Recovering from minor illness?
 

I've been trying to keep up my miles this winter more than in the past, and I've been doing OK with rides outside of 20-30 miles on weekends, and doing Sufferfest videos indoors once or twice a week. I'm not trying to maintain summer miles, but just to keep it going. I don't want to start spring at zero again.

This week I came down with a stomach bug that has just knocked me out, and this after traveling on business and being up all night to boot. So here it is Saturday, and the last time I was out on my bike was last Saturday. It is unlikely I'll go out either today or tomorrow either as I'm still not quite feeling great.

I'm thinking maybe I'll do some easy spinning on the trainer during a playoff game tomorrow if I'm feeling better than I do right now, and I'm mostly OK now, just not 100%. Maybe I'll try to commute in during the week, since we are expecting temps in the 50s all week, maybe I'll just punt.

What do you all do in this situation?

What I do is listen to my body. It's usually gung-ho to out for a ride. If it says, not feeling up to it today, I don't go. Sometimes it says, maybe. Then I gear up for a short ride and once out for a few minutes, see how I feel. If I'm feeling good, I stay out longer; and if I feel poorly, I come home. There's always tomorrow.

I listened to my body this morning and then ignored it. It was chucking it down outside and the garden was flooding again. No chance of getting any work done outside- which is what I had planned- so down to the gym. I did not want to go-no enthusiasm and a slight niggle on the hamstrings. So got changed into Gym clothing and put a good waterproof on and down I went. I was soaked when I got there but Lycra dries off quickly and I would soon warm up.

Got home two hours later still soaked as it was raining even more and the roads are flooded again. And I still don't want to go on the club ride tomorrow. Hoping the expected snow will come a day early so I can have a lie in.

Have been recovering from a bout of cold and flu and in the deepest coldest days of winter not even able to get on my trainer in the basement. Last few days have been feeling better and yesterday (we suddenly have a thaw) a cyclist went by nicely protected for the weather and it gave me that spark of hope I needed. Will soon be back on the trainer anticipating the joys of summer. Suddenly remembered how much I enjoy putting the miles under my wheels and exploring new roads and sights.

Well, it is damp and foggy here today, but relatively warm for January. I may take my commuter bike out for a spin in the park. I never feel quite the need to push myself on that bike since I'm not trying to keep up with the roadies. Maybe 3 or 4 easy loops around, 15-20 miles total.

I tell myself that I will give it a try but take it very easy. Most often that results in a good ride with the taking it easy part forgotten after a few miles.

There is a difference between excuses (not to ride) and reasons (not to ride).

The bike is there for YOU -- not the other way around. Don't feel like you are a slave to the bike...

Unless you are using excuses (which it doesn't sound like you are), you will know when it's time to get back on the bike.

When I have a minor ailment I only have one rule: Don't think. I'm not allowed to think about anything other than the immediate fix for whatever is ailing me. If I'm full of snot & feverish, I go to bed & stay there. A mild stomach bug? I don't do much until I'm able to eat normally. If I'm feeling restless or bored (a sure sign I'm on the mend) but not 100%, I might get down on the floor & do some stretching. Stretching feels good & keeps me limber for more intense movement later.

I took the roadie out for a spin yesterday in spite of my own advice. I did the 4 loops of the park, and more than once started going at it. It felt great, I felt great afterwards, and felt great today.