For the past 2 weeks I have been recovering from bike camp. During camp I did 310 miles in 6 days and rode with an intensity two and a half times greater then I usually do. I did well during camp, learned a ton and road at or above my level. I had a great time and was super charged up when I returned. Unfortunately my body was not as pumped and I hit a wall the Thursday after I returned.
What does the wall look like? Well it is not pretty. My legs became wobbly and lost strength. I also lost the fire to train for the Etape this summer. Loosing the incentive to train is very odd for me. (I may not be the fastest person but I strive to be the most consistent trainer knowing that time on the bike will make me better.) Finally, that Sunday when I had a very easy 1.5-2 hour ride planned at the bike gym I could not do it. Every minute seemed like 5, I could not muster any energy to ride the course, I had no interest in continuing. At the 1 hour mark I unplugged, dismounted from my bike, put everything away and went home.
Its 1 week later. During the last week I have been stretching, all my riding was at submax, and I am doing functional training at the gym. Slowly my legs have been coming back. More importantly my desire to train and my cheery attitude have returned. Today the sun is out, the birds are tweeting, its 45, and I can ride outside.
On todays 3 hour ride my legs responded to the sprints. I did not mind the cold and I wanted to ride. Its amazing what a little recovery time did for my mental outlook. I think I am back.
See you on the road.
