I need a bit of a vent...

[vickster]

Grrr, the sun is shining, I've pretty much done my work for the day...but i can't go cycling

Firstly, I have a stinky cold brewing and have a banging headache, a sore (and irritatingly tickly) throat and other associated ails

Secondly, I have basically been told my my specialist and physio that I have been overdoing the cycling since my injury and surgery and have pi**ed off my back and knee to the extent that I am not to cycle excessively - trying to work out exactly what that is, but seems to be a level that aggravates my back and my knee

My back starts to complain after about 10-20 miles, sooner if any "hills" are involved and although my leg is broadly ok on the bike, it kicks up a stink when I stop and try to walk!

I am not doing any strengthening physio stuff now again on medical advice, just simple stretching of back and legs. If not better in 6-8 weeks, I then may well need some sort of treatment, probably a steroid jab in the first instance

I've done a couple of hundred miles in the last two weeks - which I think for me right now, would probably be termed excessive. Gentle cycling is ok, problem is I do tend to ride as fast as I can when I do ride (mostly 14mph ish), not really able just to potter along more slowly

I have also been "asked" (in pretty much no uncertain terms) not to attempt Ride 100 - I had more or less decided to pull out (also on @jefmcg 's advice) . I haven't been able to ride nearly enough (nor lose any weight ) to do 100 miles in the time allowed, so as annoying as it is, it would have been a mistake to try. Will get an automatic entry next year instead

I had started to go swimming as advised - but now I can't do that either because of the snots!

I am pretty much fed up with all of this, more so as it's not my fault

I am now having some counselling to help me deal with the trauma and consequences of the accident which does go a bit beyond the above but is part of it

It's all really frustrating and it would be great to get some pointers as to how to deal with the stress, frustration - exercise is great for stress, but not being able to is a cause right now, not a solution!

I think the uncertainty of when things will get better is also really tough to deal with - the wound on my leg alone could take another 12-18 months to heal fully

I seem to now be resorting to online shopping as something to do when not cycling, so my credit card is bearing some of the brunt which isn't ideal!

Thanks for "listening"

 

[Haitch]

Like a fish needs a bike, vickster, (Bit of a Dutch joke there.)

 

[annedonnelly]

Sorry, can't help with any advice but it's always frustrating when you can't do something you enjoy. Especially when the weather is great and you see other cyclists out and about.

It must be maddening knowing that it's mainly due to someone else's fault - the driver who knocked you off. And summer colds are always more miserable than winter ones.

I can only suggest learning to ride slowly - pootling about is very pleasant on a nice day

 

[MontyVeda]

Stuck indoors feeling a bit run-down and miserable... isn't that what DVD box sets were invented for?

Sorry to hear (read) you're feeling low Vicster... but that's what I do when my back's playing up.

 

[Rooster1]

that frikkin' sucks

 

[Geoff Crowther]

You have my sincere sympathy.
Not sure where you are but can you try walking? Easy to do ... costs nowt. Might seem boring when compared with cycling but me and my other half lost around 2 stone each by walking and watching what we ate, early last year. We are in hilly country though and did always carry a rucsac.
You've probably heard this before, but getting out and exercising is a great mental boost too.
Good luck.
Geoff

 

[jazzkat]

It's always tough when you can't do what you want.
Try to be philosophical, the bike and the roads will still be there when you are fully up for it.
Hope you heal quickly.

 

[vickster]

Stuck indoors feeling a bit run-down and miserable... isn't that what DVD box sets were invented for?

Sorry to hear (read) you're feeling low Vicster... but that's what I do when my back's playing up.

I am watching lots of not very exciting football...I do need to go and mow the lawn (gently)

 

[vickster]

You have my sincere sympathy.
Not sure where you are but can you try walking? Easy to do ... costs nowt. Might seem boring when compared with cycling but me and my other half lost around 2 stone each by walking and watching what we ate, early last year. We are in hilly country though and did always carry a rucsac.
You've probably heard this before, but getting out and exercising is a great mental boost too.
Good luck.
Geoff

I live in SW London unfortunately so not much in the way of nice scenery...my walking tends to be around shops from coffee shop to coffee shop!

The watching what I eat is really hard, I eat when I'm bored...and I am incredibly bored

The only exercise I enjoy is cycling...which is the root of the problem in every way Going out for walks on my own holds no appeal,

I am unable to and actually not allowed to run due to the knackered knee (which was already knackered and is worse again). I was prepared to force myself to go swimming which I don't much enjoy either...and then I get this blo*dy cold!

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Yeah I understand all of that.
Forgive me if I'm on the wrong tack here but me and my lovely wife used "my fitness pal" (Google it).
It worked for us cos you record not just what you eat but also the calories you've earned from exercise. I LOVE my food so ... I did more exercise.
Again, I am sympathetic. Life can be a bu**er sometimes. My suggestions are only trying to help in response to your first post.
If I were you I'd listen to the advice you've already had and do some walking - to the shops and/or coffee shop, whatever - and mix it in with some easy/steady cycling. I'm sure if you could get your head round that you'd feel better for it. You'd be doing something ... rather than nothing.
And once again ... good luck.
Take care of yourself.

 

[numbnuts]

I think you need a hope things get better soon

 

[Katherine]

Hi ( I've no idea why this is all underscored and can't find how to stop it!) , anyway, dose up for the cold and throat. Then when you're feeling a bit better, do as much swimming as possible between shorter bike rides.
Other on line activities that spares the credit card but keep the mind occupied are draw something games, sudoku, brain training games etc, can all be quite addictive and compulsive.
Hope you're better soon.

 

[Saluki]

Hi ( I've no idea why this is all underscored and can't find how to stop it!) , anyway, dose up for the cold and throat. Then when you're feeling a bit better, do as much swimming as possible between shorter bike rides.
Other on line activities that spares the credit card but keep the mind occupied are draw something games, sudoku, brain training games etc, can all be quite addictive and compulsive.
Hope you're better soon.

FTFY

 

[Saluki]

I feel your pain. Nothing worse than not being able to go and do something that you want to do.
I've been getting really antsy as my wrist won't let me climb nowadays. Moving from N. Staffs within spitting distance of The Roaches has helped to some extent. Not much to scamper up here in the flatlands. I still miss it though.

I too was going to suggest DVD box sets, or Netflix even. Have you anything stored up on your sky + box (or similar gadgetry)?
Lots of water and orange, bit of paracetamol and the cold will be gone in a few days, at least you can go to the pool then.
Sending

 

[jarlrmai]

Let's draw a line under the whole episode