Northern California - Burnout! What do you do?

Something I don't see too much discussion about here...:(

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Burnout.jpg

I'm going to be perfectly honest with everyone here...sometimes I know I'm a little too honest to the point of it being uncomfortable, but here I go anyway...
I've been in this really uncomfortable rut lately, so I tried to pinpoint what is going on right now.

Well...I think I'm officially suffering from the dreaded..."CB", or "Cycling Burnout" I did some researching on the subject and compiled some really good information.

All the warning signs have presented themselves clearly. Last year I think I may have over done it just a bit, with over 10,000 miles for the year and then over-training to the point of getting sick in the first part of this season. It really takes a lot of psyching oneself up to keep up a schedule for Spring century riding-at least for me. It's just been one of those years where there is so much going on in my personal life, with way too many side show distractions going on.

I think I need to change my methodology this year. I need to make some middle of the river choices, which may not be a great idea, but at this point I'm quite desperate. I'm having issues with just getting out for a ten mile ride. I have to change my mental attitude. There's just no enthusiasm at this point, so here are some thoughts and tactics I may pursue.

Social cycling: I think the B&B Slowpoke rides are good for me. I think just giving myself a break and enjoying the social aspects of riding and camaraderie. Not too much though, I would imagine that I could get quite used to riding below my fitness level. I have to remind myself that I'm really getting older and I just can't keep up that youthful intensity.

It's hard to get out even solo cycling when I don't even know if I'll have a job the following week, so I have a tendency to get into this negative thinking cycle. I need to be able to remove myself from that and being with friends will help.

Rest: Schedule easy days, including one or more days off from cycling each week. I have this compulsive thinking that I will lose fitness if I miss a day or two of cycling. But that's simply not true. In fact, studies show that scheduling a few easy days (called tapering) before a race or tour will help us perform better.

Cross-train: Maybe getting myself involved in other forms of exercise. Not sure what, but maybe just doing more walking, maybe getting back into tennis, or something like shooting hoops.

Listen to my body: Maybe getting on a purposeful diet. I could use to gain some weight. I'm definitely lacking in energy.

Adding variety: Probably more fixed gear training. Some power training and hill work...short interval.
Reward myself: More coffee and donuts...little rewards. Out and backs to coffee shops and bakeries.
Having fun; less beating myself up: I don't have to stay up with those guys at the front...I'm 54 years old, they're in their 20's/30's for the most part.

Intelligent Philosophy: Is the earth going to open up and swallow me if I only ride for 30 minutes today instead of one hour? Who is really going to know or care in five years whether I met my quota or not? In five years, I probably won't even know or care.
The only thing that will be important then is that I am still cycling, I'm still healthy, and having fun. Maintaining a flexible routine now is the best assurance that this will happen. Make cycling a healthy habit, a commitment for the rest of my life.
;)

As your evil twin, I have looked into your mind have have the following:

You are not stopping often enough to chat up the womenz folk.
Whilst riding, you must remember being 10 years old as often as possible
Riding is fun, not a job. You will never win the Tour, or any money at all. Being faster will not make you happier, so just peddle and enjoy.
If you have any cycling finery, you can cleanse you spirit by giving said finery to... ahhh... me.
No more goals for a while. Ride til you don't want to, then go home.
It's OK to take some time off.
Gotta remember why you like to ride, then do more of that.

As your evil twin, I have looked into your mind have have the following:

You are not stopping often enough to chat up the womenz folk.
Whilst riding, you must remember being 10 years old as often as possible
Riding is fun, not a job. You will never win the Tour, or any money at all. Being faster will not make you happier, so just peddle and enjoy.
If you have any cycling finery, you can cleanse you spirit by giving said finery to... ahhh... me.
No more goals for a while. Ride til you don't want to, then go home.
It's OK to take some time off.
Gotta remember why you like to ride, then do more of that.


Point taken! Thank you "Evil Twin":thumb:

You might try out some new routes. A little variety never hurt. Maybe some out to a destination type rides. Since summer is coming, ride somewhere and have an ice cream. Either that or just take a good break.

Rest: Schedule easy days, including one or more days off from cycling each week.

I usually take two, sometimes three days off a week. Seems to keep my legs fairly fresh and I rarely feel burnt-out. You should try it. Good luck!

as others have said, variety is the spice of life - without it, things seem dull. maybe you should try another discipline of cycling, like mountain biking or cyclocross - that would sure keep things interesting. also, I agree with everything that has been said so far. there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing".

Since summer is coming, ride somewhere and have an ice cream. :thumb:

but I don't understand what summer has to do with it ...:innocent:

It sounds like you've already given this a lot of thought Pete. I'd actually like to try a slowpoke/social ride - my riding time is so limited I always feel torn between putting in what I perceive to be quality/challenging miles myself versus trying to catch up with friends. Truth be told, I've not often felt I've been able to perfect the "social ride" thing, clearly I need more practice.

Have you pinpointed what it is that really inspires you when you have a great ride? Does your proposal of fixed gear, power and hill training make you hungry for the burn, or just want to get it out the way so you can reap the anticipated benefit?

For me, often my most emotionally satisfying rides are solo. Perhaps it's something about beating a familiar climb that always pushes me to my limit, or perhaps the gentle breeze at my back, or the way the sun hits the hills just-so. Whatever it is, I always know I'm in for a good ride, when I'm about 20mins in, and all I can focus on are what my senses are telling me then and there. The constant work/family/whatever background noise has melted away and I'm in my zone.

I'm wondering if you can bias your riding to what will give you the most satisfaction?

Whenever I feel a little dose of burnout coming on I take a rest day and eat whatever I want. No cycle-rexia diet restrictions whatsoever. The next day is a light day instead of a hammer fest, even with lots of energy coursing through legs from pigging out a little the day before.

I go for what I call a "Why I like to ride my bike" ride. I go explore a new neighborhood or find a new route in an old familiar part of town. For me it brings back a feeling I used to have on a bike when I was ten years old and just tooling around enjoying the freedom of two wheels.

These rides are slow, meandering and more about the soul than the body.
So my recipe seems to be-

Day1: Rest and Feed the Body

Day2: Ride easy and Feed the Soul

Day3: Look out world, because I've got the good legs back today!

Pete,
I know what you mean in several areas and I'll tell you what I've done. To start, I've really put my priorities in perspective and in this order:

1) Trips with my wife in our new RV which includes riding at different places
2) Church
3) Work, chores, needed around the house
4) Cycling

Now some may say I'm crazy but I've found that there are more important things in life than just riding on the weekends.


Social cycling: I've belonged to ACTC for quite a few years but never really rode much with the members. This year I've done a lot more club riding which helps me get connected to people of my same level and like you I have to remind myself that I'm not getting any younger, but I'm getting better at climbing. I've also enjoyed the members because a lot of them are my age.


Rest: I used to ride every day to work but now I do take a couple of days off of the bike and use the spinner at lunch.

Cross-train: Intense Yoga twice a week and weight (strength) training 2 days a week.

Listen to my body: Diet. This one my wife helped me with. No more junk food or no more processed food. My wife is a great cook and now with this new diet I've lost 10 more lbs. and down to 190. Oh the last thing lots of vitamins.

Adding variety: I like this one. I do lunch time rides up Calaveras Road, or take a day off from work during the week to do a 40-50 mile ride with some of the retired guys from ACTC. Nice paced rides and like you having fun and I don't have to stay up with those guys at the front...I'm 53 years old.

Intelligent Philosophy: On this one, we're pretty much on the same page. After quitting competitive cycling at the age of 21 because of a drug addiction that lasted almost 20 years. A smoking habit that lasted 20 years, I finally went back to cycling 3 years ago. Cycling brought me back to life. The best part of it is that I'm still healthy, and having fun. That's the reason I started to ride over 35 years ago.

Hope this helps Pete.

Well Pete, I can believe burnout, I used to wonder in amazement (your energy level) all you used to do, night rides, Polo fields, long rides, taking the Bart and Caltrain to all kinds of rides, I used to say "how does he do it?"

I think the social rides will be a good thing because it's fun. (hopefully!..haha)

Crosstraining. For myself what works is long walks in lieu of riding, I go from the Richmond dist through the Presidio to the Marina and looking for interesting photos along the way. One of these days, I want to walk from here to Market St. If you feel like more intensity, you can do walk/jogs.

Ride only when you really feel like it.

Cycling. I do about three 25-30 mile (more or less) rides on week days (sometimes with hammering if I feel like) plus a longer ride on Sunday. On many rides I just go pretty easy, I guess whatever would be 65-75% max for you. Constant hard hammering every ride can tire the mind out, it does me.

Take a nap daily if you can, even half hour to recharge the body. (mainly for old relics like me)

That's about what I can offer. :thumb:

It might be fun to mentor someone. I've got kids for that. I really enjoy riding with my son. My daughter isn't showing any interest yet.

Excellent points of view everyone!

I usually take two, sometimes three days off a week. Seems to keep my legs fairly fresh and I rarely feel burnt-out. You should try it. Good luck!

Dude, I only ride 1-2 days a week! I feel like a slacker now!

But seriously, I had a 3 week stretch recently where I was only getting 50 miles a week. When I picked up on the riding after I really did feel stronger than ever so sometimes you just need to ease off and let your body recuperate from the cumulative effects of lots of time in the saddle.

Get a Mountain Bike...
Ride dirt instead of road...
Wear baggy shorts instead of lycra.

Having fun; less beating myself upPete, I think this is the key.

It sounds like you're treating cycling too much like a job, so of course motivation is going to be tough and burnout is going to rear its ugly head. You should be having fun! You should look forward to the next time you can ride. Get out there, have some fun, clear your head, and go at whatever pace strikes you that day.

I think you'd really like the B&B rides, and on top of that, adding some B&B-esque elements to your harder rides would likely help a lot.

It's an enjoyable activity. Enjoy it. :)

Pete, I think this is the key.

It sounds like you're treating cycling too much like a job, so of course motivation is going to be tough and burnout is going to rear its ugly head. You should be having fun! You should look forward to the next time you can ride. Get out there, have some fun, clear your head, and go at whatever pace strikes you that day.

I think you'd really like the B&B rides, and on top of that, adding some B&B-esque elements to your harder rides would likely help a lot.

It's an enjoyable activity. Enjoy it. :)

I've done a couple of the B&B rides, they are quite enjoyable.:thumb:

I vote for the cross-training idea. Find another sport you like to do. Then alternate days between biking and the other sport. That works for me. I alternate between tennis and cycling.

The mellow ride idea is also great. We had a real mellow ride down the coast for our "EZ Century". It was so refreshing, so...well.... mellow. No competitive Gladiator stuff. I really enjoyed it. 'Course it helps to ride with people you like too.

Good luck, Pete. Know that you have a lot of friends on here who wish you well.

Not sure about you, but usually, when I get burned out, it's not so much riding the bike, but it's more of not being in the right crowd. I usually find myself being too slow for one group, too fast for another. I keep trying to ride, thinking that some day, there will be someone in my skill level, but lately, it's the same crowd, and I'm not getting any better ... just older.

I suddenly had the realization, when riding with my friends here, that I was more fit than I thought I was. They said I was really looking good and strong, but I guess it's the crowd I ride with? On the one hand, I want to enjoy myself, but on the other hand, I want to get better. Such a dilemma.

But be careful. My other life is tennis*. I play almost every weekday. Cross training is just another opportunity for obsession. Not that it's a bad thing.


* I suck at that too, and it's worse because they keep score....

Tennis would be a nice cross training event ... but if you saw me, you would encourage me to go cycling ... just think of an asian John McEnroe ... bad bad temper tandrum!

I've done a couple of the B&B rides, they are quite enjoyable.:thumb:Then here's your sign:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b359/x136/rides/Easy%20Century%202009/img_1663.jpg

:thumb:

another opportunity for obsession.Steel (racquets) are real!

The mellow ride idea is also great. We had a real mellow ride down the coast for our "EZ Century". It was so refreshing, so...well.... mellow. No competitive Gladiator stuff.'Cept for those coupla chowdaheads on Cloverdale... :P


I really enjoyed it. 'Course it helps to ride with people you like too.Yeah, if I had rides like that (fun rides with a fun group) all the time, I don't know that I'd even bother looking for another job. Bike bum-dom would be a-callin'!

It's pretty hard for me to relate to the burnout issue since I only ride on the weekends.

But I've got two primary motivations for riding: 1) it's fun and 2) it addresses my theory that at our age (believe it or not, there are people older than Pete), it really helps slow down the aging process and the muscle deterioration. This is otherwise known as the Use It or Lose It theory.

Most people on this forum hate running, but that's all the time that I have during the week. If your body can take it, it's really good at maintaining the cardiovascular system and it seems to use a different set of leg muscles.

Signing up for races and the fear of failure in said races are also good motivators.

Your elderly friend, Cliff.

Steel (racquets) are real!

I prefer wood racquets! :thumb:

I prefer wood racquets! :thumb:Are wooden racquets still being produced? The only ones I've ever used are 30+ years old and have small heads on 'em compared to the giant fishnet racquets of today.

I prefer wood racquets! :thumb:

I have two wooden racquets...I challenge you to a duel!:crash:

Pete, feel free to join us on some Canada night rides. We are thinking of making the weekday rides more tempo, steady pace, not too hard, so that the legs are fresher for the weekend. I was thinking, San Mateo to woodside with some kind of little loop and back.

Pete, I love your transparency. You could totally avoid that, yet you face it head-on. Bravo on your courage!

I've experienced burn-out a couple of times. When it was bike-related I power-walked the Schipperkes (they got tired of hearing "It's a walk, not a sniff!") and left the bike alone until it was the one thing I craved. The other suggestions offered have worked well for me.

I also practiced self-hypnosis and relaxation and that was a huge benefit. In 20 minutes I went from stress-puppy to the Queen of Calm. It's a valuable skill that I continue to use.

And for the "cycling makes me feel like I'm 10 yrs. old" comments -- yeah, me too. That's the bottom line for me -- being the proud parent of a happy inner child.

I'll keep a good thought for you and your situation, Pete. I can't wait to ride another century with you!

Ummm, read the reply below. I'm clearly internet challenged. :)

Pete, I'm a newb to this forum and a definitely not capable of the miles you can do on a bike. So, take this with a grain of salt. I think cycling is such an integral part of your identity that you feel an obligation to be involved...to ride as often as possible. Obligations are too much like work. Find something else to do. Take a break. Hiking, knitting, rugby...or just people watching from the local coffee shop. Cycling will eventually become less routine and more fun, as it should be. As a daily commuter(mostly), I've struggled with the same issues. the only solution was to stop cycling for a while, or take up a different type of cycling. Mt. Biking has rekindled my fire more than once. It's ok to take time off or do something different. You've definitely earned it.

Tom

Buy book, learn something new. Balance this new activity with your cycling. Maybe 80% cycling to 20% your new hobby (or old or existing hobby). Or whatever percentage you like.

Hi Pete,

Sounds like you've got a good plan to follow, hope to see you on one of the social rides. :) :thumb:

Pete,

There's some great suggestions here and I especially like mhendricks' list about focussing on the "big rocks" and Red Riders' relaxation and meditation. If there's a Yoga class available to you, I suggest giving that a go. It's a workout yet a relaxing and meditative at the same time.

*note: I too need to get on more long distance social rides. I've done too many "short and fast training" rides that it almost seems detrimental to my fitness.

Pete:

Here is another angle entirely. I could be way wrong, but it is worth considering, if only to eliminate it as a possibility.

Some of what you describe sounds like symptoms of depression. For example, losing interest in things that you enjoy is one possible symptom. (And no, it is not the only symptom and, by itself, is not enough for a depression diagnosis.)

What made me think of this is your mentioning that there are other areas of your life that are causing stress (such as the stress of an uncertain job future) and/or being adversely affected.

So my suggestion - go get a physical if you haven't had one in a while, tell your doc what you have told us, and ask him/her about depression. Your doc will/should to discuss your symptoms, check various other potential physical causes (thyroid levels, for example) and, if those test negative, be willing and able to talk to you about the various light-duty anti-depressants out there.

I mention this because what you describe resonated with me. I have been on antidepressant medication for 10+ years now, and I wish I had started earlier than that. This may or may not be a part of what ails ya, but what you describe is similar enough to what I was feeling that I think it is worth checking out. It couldn't hurt, and it might help.

I don't have any advice--I have such limited time for riding that I love to go out whenever time permits--but I just wanted to say I love ya man! You are a great guy and a joy to have on any ride, from a long hammerfest to a social ride. I hope we get to ride together a LOT more in 2009!

Pete:

Here is another angle entirely. I could be way wrong, but it is worth considering, if only to eliminate it as a possibility.

Some of what you describe sounds like symptoms of depression. For example, losing interest in things that you enjoy is one possible symptom. (And no, it is not the only symptom and, by itself, is not enough for a depression diagnosis.) Nail on the head! Kreskin!

What made me think of this is your mentioning that there are other areas of your life that are causing stress (such as the stress of an uncertain job future) and/or being adversely affected.

So my suggestion - go get a physical if you haven't had one in a while, tell your doc what you have told us, and ask him/her about depression. Your doc will/should to discuss your symptoms, check various other potential physical causes (thyroid levels, for example) and, if those test negative, be willing and able to talk to you about the various light-duty anti-depressants out there.
Just got the physical, upped anti-depression medication, they can't find anything that works right now...

I mention this because what you describe resonated with me. I have been on antidepressant medication for 10+ years now, and I wish I had started earlier than that. This may or may not be a part of what ails ya, but what you describe is similar enough to what I was feeling that I think it is worth checking out. It couldn't hurt, and it might help.

so I'm trying some alternatives to jump start my mindset in a positive direction.

Un-fortunately Crack cocaine, alcohol, meth and heroin work great at first, but for some reason have a negative backlash!:lol:

This works for me :-)

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Triumph-SpeedTripled-small.jpg

Un-fortunately Crack cocaine, alcohol, meth and heroin work great at first, but for some reason have a negative backlash!:lol:Gateway drugs, the lot of 'em. Ask my about my sulfuric acid addiction. http://www.bikeforums.net/mysmiliesvb/mysmilie_15.gif

Seriously though, Pete, best of luck finding something that works for you. I think I can safely speak for most here when I say we're rooting for you. :)

so I'm trying some alternatives to jump start my mindset in a positive direction.

Un-fortunately Crack cocaine, alcohol, meth and heroin work great at first, but for some reason have a negative backlash!:lol:

Don't ignore your food either! It's pretty well documented that refined sugar is a bad thing for people with depression - the swings in your blood sugar level can screw up lots of stuff. Caffeine may not be such a good thing either - a cup of coffee is probably fine, but 3 or more in the morning can overwhelm your adrenal system. Eat healthy, and everything in moderation......

Like others have already said, you've made lots of friends here and we're all pulling for you.

JB

Burnout is part of life. We all go through it at some time and it touches all aspects of life; work, family life, and pleasures. Too much of anything doesn't seem to work at all and eventually result in more stress.
Hardcore cycling can be very stressful as we want to improve, be faster, climb better all of which requiring hard and discipline training. It's tough for a pro who has money and glory as a carrot but for us amateurs with nothing other than personal egos to boost it's an additional stress over our already stressful life. The more stress I have in my work or personal life the tougher it seems to get on the bike (wasted hours, putting pleasure over work...) yet I need the time off and I need the exercise.
I do believe in the phrase "Sane mind lives in a healthy body". I am more effective at work when I exercise, I have a more positive outlook on life when I exercise, I am friendlier with others when I exercise. For it to work the exercise has to be fun. A tired body is not a healthy one, a dead body will never be healthy again. I cannot stand indoor activities for very long, I hate gyms and torture machinery, I have never been fan of running long distance (the knees don't like it anyway). For me it's biking, it has been good to me as I feel better than 10 years ago. I do not compete against others, as a 50+ I had my days so I leave the field to the young studs, it's just me against me. I have goals but they are never in stone, they are loose dreams that may or may not happen, I won't stress over them. My body decides when to stop I will challenge it but I won't force it. If there's no fun I won't make progress anyway and the meaning of cycling would be lost so it's not worth going that route.
As others have mentioned: define why you bike (being outdoors, meeting people, keeping healthy, getting rid of stress), define what are your goals (keep it realistic according to time, age, current shape), define what makes it fun (that's the priority), alternate with other fun activities (not necessarily physical ones, something such as music, photography, time with spouse, kids, and friends would work as well), don't be afraid to take days off (all training regimen recommend a day off per week, as a 50+ two or three days off are not a shame, if it's a week or two off why not).
First of all don't fight the burnout, it's normal, it's your body and mind saying slow down a bit, make it more fun, not a workout.

Yep, I've gotten sick of cycling. When I feel like it's something I have to do, it's just not any fun.

I had done 9 200Ks in the quest for an R-12 last year when I realized it had become a chore. It's a bummer there is no R-9 award. :D

Pete, I can't help you with depression or anxiety about your job situation. But I can tell you, life is short. Cherish those things you love. Look for the little things that give you joy in each day and focus on those.

Go riding with your wife, haul along a picnic lunch and take pictures.

Veronica

What an awesome thread this has become.

Yep, I've gotten sick of cycling. When I feel like it's something I have to do, it's just not any fun.

Pete, I can't help you with depression or anxiety about your job situation. But I can tell you, life is short. Cherish those things you love. Look for the little things that give you joy in each day and focus on those.

Go riding with your wife, haul along a picnic lunch and take pictures.

Veronica

Pete, I think Princess Zippy hit the nail on the head. I sometimes get burned out too, not in cycling but other activities in life. I step back from that particular activity and simply do other things until I have the desire to go back.

What an awesome thread this has become.

At the risk of getting all mushy (like, don't try this in the road forum) this thread (and our buddy Pete) are the reason I like BF and continue to pay money for an internet connection.

:love:

Crap, I'm even doing heart smileys now. I need to HTFU.

At the risk of getting all mushy (like, don't try this in the road forum) this thread (and our buddy Pete) are the reason I like BF and continue to pay money for an internet connection.

:love:

Crap, I'm even doing heart smileys now. I need to HTFU.

+ 1:thumb:

It's like hanging out at the tavern, crying in your beer with friends, but minus the hangover!

At the risk of getting all mushy (like, don't try this in the road forum) this thread (and our buddy Pete) are the reason I like BF and continue to pay money for an internet connection.

:love:

Crap, I'm even doing heart smileys now. I need to HTFU.GROUP HUG!


+ 1:thumb:

It's like hanging out at the tavern, crying in your beer with friends, but minus the hangover!Hey, I can fix that. Next round's on me!

*note: I too need to get on more long distance social rides. I've done too many "short and fast training" rides that it almost seems detrimental to my fitness.

Henry, that's what happened to me last year -- too much training and not enough non-training riding. I got all out of balance and sometimes I could hardly move my legs at all, let alone fast.

Until my crash I had a really nicely-balanced schedule of training, fun and rest. I hope you find your happy place in your riding soon.

Meth and heroin have adverse consequences? Well ***** howdy, maybe that's what I'm doing wrong. :p

So, to recap the lessons learned here:

1. Burn-out happens.
2. Depression happens.
3. There are various ways available to try to work through either or both.
4. Alcohol, heroin, licking toads, etc., are probably not the best of those various ways.
5 There are a lot of really neat people here in the NorCal forum.
6. The Road forum is dominated by ill-mannered louts.
7. The B&B Slowpoke Series is the greatest idea since sliced bread.

Okay, that last one is merely an opinion based on sketchy info in this thread and inferences bordering on leaps of faith, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it. :D