I'm not going to use that acronym that CSC uses, it's overplayed. But it's applicable to me right now. I'm not feeling the love for riding, training, or racing.
The past 2 seasons have been tough on my mediocre racing career: last year, I was a new dad, baby had some medical problems, left me fitting in training wherever I could and racing without alot of form. This year, started promising, then my wife's job got very demanding leaving me fitting in training whenever I could, and then lady luck started dealing against me. I've had crashes, mechanicals, races cancelled due to lightning, and my bike just doesnt feel right to me. I've raced all of 8 times this year, and havent finished my last 3 for the above-mentioned reasons. None of my crashes have been bad like those others have endured or are recovering from, but they're sticking with me and making me tentative. Being tentative makes me ride squirelly, which of course would lead to more pavement surfing.
Usually, I'm the energizer bunny about training and racing, love it, and ride confidently. But right now, I'm frustrated and not getting along with bicycling very well ... blathering on BF is cheaper than a shrink and prozac. Maybe I should just buy a new bike, or HTF*
bdcheung
06-03-08, 07:19 AM
Why did you start riding in the first place? Why did you start racing? Serious questions here. Sometimes when we lose passion for something, whether it be a job, a hobby, or a loved one, it's helpful to meditate on the origins of the missing feelings.
waterrockets
06-03-08, 07:26 AM
That's how I fell out of racing for 12 years. I don't regret missing those seasons at all. I needed the time away. I just did odd events, like 2-man TTTs, and the occasional Cat 5 circuit race. I coached, mentored, and took on new hobbies.
I've been back racing for a year now, and I'm really enjoying myself. I'm keeping the calendar really light though. I don't think I'll hit 10 races this year. No leg shaving, no TT bike, etc...
It sounds like you either need to try something different on the bike, or maybe a different bike (MTB), or just get some time off and let it go for a while. It's probably only taken me 18 months to go from Cat 5 fitness to beating 2s in races, so it will come back, and the rise through fitness is fun.
patentcad
06-03-08, 07:31 AM
Passion schmassion. Just go out and drope the friggin hamer.
Lithuania
06-03-08, 07:43 AM
i dont know if its the same for you but for me when I start having these problems its usually because my routine has been broken more than anything.
*new*guy
06-03-08, 08:02 AM
i'm with you. though i still ride between 250 and 400 a week i have only done a few races this year. i think part of it, for me, is that i really don't want to ever be a 2 so there's no real drive to go out and try to get an upgrade. i'm looking forward to track championships in august and cyclocross season starting shortly thereafter. i've been riding my track bike alot as well as my old steel battaglin... the "race" bike isn't even built up right now and that's fine with me.
bdcheung
06-03-08, 08:03 AM
jeez, 250 to 400 miles a week? insane... i can only dream of that kind of mileage!
patentcad
06-03-08, 08:06 AM
jeez, 250 to 400 miles a week? insane... i can only dream of that kind of mileage!
I was 250-400 miles weekly for the past two seasons, tapered down to 220-280 weekly these days. Can't race on 250+ miles per week, not enough rest days.
Racer Ex
06-03-08, 08:09 AM
I think this sport is mentally about as hard as any out there. I've done 40+ races this year counting track stuff and I can tell I'm sliding off the peak in a number of ways. Prior years I would start having DNF's but just kept going at it, I learned last year that a complete break is a good thing.
My suggestion would be to park the bike in the corner, and go live. Do whatever. Eat whatever. Hang with the wife and baby.
At some point you'll hear this little voice..."nice day out...a ride might be fun". Then you'll start riding a little more. Pretty soon on a ride you'll start thinking about some race where things went well and feel the tug. When you find yourself checking the racing schedule you'll know.
And I'd suggest start now. The longer you wait, the longer the burnout lasts.
ericcox
06-03-08, 08:14 AM
Around the time I had my first kid (4.5 years ago), I stopped riding for a while. I was never a serious racer, though I did race and officiate, but was pretty dedicated to getting on the bike. Fast forward to last year; I got a new bike on December 30, 2006 as a collective gift from my whole family for finally finishing my Ph.D. (in 2005 -- a little lag on the gift). My youngest was then 1.5, and I got back into riding and rediscovered the love.
The point? You aren't alone. If riding has become a chore, find something else to take up your time. When it is time to get back on the bike, you will know.
And, if all else fails, just get a new a bike and you'll want to ride it again ;).
*new*guy
06-03-08, 08:18 AM
jeez, 250 to 400 miles a week? insane... i can only dream of that kind of mileage!
my commute is 50 miles r/t these days so 250 is easy. i've only done 400 a few times and that meant riding 7 days a week... tough for anyone. my GF is training for a hilly century so we've been riding more on the weekends lately so i'm averaging 325 or so last few months.
Don't like that story? Find another that you can relate to.
Yeah, life gets in the way at times, time to re-evaluate, perhaps take some time off.
How long? That's up to you, but you've got good company out there also struggling at times.
Either that or HTFU and get 'er done! :thumb:
Stallionforce
06-03-08, 10:11 AM
Hey, we all burn out, doesn't matter what we do. It's a very rare % of the population that can simply fixate themselves forever on one thing. In the end, yes, they may become ridiculously successful in that narrow interest; but at the same time, I believe they alienate themselves from others; they become savants, in a way. Especially in cycling, the self-obsession is intense, it's incredible. I've never participated in anything quite like it in that regard.
I would say, don't despair, wh at you're experiencing is not only normal, it is validating your humanity. I'm taking this year off cycling competition altogether, with one or two L3/L4 sessions a week, and the rest exploring other ways to be healthy, gym, yoga, swimming, running, etc. I do miss the intensity of competition, but having taken a year off, I'm reconnecting with old friends, strengthening the bonds with family, and enjoying the rediscovery of old interests.
And, on top of it all, as waterrockets has mentioned, believe it or n ot, sometimes you come back after burnout stronger than you were before, not only because your motivation is increased, but because you've got things in better perspective, and this will make your training more focussed.
Whatever happens, good luck with it. In the end, if you're not having fun, why are you doing it if you're not a pro?
recursive
06-03-08, 10:35 AM
Oh, it's in my pants. Sorry about that.
WCroadie
06-03-08, 10:53 AM
I can relate, 8 month old at home, she's been sick for a 3 months and finally getting better, demanding 5yo at home too. My season has been disappointing, I had 1 good finish, 2 mechanicals including one saturday with 100m to go and I was sitting in 4th just ready to sprint, and several bone headed mistakes. I've been feeling really good in my training and training races but like all the Philly teams I blow it when it counts. I'm starting to question if it's worth all the time and dedication. Between work and house chores and training I have little free time. I still have the drive hoping a podium is in the near future.
Take some time off and see if you start missing the bike. Maybe you will rekindle the love of racing and come back strong the 2nd half of the season.
Bullseye
06-03-08, 11:21 AM
Stallionforce, a very insightful post. I'm going to reiterate a few of your snippets:
Especially in cycling, the self-obsession is intense, it's incredible. I've never participated in anything quite like it in that regard.
- definitely, I think this borders on the not-normal, and is something I'm constantly aware of.
I would say, don't despair, what you're experiencing is not only normal, it is validating your humanity.
There's a few reasons we ride our bikes so much - health, the joy of intensity, competition, self-motivation, et cetera. These are all great things. However, cycling isn't the only way to accomplish them, so I advocate adding some other things in the mix as well.
one thing that has worked for me is realizing how much I enjoy riding with the people on the group rides I do. That helped me realize that it wasnt all about the actual races and I got out of my funk.
isuffer
06-03-08, 12:26 PM
Usually, I'm the energizer bunny about training and racing, love it, and ride confidently. But right now, I'm frustrated and not getting along with bicycling very well ... blathering on BF is cheaper than a shrink and prozac. Maybe I should just buy a new bike, or HTF*
I went through the same ordeal. Last season, I put cycling, family, job, in order of importance. Then I got all stressed out because I wan't putting in the miles, no more fun, always stressed out and grumpy, but afterwards, I realized I had the order mixed up. Now, it's family, job, cycling. I realized it was okay to miss a ride or two and enjoy a weekend with my kids. This year is better than last but I've been considering taking next year off from racing. You know you're burned out when the feeling of butterflies in your stomach jbefore a race are gone.
MD, take a step back and regroup. Sounds like you need some time off. Best of luck.
cmh
06-03-08, 01:30 PM
Hi MD - I don't have much new to add to the thread, but I'll second the posts that suggest a little time off the bike. A family vaction would do wonders if that is possible. Maybe dabble in another sport to stay healthy - paddling, rock climbing, running?
aicabsolut
06-03-08, 02:31 PM
one thing that has worked for me is realizing how much I enjoy riding with the people on the group rides I do. That helped me realize that it wasnt all about the actual races and I got out of my funk.
I've hit a funk because a lot of my usual riding buddies are busier, have busted bikes, are out of town a lot, or whatever. I lack the motivation to trudge up MacArthur or to make myself dizzy at Hains solo most days, particularly now that it's hot out. After a sloth-like week, I will probably force myself out more next week, and then reward that effort with a change of scenery and some fun rides full of self-loathing in Charlottesville.
skinnyone
06-03-08, 02:54 PM
Remove bike computer, remove powertap, erase Chipcom and PCAD from your memory. Now go ride the bike and repeat as you feel like it. You can always next season.
Oh and most importantly. check out the ladies on the MUP ;).
Do you do a regular small group ride that is competitive? For the next couple of rides do the exact opposite of what you normally do. Instead of being the guy that tries to win the sprint, be the guy that leads someone out. Instead of being the guy that attacks, be the guy that brings everyone else up. It is fun to do this and it gives you a deep appreciation for your teammates that do these things for you. Because it is "fresh" it will help work through your current "blahs" and not be a negative on your fitness.
Yesterday I was scheduled to ride a 20 mile recovery ride... Haven't been feeling it lately, didn't want to ride. But wait, there are other options. What did I do? Put my board shorts on, pulled out my teal beach cruiser and went for a 10 mile cruiser ride along the beach path. Got the blood flowing (I was spinning out all over the place), looked cool, stalked chicks on the beach path, and laughed at the Freds rocking full kit in TT positions on the beach path. :lol:
Not sure if you have another bike, mtn. bike, cruiser, townie, but when I mix a ride on one of my other bikes it helps. If you're really burned out, do what Racer Ex suggested.
bdcheung
06-03-08, 04:40 PM
When I get really burned out I hop on the fixie and all my worries go away.
ridethecliche
06-03-08, 05:39 PM
Eat lots and lots of ice cream.
When you feel fat (and you will after doing it a few times) you'll want to go out and ride.
Now, where's my trainer? I need to make up for all the ice cream I ate last night!
Lithuania
06-03-08, 06:09 PM
i hate the word fixie with a passion
Creakyknees
06-03-08, 10:14 PM
I hate people who hate the word fixie with an even bigger passion.
.
Creakyknees
06-03-08, 10:19 PM
Now for the OP: the word you're looking for, I think, is "obligation." At least that's what it is for me. At root, this game's fun, dammit. But you hang around these racer types enough, they take all the fun out of it. Then you gotta "train" and all that crap. B effing S, I say. Ride your bike cause it's fun. Race cause it's fun. If it ain't fun, don't do it.
Or, you could just hop on your fixie.
.
Robobo1
06-03-08, 10:35 PM
I was 250-400 miles weekly for the past two seasons, tapered down to 220-280 weekly these days. Can't race on 250+ miles per week, not enough rest days.
:eek::eek::eek:
What did you do with Pcad?
forrest_m
06-03-08, 11:48 PM
Hi MD - I don't have much new to add to the thread, but I'll second the posts that suggest a little time off the bike. A family vaction would do wonders if that is possible. Maybe dabble in another sport to stay healthy - paddling, rock climbing, running?
I agree that it sounds like a break is what you need, but maybe not a lie-around-the-house, dabbling kind of break…
It’s funny, I’m just on the other side of this divide, cycling/racing is the new thing that I’ve dived into after 25 years of passionately devoting most of my free time to alpine climbing/mountaineering. Without really being consciously aware of it, for about a year or so before I got into road biking, I was feeling very lackluster, unmotivated, found myself always looking for excuses to bail out of plans, praying for bad weather, etc. In retrospect, no PhD in psychology required, a close friend was killed in an accident while I was a new dad and having an incredibly stressful 18-month stretch at work. Trying to keep up with my peers just wasn't feeling fun the way it used to. But, incredible as it seems looking back, I couldn't see it that clearly. I felt lame every time I skipped a workout or made a crappy excuse to cancel plans, but when I did go out, I spent most of the time wishing I were home. It was depressing, but I had so much of my self-identity tied up with being a climber, I kept making plans anyway, continuing the under-motivated cycle.
I didn’t consciously realize I was burned out until I bought a used road bike (on a whim, really), ostensibly for aerobic training, and within a few weeks found myself blowing off alpine plans to ride. Within a month I had decided I was going to start racing this season. It was such a revelation to really look forward to going out, instead of dragging myself out the door just because I felt like I ought to want to. I’m having a ball. It’s so fun to be on the steep part of the learning curve, feeling like something new and exciting is happening every time I line up, hell, every time I go on a hard group ride.
My wife is a bit bewildered that I’ve developed this sudden obsession with a completely different activity. You know, why do I have to go racing and train all the time when a year ago, I didn’t know Dura-ace from Tiagra. I guess the issue was that for me, it wasn’t enough to leave the intense sport and do something mellow – that just left a big hole in my life. What I needed was a different field in which to pour my energy and passion.
How does this relate to the OP? Just this: I know that I’ll go back to climbing one of these days, if for no other reason than that it seems highly unlikely I would ever get beyond being an almost-40 cat 3, whereas I’ve spent several decades actually getting pretty good at alpinism. I’m too tied to the culture, the dreams, the basement full of toys to give it up for good. But cycling certainly seems to be a good place to put my energy until climbing seems fun again. Maybe it would help to not just dabble in something else for a while, but to dive into it full force.
botto
06-04-08, 03:01 AM
i hate the word fixie with a passion
you're not alone.
king-tony
06-04-08, 06:13 AM
I hate people who hate the word fixie with an even bigger passion.
.
I hate passion.
UT_Dude
06-04-08, 06:44 AM
Yeah, I've been frustrated with racing all of the past 2 months or so. So, after Gila, I took 4 days off. Then, 3 weeks later after some more extremely frustrating finishes, I took another 4 days off, 2 easy days, then was going to get back in it, but got sick, and am just finishing up 5 non-planned days off. I *think* it's helped, but I'm having a hard time getting back on the bike now. Meh. We'll see, I guess.
bdcheung
06-04-08, 06:44 AM
I hate.
*new*guy
06-04-08, 07:02 AM
i hate the word fixie with a passion
agreed.
FatguyRacer
06-04-08, 07:08 AM
I hit a new low for me this year on last nights group ride. I didnt feel like it. So I didnt. When the group got to the bottom of the hill, i waved good bye and rode the rest of the route at my pace. Tonight is Greenbelt. Last week I had a good race and was hoping to build on it tonight. I dont feel like it. So I'm not going. I hope a day off will be good. I hav'nt have one in 8 days.
If the unplanned 102 mile ride I did on Sunday is any indication, then I can say the passion to ride is not gone, I had a great time, but the desire to kill myself right now for race fitness is. The Church Creek TT is comming up. I hope that goes well. If I manage to hammer out anything better than 65 minutes, I'll be happy.
Lithuania
06-04-08, 07:24 AM
MD, skip a race or two but continue to train and group ride and just watch. In like 2 or 3 weeks you will be dying to race again.
After my crash I took 2 full weeks entirely off the bike. I didnt need to do this physically I just was so out of it mentally that I needed to be away. After that I went right back to my normal routine and after 3 weeks of being back in the swing I am finding myself having to hold back on signing up for any old race. This is with still being scared to death of crashing again.
waterrockets
06-04-08, 07:26 AM
I finally figured out where you got a picture of a fat Stig. Top Gear did the Miami trip on BBC America. That was a funny episode.
FatguyRacer
06-04-08, 07:32 AM
I had this weird dream last night that I was watching Top Gear and they accidentally revealed who the Stig was by showing his face when he took his helmet off off camera. I didnt recognize him. So i guess we still dont know who he is.
waterrockets
06-04-08, 07:39 AM
Some say that if set alight, he'd burn for a thousand days.
fix
06-04-08, 09:08 AM
Take some time off, but be sure to schedule a few Tour viewing parties in July. That month always cures any burnout problems I may have.
kukusz
06-04-08, 09:22 AM
[snip] Or, you could just hop on your fixie.
.
Are you this guy (http://youtube.com/watch?v=4Yb9adf_8n8&feature=related)?
.
carbonjockey
06-12-08, 01:12 AM
true hipsters vehemently call their fixed gears "track bikes"- just thought i would straighten that out. now please excuse me while i go to starbucks on my track bike