Im hitting a purple streak....

[got-to-get-fit]

I have been off the bike for the past month with strained Phalases (spelling??)Joints in my lower back.

Recently i got back on and started my 12 mile commute again. The thing is that my times are much improved on what i used to do and i feel like i have infinite power in my legs and lungs the size of an elephant.

I thought with having a big lay-off i would be struggling but its quite the opposite.

Anyone else had this experience ???

 

[longers]

I haven't had a break from the bike for a while now but did notice the same experience as a swimmer. Had two weeks out of the pool and came back much stronger.

All that rest innit? Too long and you'd lose your fitness.

 

[mondobongo]

I was really pleased when I got back on after a week or so off and could see a real difference in my riding, those 4 Time Trials I rode really paid off.

 

[HLaB]

My IT band played up earlier this year and I was off the road bike for 3 weeks, only light commuting on the hybrid. I think the rest did me good as well as the anticipation to get out and felt good at the time.

BTW I'm worn out now (I think it a mixture of the wind and a cold virus). I just can't be bothered this week and watched the Tour of Ireland instead of going for a ride.

 

[gbb]

I have noticed this GTGF...
I always fear a loss of fitness after 2 or 3 weeks off the bike, I still commute short distance regulary , but occasionally, life takes over and i cant find the time for longer rides.
The surprise for me, is after those lay offs, i feel verry verry good when i get back in the saddle.
I assume we get tired and maybe overdo it to a degree. Those lay offs maybe allow the body to refresh.

 

[got-to-get-fit]

yeah i reckon so,

i commute 5 days a week 24 miles a day and work 12 hour shifts so it can get pretty tiring on day 5.
I suppose the body just needs to recharge itself a bit and then it comes back stronger.
I also think on day 5 of the commute you are too tired to really go for it so your times probably drop off dramaticaly towards the end of the week.

 

[4F]

yeah i reckon so,

i commute 5 days a week 24 miles a day and work 12 hour shifts so it can get pretty tiring on day 5.
I suppose the body just needs to recharge itself a bit and then it comes back stronger.
I also think on day 5 of the commute you are too tired to really go for it so your times probably drop off dramaticaly towards the end of the week.

Strangely I normally find that days 4 and 5 are often the quickest

 

[got-to-get-fit]

Hmmm usually day 2 for me.

by 4 and 5 im not only tired in the legs but also in the arse and not looking forward to the ride so generally just trudge home at a sedate pace.

 

[Globalti]

My job takes me abroad on 2 week trips, during which I take no exercise at all, I just eat, drink beer and walk from hotel door to car and then car to customer's office. I come home feeling podgy around the waist but am always amazed at how strong I feel on the bike - the enforced rest is definitely a good thing. I used to go out cycling 2 or 3 times a week and could never understand why I didn't really improve; I reckon most cyclists and runners overdo it.

Remember: you lose fitness at a third of the rate you gain it!