Originally Posted by
Brian Ratliff
Is there a reason you need to be completely off the bike? I was under the impression that AR and off the bike were equivalent, but with AR being slightly better for training purposes.
Semantics to some degree, so I'll clarify:
When I say rest day, I mean off the bike and on the coach. I might go for a walk, but don't go near the bike. These days are necessary for me mentally to avoid burnout (yes, I know I probably sound contradictory, but I know from experience that I need these days although I hate them).
AR days are on the bike, on the trainer, spinning at a pace sufficient to stimulate circulation but no load/training stimulus. I'm sure we're all on the same page on this.
That being said, I really lump AR and rest days together in that there is no adrenaline/endorphin stimulus and this is what leaves me feeling blah, even depressed. I see now that that's really the
crux of the issue; rest/AR days are depressing. I should have titled this thread "Rest and AR days SUCK".