Having walked in that area I can understand the issues of knowing there will be a hill in your way which ever direction you go!!! But if you aren't over the flu properly then maybe it is worth waiting a couple more days... the wind is going to be increasing today, and when you aren't at 100% the wind will really really take it out of you.I'm getting over flu and have no excuses today for not getting back on my bike.
But it feels so hard, like I'll be fine once I get home, but just thinking of the extended climb... Not sure I want to go at all, if I'm honest...
Was it genuine 'flu that put you in bed for four days shivering and sweating or was it a cold?
If 'flu, you are right to be cautious as the illness will have taken a lot out of you. If a cold you might be surprised at how strong you feel, once the after-effects like mucus have cleared up. Many cyclists are in a state of permanent mild fatigue and are amazed at how strong they feel after an enforced rest.
Do you stretch / foam roll? Try also having a warm-hot bath after long rides and then stretching everything (back/all muscle groups in legs especially calves and hamstrings)I must admit, it's probably the biggest motivator for me to keep cycling all year. I'm starting to notice quite an increase in general fitness lately and others are beginning to mention it. I'm always just a bit concerned that if I was to take any sort of a break, any gains would be lost. The downside of that is as already mentioned, I do feel in a constant state of mild fatigue with my legs a source of constant low level pain and stiffness only really feeling better 5 or 6 miles into a ride. Only answer I've come up with so far to alleviate thing's is just to keep cycling.
Never been one for hit baths, just can't tolerate too much heat. I've always had some back issues and use a chiropractor who is now telling me that it's my calves that are taking a battering and pulling everything else down. It does feel much better once he straightens them out but never lasts long. I know that I really must do a lot more stretching.Do you stretch / foam roll? Try also having a warm-hot bath after long rides and then stretching everything (back/all muscle groups in legs especially calves and hamstrings)
If riding lots, you could also try having regular sports massages to get rid of the knots and tightness (probably cost around £40-60 for a decent torture session)
You can use a heat pack or hot water bottle...bath shouldn't be scalding!Never been one for hit baths, just can't tolerate too much heat. I've always had some back issues and use a chiropractor who is now telling me that it's my calves that are taking a battering and pulling everything else down. It does feel much better once he straightens them out but never lasts long. I know that I really must do a lot more stretching.
Yeah, I think I might just do that. The bath thing isn't necessarily scalding, I've just never felt comfortable spending time in heat. Any time it's ever been suggested to me, it's a cold pack for some reason, not entirely sure why.You can use a heat pack or hot water bottle...bath shouldn't be scalding!
I also have extremely tight calves, causing no end of problems. Issue is they are extremely hard to stretch yourself...especially as in my case with an arthritic foot and knee
You could try a foam roller.
Cold for injury or inflammation, pain. Heat for fatigue, tightness, stiffnessYeah, I think I might just do that. The bath thing isn't necessarily scalding, I've just never felt comfortable spending time in heat. Any time it's ever been suggested to me, it's a cold pack for some reason, not entirely sure why.