Training & Nutrition - Take 2 weeks off between seasons?

This is my first full year of cycling, and I had a goal of 5,000 (outside) miles. I reached the 5,000 mark on Friday by doing 63 chilly miles. :D

Once the clocks changed, and going outside during the week stopped, I jumped on my trainer. My "no daylight" schedule usually consists of outside riding on the weekend, and SPINeRVALS traing tapes 2-3 times during the week.

My question is:
Should I take 2 full weeks off? I've ridden 4-6 times a week all year long, except for 9 weeks off last Spring due to injury.

So do I take a break "between seasons" or does going down to 4 days a week in the off season provide enough rest?

Thanks.

Everything I've read recommends a two week break and I've never regretted it. You're supposed to stay active, but I usually just plod around the gym a little. It is, however, a great period to spend a LOT of time with your family and friends. The hardest part is that feeling that something is missing - it's your *need* to go for a ride. This sport might fit the definition of an addiction. :-)

4 days is cool.

Everything I've read recommends a two week break and I've never regretted it. You're supposed to stay active, but I usually just plod around the gym a little. It is, however, a great period to spend a LOT of time with your family and friends. The hardest part is that feeling that something is missing - it's your *need* to go for a ride. This sport might fit the definition of an addiction. :-)

I really feel the addiction part as it was very tough staying off the trainer today, and its only day 2! I'm thinking that the weather (NY), job and family will be enough rest even if I try to keep riding. Is there something to be said about the "14" days in a row being off as oppossed to just a lot of non-riding days per week say 3-4 for a few months?

I am going to take 7 days off over Christmas to New Year. This will give me a chance to relax and sleep and not worry about cycling. Taking a break can be the best way to get motivated for the coming year.

CHEERS.

Mark

Time off for your body to rest is always good. Also, do a period of just easy riding for enjoymnet to further allow the body to gear up for the intense efforts to come.

Unless you have been going at an incredibly intense level in your workouts, you body probably does not need a two week rest. People can crank out miles on bikes with not much problem at all.

That having been said, it is the emotional component to cycling that gets the vast majority of riders to stop not the physical component. It is better to ride for years then for a season. One of the secrets to riding for years is keep it focused on enjoying cycling. It is important that cycling not become a chore. People come up with reasons to avoid chores. If you make your riding a chore, pretty soon you will come up with a reason to stop riding.

It rather sounded to me that you were asking permission to take a 2 week break. You have done 5000 miles in your first year and that is a big achievement. You have certainly "earned" a 2 week break. If you want to do it, do it by all means. I have the feeling it will do your cycling good because after 2 weeks, you will probably enjoy it more.

Unless you have been going at an incredibly intense level in your workouts, you body probably does not need a two week rest. People can crank out miles on bikes with not much problem at all.

That having been said, it is the emotional component to cycling that gets the vast majority of riders to stop not the physical component. It is better to ride for years then for a season. One of the secrets to riding for years is keep it focused on enjoying cycling. It is important that cycling not become a chore. People come up with reasons to avoid chores. If you make your riding a chore, pretty soon you will come up with a reason to stop riding.

It rather sounded to me that you were asking permission to take a 2 week break. You have done 5000 miles in your first year and that is a big achievement. You have certainly "earned" a 2 week break. If you want to do it, do it by all means. I have the feeling it will do your cycling good because after 2 weeks, you will probably enjoy it more.

Thanks Pat,

Just trying to do the right thing. It seems that "life" will give me all the rest I need. Last night my family and I just planned a week in Disney for mid February, no riding. We are also planning a trip to Colorado in the Spring where I wouldn't be able to ride, and oh yeah...business travel.

I decided to take 7 days off, my last ride was last Friday...so if I take 7 days off I can ride all this coming weekend :D Just have to stay off the trainer this week...did someone mention CA (Cyclists Anonymous) ;)