Burning out
10-30-13 | 09:53 AM
#26
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,948
Likes: 24
From: NW Minnesota
Training hard, undernourished, sleep deprived . . . nope, can't figure out why you don't feel good 
The human body has limits. If you want to progress you need to work with it. The combination of stressors is finally exceeding your ability to recover. In short, you need some down time. My suggestion is to get a physical if you haven't had one for a while just to make sure nothing else is going on. Then take a few days where you opt for a leisurely 30-45 minute ride and increase your caloric intake by a couple hundred calories (good nutrition, not junk food). I don't know your work situation, but it might not be a bad idea to take a sick day if you can just to get some extra sleep. Some people use the "mental health day" to skip work to goof off, but honestly sometimes when you are crashing and burning you need a day to rest and regroup, kind of a "prevent getting sick day".
Congrats on your weight loss and hard training but listen to your body.
The human body has limits. If you want to progress you need to work with it. The combination of stressors is finally exceeding your ability to recover. In short, you need some down time. My suggestion is to get a physical if you haven't had one for a while just to make sure nothing else is going on. Then take a few days where you opt for a leisurely 30-45 minute ride and increase your caloric intake by a couple hundred calories (good nutrition, not junk food). I don't know your work situation, but it might not be a bad idea to take a sick day if you can just to get some extra sleep. Some people use the "mental health day" to skip work to goof off, but honestly sometimes when you are crashing and burning you need a day to rest and regroup, kind of a "prevent getting sick day".
Congrats on your weight loss and hard training but listen to your body.
10-30-13 | 10:02 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7,852
Likes: 716
From: Stillwater, OK
Hello! Do you guys ever feel extremely tired? Do you ever feel like you are startving, the skin in your face is pulling your eyes down and even standing up straight hurts? I have a feeling these things are not normal. I am drained... I think.
I've been training for a few months now and I have to say it is TOUGH! I only train about 10-12 hours a week but that seems to be enough with all the intervals and such. Putting down a good 150-200 miles a week on very hilly terrain seems to be my max.
My eating and sleeping habits have changed in order to accomodate this training. I sleep less because I have less time to sleep when I should actually be sleeping more to recover from the hard efforts. I eat about 1800 calories a day in an effort to lose weight. I have done it successfully and I am on my way to reach my goal soon enough. I quit smoking and drinking a few months back.
It seems like it is time to start taking things to the next level and putting up a more strict module or "lifestyle" around my training. I started getting weekly massages every monday to heal my torn up joints and muscles. I am about to start with sport nutrition coaching, this way I wont fill up on 1800 empty calories a day when I need actual nutrition so I can exercise without killing myself. I am going for a refit, my but, hammys, and knees hurt.
Sleep... this is a tough one. The times I am doing nothing I am sleeping. Unfortunately there is not enough time of me doing nothing. after spending 9 hours at work, 1.5 hours in traffic, 1.5hr on the bike and an 2 hours feeding myself + misc & significant other stuff it barely leaves 6-7 hours of sleep. I cant complain I know some people live with 4-5 still I feel that with the amount of working out I should be sleeping more.
All in all, I look and feel I am in great shape strength wise, aged a bit with the weight loss. I weigh almost 50 pounds less than a year ago and I can consider myself a strong recreational rider and soon enough racer (if it matters to anybody). However; do not necessarily feel healthy.
Should I address my concerns or just HTFU!? I know Katy Perry says "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" but I am not sure this isn't quite killing me.
Peace!
Luis
I've been training for a few months now and I have to say it is TOUGH! I only train about 10-12 hours a week but that seems to be enough with all the intervals and such. Putting down a good 150-200 miles a week on very hilly terrain seems to be my max.
My eating and sleeping habits have changed in order to accomodate this training. I sleep less because I have less time to sleep when I should actually be sleeping more to recover from the hard efforts. I eat about 1800 calories a day in an effort to lose weight. I have done it successfully and I am on my way to reach my goal soon enough. I quit smoking and drinking a few months back.
It seems like it is time to start taking things to the next level and putting up a more strict module or "lifestyle" around my training. I started getting weekly massages every monday to heal my torn up joints and muscles. I am about to start with sport nutrition coaching, this way I wont fill up on 1800 empty calories a day when I need actual nutrition so I can exercise without killing myself. I am going for a refit, my but, hammys, and knees hurt.
Sleep... this is a tough one. The times I am doing nothing I am sleeping. Unfortunately there is not enough time of me doing nothing. after spending 9 hours at work, 1.5 hours in traffic, 1.5hr on the bike and an 2 hours feeding myself + misc & significant other stuff it barely leaves 6-7 hours of sleep. I cant complain I know some people live with 4-5 still I feel that with the amount of working out I should be sleeping more.
All in all, I look and feel I am in great shape strength wise, aged a bit with the weight loss. I weigh almost 50 pounds less than a year ago and I can consider myself a strong recreational rider and soon enough racer (if it matters to anybody). However; do not necessarily feel healthy.
Should I address my concerns or just HTFU!? I know Katy Perry says "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" but I am not sure this isn't quite killing me.
Peace!
Luis
2) You need to sleep more.
3) You might have to ride less.
4) You will probably feel better if you do 1-3.
5) Kelly Clarkson, not Katy Perry.
Good luck out there and take a breather, listen to your body.
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2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
10-30-13 | 10:17 AM
#28
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,844
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
Training hard, undernourished, sleep deprived . . . nope, can't figure out why you don't feel good
The human body has limits. If you want to progress you need to work with it. The combination of stressors is finally exceeding your ability to recover. In short, you need some down time. My suggestion is to get a physical if you haven't had one for a while just to make sure nothing else is going on. Then take a few days where you opt for a leisurely 30-45 minute ride and increase your caloric intake by a couple hundred calories (good nutrition, not junk food). I don't know your work situation, but it might not be a bad idea to take a sick day if you can just to get some extra sleep. Some people use the "mental health day" to skip work to goof off, but honestly sometimes when you are crashing and burning you need a day to rest and regroup, kind of a "prevent getting sick day".
Congrats on your weight loss and hard training but listen to your body.
The human body has limits. If you want to progress you need to work with it. The combination of stressors is finally exceeding your ability to recover. In short, you need some down time. My suggestion is to get a physical if you haven't had one for a while just to make sure nothing else is going on. Then take a few days where you opt for a leisurely 30-45 minute ride and increase your caloric intake by a couple hundred calories (good nutrition, not junk food). I don't know your work situation, but it might not be a bad idea to take a sick day if you can just to get some extra sleep. Some people use the "mental health day" to skip work to goof off, but honestly sometimes when you are crashing and burning you need a day to rest and regroup, kind of a "prevent getting sick day".
Congrats on your weight loss and hard training but listen to your body.
. As hard as it is that makes me happy... I always thought of myself as a lazy panzy now I can feel proud of my hard work and it shows. I guess I can lay it off for a minute and take a deep breath and enjoy the fruits of the hard work! Seems incredible the amount of punishment a human body can take (willingly) I cannot even imagine how much more if it were to be by force! Something I use as motivation (might not be the best) and I used it yesterday in my trainer ride: I was watching "world at war" the documentary on WWII and as I was watching I would tell myself "those people are suffering, you are just a **ssy!" and I would spin harder. I know, a little extreme since I am not in war or being held as a slave but I like to feel like I can survive.
Guess I'm not in tune with pop music either!
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
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10-30-13 | 10:43 AM
#29
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
I was reading on another thread and now I'm worried. What are the chances of me having low testosterone levels at 26?
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
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10-30-13 | 10:53 AM
#30
SuperGimp
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13,346
Likes: 65
From: Whittier, CA
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix
Before you start inventing new problems, you should address your real ones (nutrition, sleep, recovery) as mentioned above. Get a checkup if you're worried, don't guess and for GOD'S SAKE don't read WebMD to see if you have anything. You'll just convince yourself you're dying.
10-30-13 | 11:00 AM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Wait, back in late August you were superhuman...
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...n-!?highlight=
Now, two months later, you have burned out? It took Batman like 30 ye
ars to get all dark and jaded. Superman is still going strong. I'm not going to mention those Marvel guys, because Spiderman can't get past his stinking origin story on the big screen.
Wasn't it like two weeks ago you had the "I am staying in bed with cereal" thread?
Here is a solution: if you don't feel like riding, don't ride. Also realize that the world didn't end, you have not abandoned your goals, you are not on the slippery slope to doom, and you don't need to start a thread about another non-apocolyptic event.
If you see a meteor coming at you, while riding, please let us know.
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...n-!?highlight=
Now, two months later, you have burned out? It took Batman like 30 ye
ars to get all dark and jaded. Superman is still going strong. I'm not going to mention those Marvel guys, because Spiderman can't get past his stinking origin story on the big screen.
Wasn't it like two weeks ago you had the "I am staying in bed with cereal" thread?
Here is a solution: if you don't feel like riding, don't ride. Also realize that the world didn't end, you have not abandoned your goals, you are not on the slippery slope to doom, and you don't need to start a thread about another non-apocolyptic event.
If you see a meteor coming at you, while riding, please let us know.
You sound a little obsessive so I can relate. Relax and take a few days off. If you start feeling this way then take some time off.
10-30-13 | 11:06 AM
#32
got the climbing bug
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,268
Likes: 1,053
From: San Diego
Bikes: one for everything
take a solid week off the bike, you should feel better then you get back on. Also helps to have different types of bikes to avoid burn out such as MTB or CX to complement the roadie.
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Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
10-30-13 | 11:10 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,622
Likes: 734
You are on a very quick path to burning out.
Listen to Rwaki. He knows what he is talking about. You are putting in way too much time on the bike for the amount of calories you are consuming. At the rate you are going, you will soon be, if you not already are, overtraining, which can have a detrimental effect on your abilities.
And energy drinks are not good ways to fuel tough workouts.
Listen to Rwaki. He knows what he is talking about. You are putting in way too much time on the bike for the amount of calories you are consuming. At the rate you are going, you will soon be, if you not already are, overtraining, which can have a detrimental effect on your abilities.
And energy drinks are not good ways to fuel tough workouts.
10-30-13 | 11:45 AM
#34
soon to be gsteinc...
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 0
From: Nayr497's BFF
You are on a very quick path to burning out.
Listen to Rwaki. He knows what he is talking about. You are putting in way too much time on the bike for the amount of calories you are consuming. At the rate you are going, you will soon be, if you not already are, overtraining, which can have a detrimental effect on your abilities.
And energy drinks are not good ways to fuel tough workouts.
Listen to Rwaki. He knows what he is talking about. You are putting in way too much time on the bike for the amount of calories you are consuming. At the rate you are going, you will soon be, if you not already are, overtraining, which can have a detrimental effect on your abilities.
And energy drinks are not good ways to fuel tough workouts.
10-30-13 | 12:10 PM
#35
soon to be gsteinc...
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Nayr497's BFF
Last year when I decided to train and race again I dieted from 225ish to a race weight of 180 very quickly. Dieting is not something to be taken lightly especially when putting a heavy training load into the mix. Your first call should be to your coach for some direction. If unsuccessful pm me and I'll write you a plan for a little cash-o-la
10-30-13 | 12:27 PM
#36
Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
It was Kelly Clarkson, not Katy Perry, who said "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger". I should have put this reply in the confession thread...
10-30-13 | 12:30 PM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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10-30-13 | 02:02 PM
#38
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
Last year when I decided to train and race again I dieted from 225ish to a race weight of 180 very quickly. Dieting is not something to be taken lightly especially when putting a heavy training load into the mix. Your first call should be to your coach for some direction. If unsuccessful pm me and I'll write you a plan for a little cash-o-la
Thank you for that. Read a little bit and very interesting. I'll finish it when I get home tonight.
Meanwhile in my head playing all day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4b4DJFStVQ
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
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10-30-13 | 02:15 PM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Houston, TX
Bikes: 2017 Cannondale CAAD12 105, 2014 Giant Escape City
Simpson (Homer, not Jessica) said it before her, and Nietzsche (Friedrich, not Fred) said it before any of them. And it's patently false, given the size of the set of things that weaken you without killing you.
10-30-13 | 02:29 PM
#40
soon to be gsteinc...
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,564
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From: Nayr497's BFF
For the first time in my life I feel like I am doing too much . As hard as it is that makes me happy... I always thought of myself as a lazy panzy now I can feel proud of my hard work and it shows. I guess I can lay it off for a minute and take a deep breath and enjoy the fruits of the hard work!
Seems incredible the amount of punishment a human body can take (willingly) I cannot even imagine how much more if it were to be by force! Something I use as motivation (might not be the best) and I used it yesterday in my trainer ride: I was watching "world at war" the documentary on WWII and as I was watching I would tell myself "those people are suffering, you are just a **ssy!" and I would spin harder. I know, a little extreme since I am not in war or being held as a slave but I like to feel like I can survive.
Guess I'm not in tune with pop music either!
. As hard as it is that makes me happy... I always thought of myself as a lazy panzy now I can feel proud of my hard work and it shows. I guess I can lay it off for a minute and take a deep breath and enjoy the fruits of the hard work! Seems incredible the amount of punishment a human body can take (willingly) I cannot even imagine how much more if it were to be by force! Something I use as motivation (might not be the best) and I used it yesterday in my trainer ride: I was watching "world at war" the documentary on WWII and as I was watching I would tell myself "those people are suffering, you are just a **ssy!" and I would spin harder. I know, a little extreme since I am not in war or being held as a slave but I like to feel like I can survive.
Guess I'm not in tune with pop music either!
10-30-13 | 02:41 PM
#42
ka maté ka maté ka ora
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 4
From: wessex
Bikes: breezer venturi - red novo bosberg - red, pedal force cg1 - red, neuvation f-100 - da, devinci phantom - xt, miele piste - miche/campy, bianchi reparto corse sbx, concorde squadra tsx - da, miele team issue sl - ultegra
You need a periodized year long training plan.
10-30-13 | 02:56 PM
#43
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From: Atlanta GA
Bikes: '13 Spech Roubaix SL4 Expert
Taken care of. I have this device that is some sort of epi-pen, like the ones diabetics use, has a tiny needle. It is filled up with growth hormones and diluted performance enhancing drugs (nutrients and chemicals used for horses in horse racing). 4 hours before each work out I sneak into the bathroom and inject about 10cc directly to my testies. It burns a little for a good 15 to 25 minutes but now I have the horse like qualities on my lower body, which include extremely strong legs that are able to break carbon fibre crank arms... +more
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Cat 6 going on PRO....
Cat 6 going on PRO....
10-30-13 | 03:50 PM
#44
South Carolina Ed
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,908
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From: Greer, SC
Bikes: Holdsworth custom, Macario Pro, Ciocc San Cristobal, Viner Nemo, Cyfac Le Mythique, Giant TCR, Tommasso Mondial, Cyfac Etoile
Get a girlfriend, share some wine, get married, have kids - problem solved forever. Much better than riding too much and starving yourself because you have nothing better to do.
10-30-13 | 05:06 PM
#45
Arrogant Roadie Punk
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,353
Likes: 1
From: California
imagine this scenario - you are at home. kate upton knocks on the door and says she would like some company. would you be able to give her the best two minutes and thirty seconds of your life? if so....you testosterone is fine.
10-30-13 | 06:38 PM
#46
OMC
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,973
Likes: 142
From: South Louisiana
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Look 585, Specialized Crux E5 Sport, Trek Domane SL6
Right now, you're a walking self-inflicted wound. Reading what you've written, it sounds like there's no recovery built into your training plan...or if there is, you're ignoring it. If you haven't already, tell your coach that your ass is dragging bigtime. If you do, he's not going to think you're a p***y; OTOH, if you don't and it comes to light later, he will think you're a dumbass.
Pushing yourself hard, inadequate calories and crummy ones at that, not enough sleep...the first time someone in your workplace catches a cold their kid brought home from school and coughs at work, that'll be it. Back off on the bike, eat better and sleep some more. Let your body recover from all the hard work so you can enjoy the benefits you've earned!
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Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
10-30-13 | 08:30 PM
#48
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,843
Likes: 5
From: WA State
OP. Since you don't seem to be taking the advice given to you seriously, why don't you just move on? It seems like you started this thread to show the rest of us how tough you are. We get it.
150-200 miles a week on 1800 calories a day is a recipe for biological disaster, but you will probably ignore it anyway.
150-200 miles a week on 1800 calories a day is a recipe for biological disaster, but you will probably ignore it anyway.
10-30-13 | 11:03 PM
#49
Farmer tan
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,985
Likes: 30
From: Burbank, CA
Bikes: Allez, SuperSix Evo
Hey, Isberrios1, you sound like me a couple years ago: lost 40lb, stressful work, training really hard, sugar cravings, not eating enough, not sleeping enough, reliance on caffeine, increasing soreness and injuries. Eventually thyroid pain from pushing the endocrine system so hard.
I was getting very fast and "fit" but increasingly unhealthy. Sounds like you're on the same road.
It's classic overtraining, and you very likely are feeling glycogen depleted rather than low testosterone.
How I got over it: took a week off, and then started aerobic base only (zone 1, 2) for a month. As I burnt less sugar (staying way below lactate threshold, more like 125-135 HR), the sugar craving left.
Here's more on the benefits of training "aerobically"
https://sock-doc.com/2012/01/sock-doc...ng-principles/
I was getting very fast and "fit" but increasingly unhealthy. Sounds like you're on the same road.
It's classic overtraining, and you very likely are feeling glycogen depleted rather than low testosterone.
How I got over it: took a week off, and then started aerobic base only (zone 1, 2) for a month. As I burnt less sugar (staying way below lactate threshold, more like 125-135 HR), the sugar craving left.
Here's more on the benefits of training "aerobically"
https://sock-doc.com/2012/01/sock-doc...ng-principles/
10-30-13 | 11:47 PM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
I've said it in your other "super human thread" and I'll say it again..... you need to slow the F down. You were overly gung ho from the start and now after a mere 2 months you're feeling burned out because A) 1800 calories for the amount of physical activity you're doing is NOT enough and B) Not getting enough sleep or rest days is not enough to give your body the amount of recovery it needs.
Just like in weight lifting, you can't go to the gym and lift weights for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 2 months and expect to see amazing results. CONSISTENCY over a long period of time is key. You need to ask yourself whether you can keep this up for another 6 months.... a year? 2 years? From the way it sounds... I doubt you'd last for another month with this lifestyle.
Thin things out and give yourself rest days. When your body is given the proper amount of nutrients and rest, that's how you really build athletic performance/muscles. Stop trying to bite off more than you can chew so you can "reach your goals faster". It's like you're trying to run a marathon and once the horn blows at the start line you're sprinting off like it's a 100m race.
Just like in weight lifting, you can't go to the gym and lift weights for 3 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 2 months and expect to see amazing results. CONSISTENCY over a long period of time is key. You need to ask yourself whether you can keep this up for another 6 months.... a year? 2 years? From the way it sounds... I doubt you'd last for another month with this lifestyle.
Thin things out and give yourself rest days. When your body is given the proper amount of nutrients and rest, that's how you really build athletic performance/muscles. Stop trying to bite off more than you can chew so you can "reach your goals faster". It's like you're trying to run a marathon and once the horn blows at the start line you're sprinting off like it's a 100m race.