over doing it

jeffreyjording

I took up cycling as my main form exercise in March. So far I have logged over 2400 miles, building up to about 100 or so miles a week, not counting my indoor exercise bike on rainy days. Lately I have been struggling. Rides that I normally blow through, have become a chore. My legs feel dead and seem sore a lot. Looking at my exercise log I realized I have only taken 10 days off in the last 90, never 2 consecutive. So I decided to take some rest days. 2 in a row and its going to drive me crazy if take too many. Whats a good rest period to let my body recover?

trimom10

Holy moly! You've logged some serious miles. I'm thinking half marathon training where they have you taper for one week, you have your race, ten rest for a week. You may choose to rest or do other activities (walk, yoga, elliptical) than the primary workout (cycling in your case). I have a feeling you could likely not workout at all for a week straight and be just fine. The body does need rest, and it's good you can recognize it.

scottb81

If your legs are dead then you are overtrained, or at least bordering on it. You have to rest until the deadness goes away. If you catch it early that will probably only take a few days or a week. If it has been going on for a long time it may take longer. Once you become chronically overtrained it might take months to fix.

You might be able to continue riding through it if you keep the efforts very easy until your legs come back.

Once you start up again I would recommend you throw an easy effort ride in there every week or so to help keep it from happening again.

AmyRhubarb

I usually take at least one day off a week, and last month I had that "hit the wall" feeling - and I don't do as much as you do! I took four rest days (would have taken the entire week, but had a 5k on the Saturday) and LOVED it! Came back stronger and felt great.

I bet a good week off would be just what you need.

jeffreyjording

Thanks. I think a week will probably do. Its been three days and the weather has been awesome. I'm missing my 1000,calorie rides. I guess part of the discipline of regular exercise is regular rest