Fifty Plus (50+) - Maybe it's just time to hang up my cleats (yes, it's long)

Sure, I know it's been a down year for me (going back to December last)… seems every time I've gotten a good start going, something comes along to derail me <sigh>. Still, it's been 6 months since I've climbed my local lungbuster or anything else of consequence. But I've been feeling fresh and strong and have recently had a major load lifted so it was time to give it a go. Now, I can get into the whole climbers' gestalt (c.f.; pain, suffering) but there was nothing fun about this at all. 8/10ths into a 2 mile climb, I bailed. I was beaten down like a bug. I didn't even know if I had enough to go back down the hill and get back home. Oh my gosh. Home. I still had to climb up the 14% bump up to my house. In spite of many things, I just can't believe I'm so much more incapable of what many of you can do… I am slowly coming to the understanding that my lung capacity has a much bigger bearing on my limits than I realized… or, maybe, accepted.

And then I went out Saturday… I got 18 miles in but halfway into it, I was feeling some deep residuals from my encounter with the steps last month. I didn't know if I would be able to make it back. I gutted out the discomfort and did make it home and it just wasn't any fun. I was just riding out of desperation.

And then there I am limping home, limping home -literally- and I feel this guy riding behind me. He finally comes up alongside me on his Felt ("You drafting me?") and he starts chatting me up. He's gotta be 15, 20 years younger than me, easy. I didn't even check out what gear he was using but his pace was sure quicker than I usually keep in the gear *I* was riding. But I couldn't lose face and shift down. And I had to keep up my end of the conversation so I couldn't sound like I was grabbing for air.I was being pushed... we finally went our separate ways and I was a little bummed.

Ok, there was *some* fun… people were just diggin' my World Champion SF Giants Jersey.

Still, I feel like I've lost my joy -but not my need- for hard miles.

You want sympathy or encouragement or reinforcement? Can't tell from your post. What I can say is that for all except the highly competitive racers there is really no reason to ride a bike unless you are having fun doing it. Actually except for survival things that put food on the table having fun is the key. So, if you aren't having fun, move on.

Suffering often leads to better days ahead. But, you already know this.

You want sympathy or encouragement or reinforcement? Can't tell from your post. What I can say is that for all except the highly competitive racers there is really no reason to ride a bike unless you are having fun doing it. Actually except for survival things that put food on the table having fun is the key. So, if you aren't having fun, move on.

+1 for having fun. I always feel like I have to push when I'm on my road bike. When it comes to the point that I have to force myself to ride, I pull out my hybrid. It doesn't have a computer so I can cruise at a comfortable speed and not feel like I should be going faster.

You want sympathy or encouragement or reinforcement? Can't tell from your post. What I can say is that for all except the highly competitive racers there is really no reason to ride a bike unless you are having fun doing it. Actually except for survival things that put food on the table having fun is the key. So, if you aren't having fun, move on.

Hm. I can't say I recognize your name so I'll assume you don't know me either. Rex Ipsa Loquitur. Still, I thank you for observations


Suffering often leads to better days ahead. But, you already know this.

I do, yeah... I guess, you know, I've had bad days, sure -really bad days- but the next time out has always been a restorative.
I'm not quite sure what Saturday's ride was. It's probably not fair to pass any judgement until I stop hurting from my fall.
Maybe I'm just doing too much too soon

Keep riding. It will get easier. Even if it isn't fun right now you are improving the quality of your life. A bad day of riding is so much better than a good day at the gym.

What i did after crashing twice in 3 months was drag out my Free Spirit( yes, its a Sears FS) with steel wheels and ride that as my recovering bike for my recovering rides. Wore sandals and just went along on my 34 pound 5 speed. I did this so i would not be tempted to do more than i was able to do until such time i was in condition to do more. Even after that i found out i could go 2 miles an hour uphill in a straight line and still remain upright. Even now i don't judge myself against others here, as we all have different abilities. If i feel like riding i do, if i don't, i don't. Hope this helps.

Keep riding. It will get easier. Even if it isn't fun right now you are improving the quality of your life. A bad day of riding is so much better than a good day at the gym.

+1

Maybe it's time to dial back your expectations a little? Go out and ride a bunch of easy rides. Don't worry about conquering the hills for a while. Get in a bunch of base miles and build your endurance and, above all, find some of the joy in it. There's time to climb the hills later.

Glad you are getting back together - you all ready know what get's said next - give it time.

"Go short" Grant Petersen.



Get in touch with your inner hippie.

Recovering from setbacks can take time. Patience is a virtue. Hopefully the fun will return.

One of the real issues in coming back from a major setback, whether physical (in Machka's case) or emotional (in my case) is that our expectations tend to be much higher than they should be. In other words, we expect to pedal right back up the hills at the same speed, or cover the same distances in the same time, as we did when we were at our peak.

The trouble is, achieving that peak required a fair bit of work beforehand, and that same amount of work is needed over a similar period for us to achieve what we want.

Our fitness does decline during our off periods; that is an inescapable fact. And there is an effect on our psyche that runs parallel with that decline. Maybe it's called frustration. It's result is a lack of motivation.

Maybe lower your expectations. Plan some rides that are Long Steady Distance, and plan routes that are pleasant rather than challenging. Then work your way back up again with a few hills.

I don't know about you, but for me, I am having to reassess what my riding goals are nowadays. Or simply, what sort of riding gives me the most pleasure.

I used to ride long randonnees and not really think much of it. Now, I am finding them not as appealing. I am wanting to get back to touring, because that's where my randonneuring -- in fact, my cycling -- started from. I'm negotiating with Machka on that, and our planned trip to Vancouver for 3 weeks in August might help achieve that end.

Maybe you will eventually reassess what various aspects of cycling mean for you. Hopefully, you don't dispense with it altogether, but you may find another aspect that appeals to you more... at least, for this moment.

I used to be able to slack off and gain weight and just do a 50 mile ride and I was ready for a century. As of a few years ago, (I'm 57), that no longer works. Even backing off a little has a profound effect on how I feel on a hard ride. Any fitness lost has to be fought for and it's easier to lose it these days.
I'm not gifted with a high Vo2, I have asthma, I have old mc injuries and I'm heavier than my riding friends. Still, I love riding and as long as I have fun it's easy to get myself out there even if I do get discouraged sometimes.
If the hills are kicking your butt maybe you sould stay away from them and work on your base.

edit: You don't really care what some random stranger thinks about what gear you are in or if you are gasping for air, do you?

I've never liked climbing. And yet, I still like cycling. You need to refocus.

You don't really care what some random stranger thinks about what gear you are in or if you are gasping for air, do you?

Well, no, not, really... sort of. I mean, ultimately I *do* ride for me and me, alone.
Still, pride is a funny thing. In a way, though, this was when I did find some joy on the ride... there I was, keeping up with this young buck, chatting away and I forgot about my discomfort/pain.I ended up taking one of the harder ways back home. I got to the top of my 14% hump, looked at my HR and it was actually 10BPM lower than it has been of late. That was encouraging enough that I felt that little twinge of sadness and regret as I circled around, cooled down and dismounted. No, I can't really give this up. You guys are all quite right... I just need to go a little easier until my back and hip stop bothering me.
In fact, I think I'll take a shortie 10 miler for lunch today.

Why should any of us expect to ride like we did when we were 20 - 30 years old. At 60 I do just fine, and am content just to ride. If the joy has been lost, maybe slowing down just a bit would help. Knowing that the cyclist 20 years our junior should be faster may be a help. I used to time myself when riding a particular route. Now I just ride for distance without timing.

Hm. Maybe I'm just doing too much too soon

Hm. Who's to say -------- but I feel it's likely, only because I regularly do just that.

Nice to hear from you again.

One bike I wish I'd kept was a 50 lbs at least 'Mighty Gundle' bakers boy bike made out of lead piping, single speed, geared to spin out at about 8 mph, with a big steel rack and a wicker basket on the front. I was just cool beyond belief on that thing in Brighton UK where they know all about cool, when I was 20

Browse the Pashley and Batavius sites for a work bike. Many of them can carry - ooh, maybe 14 banjos

OK, what I'm really saying - ditch the speed and steep targets, focus on the 'that was fun' targets

Kindly meant

In fact, I think I'll take a shortie 10 miler for lunch today.

There you go, keep it fun!

That coming back after a lay off is hard. I know as I am just doing it aswell. Nothing else to do but plug away and slow down. It's getting me back--Maybe not as quick as I like but I am getting there.

Hm. Who's to say -------- but I feel it's likely, only because I regularly do just that.

Nice to hear from you again.

One bike I wish I'd kept was a 50 lbs at least 'Mighty Gundle' bakers boy bike made out of lead piping, single speed, geared to spin out at about 8 mph, with a big steel rack and a wicker basket on the front. I was just cool beyond belief on that thing in Brighton UK where they know all about cool, when I was 20

Browse the Pashley and Batavius sites for a work bike. Many of them can carry - ooh, maybe 14 banjos

OK, what I'm really saying - ditch the speed and steep targets, focus on the 'that was fun' targets

Kindly meant

And taken as such... when are you coming back home? We must ride together.

OK, time to check the local weather and go suit up.

Hm. I can't say I recognize your name so I'll assume you don't know me either. Rex Ipsa Loquitur. Still, I thank you for observations



I do, yeah... I guess, you know, I've had bad days, sure -really bad days- but the next time out has always been a restorative.
I'm not quite sure what Saturday's ride was. It's probably not fair to pass any judgement until I stop hurting from my fall.
Maybe I'm just doing too much too soon

Nope I don't know you personally and I don't know what that phrase you posted means. But, I do know that when something that isn't necessary for survival isn't fun any more it is time to seriously consider stopping. That doesn't mean a person doesn't start it back up again later. It just means that if you aren't looking forward to each day's ride with eagerness and joy it is time to find something else.

I used to be a runner. Ran anywhere from 3 - 12 miles everyday with races and other things added on. Lots of days it HURT to get the shoes on and head down the road. But, I looked forward to the challenge and the fun. Then one day it wasn't fun. I tried to make it fun. But, it wasn't. Stopped running and took up other sports.

Right now I can't ride. I had an accident that gave me some serious trauma followed by some stupidity of ignoring it and pushing on. But, I will ride again as soon as I can because it is fun. It is part of me at this season of my life.

If it is fun for you by all means go back to riding. If it isn't don't let your ego or anyone else's push you back on the bike. Pain isn't the issue. Fun and self-satisfaction is.

It sounds to me that you don't want to quit ridding, but are just discouraged. I for one can empathize with you. I have been having a Low HR problem and can't seem to find the answer. From 165 to 123 for a long time. Now it's back up to 135 as a Max sustainable HR. This has made a huge difference in my cycling, and is extremely frustrating.
I have been tempted to quit on many occasions, but I just got this new bike just before I got I went down and I want to get my money's worth out of it. In order to do that I need to ride for another 30 years, or until I get to 101.
Good luck and maybe take it a little easer on yourself. That's what I need to tell myself anyway.

OP, I don't know you, but some observations from how you wrote your initial post.

(1) You may be suffering from mild depression

(2) Recovery will require both physical and emotional changes, so...

- disconnect the bike computer
- plan rides around simple, rewarding destinations: pie, coffee shop (decaf, of course) and newspaper, volunteering, antique shops, etc.
- ride with a neighbor or friend
- take it slow and breathe
- watch your fat and sugar intake - go for the fresh fruits and vegetables
- add in some other type of activity on alternating days: walks, yard work or cleanup, swimming at the Y, DIY project

(3) If a "down" attitude persists for more than two weeks, see a doctor and ask questions about why you feel this way. There may be physiological issues as well.

Good luck,
Phil

For those that do not know SKT- He does have or did have- a medical problem that he managed to overcome before his lay off AND wherever he goes in his local area he has hills. Don't mean slopes-They are hills.

I will agree about disconnecting the computer though. Stats mean nothing right now except to say how much you have lost over the winter. Looking at my stats depressed me after my winter layoff. But just plug away- get out of breath- gets the legs falling apart and then suddenly- it doesn't hurt quite so much. That is the time to start thinking "Can I do that hill in Middle ring". I know you won't be able to but its worth thinking about for 2 seconds before you come to your senses.

For those that do not know SKT- He does have or did have- a medical problem that he managed to overcome before his lay off AND wherever he goes in his local area he has hills. Don't mean slopes-They are hills.

I will agree about disconnecting the computer though. Stats mean nothing right now except to say how much you have lost over the winter. Looking at my stats depressed me after my winter layoff. But just plug away- get out of breath- gets the legs falling apart and then suddenly- it doesn't hurt quite so much. That is the time to start thinking "Can I do that hill in Middle ring". I know you won't be able to but its worth thinking about for 2 seconds before you come to your senses.

LOL... that's assuming I have any senses to come to!

Yes, sorry I didn't amplify -I forget there are many here who have not followed my exploits- but I do have a couple of things holding me back.
I am hypertensive and currently medically restricted to efforts up to 170BPM (used to be 165, so progress there. yay).
I also have asthma and, on a good day, operate on about 60-70% of normal capacity. Effort requires oxygen so that's a real problem there.
There's also that poundage thing... I weigh between 195-200 lbs. Too much, really, though more of that weight is muscle now than it was 4 years ago :)
I have let none of these things stop me.

My hills out of town (primarily west to east) are fairly short -2 miles or so- but average at least 10% over their distance. They're steep.
Even north-to-south is pretty uneven with some fairly stiff but short inclines and to get home involves a nice, short 14% climb

I have been riding this year but my mileage is so uneven. Still, I've felt fresh and strong.. I'm consistently pushing gears now that were unheard of even just last year. This is why my "setback" is so unnerving. The other thing is, I had a bad day. So what? Nothing new there. But I've never had 2 bad days in a row.
Granted, the 2nd day was a result of lingering issues from my fall a month ago and, once I overlooked that, it wasn't a bad ride... but I do see that healing is holding me back some and will be more prolonged than I had hoped.

Anyway, I did go out yesterday to do 10 miles. Ended up doing 11 :D
Didn't push too hard but didn't hold back a whole lot either.

So are you going to hang up the cleats and ride platform pedals? :) :) Nothing wrong with that! I rode a century + 12 miles on platform pedals.

Don in Austin

So are you going to hang up the cleats and ride platform pedals? :) :) Nothing wrong with that! I rode a century + 12 miles on platform pedals.

Don in Austin

Well, good on YOU, man... I've never even done a century (other than one, count 'em, one metric) in cleats
My hat is off to you!

Before you go out and someone's butt you gotta kick your own first. Get kickin'.

You gotta have sticktoitiveness!

Well, good on YOU, man... I've never even done a century (other than one, count 'em, one metric) in cleats
My hat is off to you!

I can brag that I did a century on platform pedals wearing levi shorts and a cotton T-shirt. I can brag that it was all around the city of Austin with a lot of stop and go. I can brag that I then met my friends and rode 12 miles -- including steep hills -- an hour after my century. I can't brag about how long the century took me! :) :) At least I started after breakfast and finished before dinner -- I am saying no more about the elapsed time. :) :)

Don in Austin

You could also consider some cross training.

I literally have to.

It can make a big difference when coming back from injury or illness.

So are you going to hang up the cleats and ride platform pedals? :) :) Nothing wrong with that! I rode a century + 12 miles on platform pedals.

Don in Austin

+1 for the joke

+2 for being such a Fred and doing a century that way!

Us over 50 guys can show our stubbornness by not giving a rat's patootie about what others think of us.

SKT, I didn't know anything about your condition until reading this thread. I am trying to deal with my own issues in finding time to ride, and excuses why I don't do it more (too hot, I'm too tired, too busy, wish I had a road bike now...) It sounds like your most recent posts that you're on the right track. A positive mental attitude is so important, and I keep having to remind myself of that. If the hills are killing you, is there any places you can transport your bike to that's reasonable close and flatter so you can just spin and work on your aerobic conditioning and legs?

I'm really thinking abut toe clips for my touring bike, but I can't make up my mind.

Hmm... how about a century with clipless pedals and no shoes ? No, all kidding aside, I know that as I've gotten older, the results of my getting banged up from a crash or a wipeout is more .. shall we say .. visible ? than from when I was younger. Along with that comes a longer time to recover. That means that every time I go out after something like that I know that I've go to take a half step back in my plan and that once in a while I'll have to go to Plan B.

A serious incident can also put some real doubt in your mind, especially if you start dwelling on it. For me, that means getting back in the saddle or in the case of winter, getting the skis back on and moving on. If there's something physical going on that won't let me do anything strenuous, I'll work on some other aspect. As long as there is no danger of making things worse, then there is always something you can work on. It may be at a reduced intensity or at a slower pace but the improvement in conditioning will come along.

Many of us seem to have an expectation of consistent recovery but let's face it, setbacks are normal. Listen to what your body tells you and keep at it.
At this point I agree with disconnecting the computer and not looking at the numbers. You need to do what feels right not what you think is right. Once you start feeling better about yourself you can hook it up and start trying to see if you're improving.

Doing some breathing exercises off-bike should help you. One of the biggest sins that I commit while climbing hills is to forget to breathe properly. I started using a technique that some people use from yoga that comes from the phrase "Breathe through your eyes" - proper abdominal breathing. I have to constantly remind myself to do that, especially during a long climb or during a sprint. As time went on, I've found that my recovery time from climbs has shortened considerably.

Take your time and be patient.

Well, folks, the computer isn't the problem... never has been. I collect numbers but I've never been ruled by them.
Believe me, whatever complaints I have about reduced performance is strictly from feel.
I do realize that a large part of my problem right now is that I am not fully healed (apparently some cause for concern to my Doc; he wants to see me next week)
So, until I am, I have kept to 11-20 mile rights staying in the -ha ha- flat lands.
At least if I go N-S, the climbs are mostly single digit grades and none are more than 1/4 mile or less (OK, we have some 2 mile long 3% climbs but they are no sweat to me) and even the stiffer climbs are short. It's the E-W stuff that I'll just avoid for the nonce.
I am very aware of belly breathing and I do focus on it during hard climbs but if you don't know asthma let me tell you... if your trachea and bronchial tubes tighten up, you ain't gonna get air down to your diaphragm. And, even then, with 60-70% lung capacity, you run out of wind, fast.

So, I've been going out and just pushing along my home town loop and enjoying it just fine.
I have it in my head now that that's what it's gonna be for a while and that's cool.

Went out today on the steelie, in fact, and put up another 11.5 miles on the board.
Still, how pitiful is this year? With that 11.5 miles this is still only my 2nd best month with 108 miles accumulated.
And, nooooo, it's not the lack of miles that perturbs me... it's the lack of time on the bike.

I'm really thinking abut toe clips for my touring bike, but I can't make up my mind.

I made the decission to go with toe clips on my singlespeed as well as my touring bike. Every bit as efficient and i get to cycle in my VANS !