Four Months off

[pletcgm]

I took four months off of riding and now I am riding faster than ever. I can't ride as far as I did and I did lose a lot of muscle in my legs, but now I am averaging just under 21 mph. Any thoughts on why I am riding faster after losing muscle?

BTW, sorry I haven't posted anything in so long, but I got a promotion at work and am soooo busy that I just don't have a chance to post. That's why I have gotten internet access back at home.

[SipperPhoto]

have you been doing any other exercise ? running, lifting, etc. ?

Jeff

[pletcgm]

No, I went cold turkey and have done no exercises. I have gained 6 pounds.

[Phatman]

hmm, maybe you were overtraining before? rest can be a big factor.

[Guest]

Perhaps you didn't lose muscle- maybe it was fat.

Unless you had a bodyfat caliper analysis done before and after your haitus, I wouldn't necessarily assume you've automatically lost fat.

Besides that, if you were overtraining, and you finally get the rest you need, you'll find yourself stronger coming back when your muscles finally do get enough rest. In a good periodization program, there is always a rest factored in after your heaviest training sessions come to an end. When you come back and get back into it, if you've structured your periodization program correctly, you'll see the positive results in your training.

Koffee