I don’t know if it’s the reduced amount of time I spend on the bike, now that training for the century is over, or if it’s inhaling cool air in our autumn weather, or if I’m just starting to put on my few extra wintertime pounds, but I’ve noticed that what used to be a routine ride really takes it out of me these days.
Sunday morning, I went out for about 20 miles. Nothing special, although I did step it up several times to try to cover some sections at a good clip. But at the end of the ride, I felt good. Exhilarated, but not wiped out.
Then, after grabbing a quick lunch and sitting down to catch a little pro football, it felt like a wave of tiredness swept over me. I went into the bedroom, flopped on the bed, and the next thing I knew, my wife was waking me up. It was 5 o’clock.
“I didn’t think I slept that much,” I told her.
“You were sawing logs,” she said.
During August and September, that never happened. More often than not, I’d finish a longish weekend ride, say 35-50 miles, have lunch, and then do some yard work. Even after I finished my century, I didn’t crash on the couch. I took it easy, but I didn’t fall asleep.
I’ve noticed my tired spells have started over the last four weeks or so. I’m not much for naps usually, so when I conk out in the middle of the day, it’s noticeable. Not that I mind a good nap. It just surprises me that after all the effort I went through to condition myself, that a lesser amount of activity should leave me tuckered out.
Does this happen to you?
This happened to me recently, then I came down with a cold – are you sure you’re not coming down with something ?
Happens to me all the time.
There are many explanations for this: over-training, lack of quality sleep, illness…
Coming in from the cold air and a long ride will do it to me. I love naps but I can’t take them or I will never sleep at night.
I find winter time riding much more tiring. It also feels much harder while doing it. But I am riding in freezng temps not in Texas.
You’re not alone. Come the winter months I find my body needs more rest. Trying to regulate body temperature in freezing cold and inhaling cold air does it to me.
More clothing thus more air resistance along with the added clothing weight, throw in denser air and your body working harder in cold weather, you are using more energy. Plus some peoples body’s have a difficult time adjusting to change in seasons too. Heck all that makes me tired just thinking about it.
One thing for sure a nap is the best thing you can do for your body in the recover process.
Dont forget the sun goes down earlier now, too so this might be contributing to your sleepiness.