain biking once a week or so? I'm not super experienced or anything but whenever I start getting burned out on things I just change up my routine

take off.

It never hurts to take a day or two off now and then, especially as you age.

If it's more mental, try a new challenge like mountain biking or riding a fixed gear.

Az

Check out some information on recovery rides. You can't go hard every single ride. There is plenty of good info on recovery rides and the benefit you get from them.

I'm 44 years old and have been riding for 3 years (2 seriously). During the season I train 12 hours a week (about 250 miles). This winter I have been training 8 hours a week on a fluid trainer at a PE of 7 (out of 10). Three months ago I had to take a week off because of the flu. Since then I've been back on my 5 day/8 hours a week schedule training pretty hard for 3 months straight with no recovery rides. This morning I woke up and did not feel like getting on the bike. Should I take some time off or continue to work through it until I get motivated again?

Your current training regime is a recipe for burnout, injury, or both.

Unless a rider is gifted, doping, or both, a recovery ride at least once per week can only improve performance in the long run.

If you don't feel like getting on the bike - yet feel physically amped - find another form of exercise to do that day. Just be sure to choose an exercise that doesn't aggravate the muscles and tendons that are cycling related. Also, you may want to focus on exercises that target parts of your body that are neglected.

I enjoy swimming on my days off.

I enjoy biking very much. It's my second favorite pastime. When I don't feel like getting on the bike - I don't. Simple as that. That seems to inject the perfect amount of rest time. It's all about desire. If one needs to force oneself perhaps one should find a different thing.

I got into hiking as an "off day" activity. Today I took an 8 mile fast pace hike on a local mountain with a hiking club. My thighs are still on fire from the climb up !

It always feels good to get back on the bike the next day.

I train 12 hours a week (about 250 miles).

250/12 = 21'ish mph. Either you're a former pro, or you ride on the flats. Riding on flat ground is really, really boring. Either way, you're just hammering all the time you're on the bike.

And the only thing worse is riding on a trainer. ARRGGGGGHHHH! Go to spin classes. Go for a hike. Go to an indoor climbing wall. Go XC skiing (it's brilliant!).

I agree with other posters. Mix it up. Do other activities, or find other places to ride. I ride an amount comparable to you, and love every day on my bike. (Except when I'm on a trainer.:))