tekhna

Which do you guys do? I sort of like the nap and then ride, I am a little groggy for a bit but then I feel pretty good. I really don't like riding, showering and then conking out for a bit, I feel really gross. Is there a training difference either way?

Machka 

Why do you need to nap before or after a ride?

linux_author

- when i was young, i napped before a ride...

- but now that i'm older, i sleep before i ride, then take a nap later in the afternoon ...

:-)

Machka 

Do you nap before and after EVERY ride? Why???

I'm sorry, but I'm really trying to figure out this out. I've never heard of naps being a necessary part of training ... nor do I nap before or after my rides. I tend to prefer to do my sleeping at night.

kuan

I take a nap almost every afternoon, ride or no ride.

linux_author

- ah... i see you're not retired? naps aren't a necessary part of my training, but a luxurious indulgence... because i can... my days involve a heavy workout upon waking (and a small repast)... following cool-down and other chores at the homestead, a nap is in order following the mid-day repast (sometimes later, such as from 1530 - 1630)...

- this enables me to more fully cater to the whims and needs of my younger, still-working wife...

:-)

Machka 

No, I'm definitely NOT retired. I'm in University full-time, working a little more than part-time, and trying to maintain my fitness level for my Randonneuring and touring by cycling and working out as much as I can.

There's no time for sleep!!

kf5nd

I nap after riding more than 30 miles or so... it just feels so good. Sleep is good. As I get older, I need my rest more (age 44.5)

tekhna

I am full time at college as well, and am ungodly busy. I think the reasoning behind napping is twofold.
1. Possibly one of the most glorious acts a human can partake in.
2. Extra shot of growth hormones. Or so the training bible says.

linux_author

- that explains much...

- i salute you! [deep bow]

:-)

p.s. take a nap at least once in a while and remember what it was like to dream in the twilight of wakefulness!

Machka 

Thanks! My websites (below) have stories and photos of many of those Randonneuring endeavors ... and actually when I'm on a particularly long Randonneuring event (600K, 1000K, 1200K) all I do is nap! I don't cycle fast enough to be able to get anything remotely like a good night's sleep. I've discovered the benefits of the 10-minute nap.

Which brings me to another point ... that business of "feeling gross" after napping.

The body's REM cycle operates in 90 minute segments. You go through a full sleep cycle every 90 minutes (adults do, kids are more like 45 minutes). Therefore if you can sleep a multiple of 90 minutes, you can wake up refreshed and ready to go. For example, suppose you've got final exams to study for ... instead of pulling an all-nighter, plan to get 1.5 hours (90 minutes) or 3 hours (2x90 minutes) of sleep and you will wake fairly refreshed and ready to go. Same goes for the Randonneuring stuff. But a tip ... plan on slightly more than exactly 1.5 hours or 3 hours or whatever to allow yourself a few extra minutes to actually fall asleep.

On the other hand, if you can't afford a full 90 minutes of sleep, it is better to get less than 30 minutes of sleep so that you don't fall into a deep sleep. That's where those 10 minute naps come in. If you sleep for just 10 minutes ... and really truly fall asleep for that time ... you can wake up feeling refreshed as though you had slept for several hours. Believe me ... it works!!