pushing yourself V just taking it easy

[united4ever]

With the nice weather there were lots more people out today on my canal path commute. Been doing this for a year now and have built up some fitness and know that I can put the after burners on if I have chance but today I just pootled along behind other cyclists and enjoyed it.

Do you find yourself torn between pushing yourself and just sitting in the comfort zone? Part of me wants to really stretch my legs but another part of me feels that I worked hard to reach a point where my commute is now comfortable and I don't need to break into a heavy sweat.

What's your attitude?

 

[PeteXXX]

It can depend on my mood, where I'm riding and who I'm riding with.
I don't do 'fast'. Today was 15.6 mph over 46 miles. That's pushing it for me. Usually, I put enough effort in to know I've been out, but don't want to kill myself.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

With the nice weather there were lots more people out today on my canal path commute. Been doing this for a year now and have built up some fitness and know that I can put the after burners on if I have chance but today I just pootled along behind other cyclists and enjoyed it.

Do you find yourself torn between pushing yourself and just sitting in the comfort zone? Part of me wants to really stretch my legs but another part of me feels that I worked hard to reach a point where my commute is now comfortable and I don't need to break into a heavy sweat.

What's your attitude?

All the time, because I always fear that my pootle won't get me anywhere before nightfall. Then there always comes a time when I get into a rhythm and once I'm there I'm all ''Just a little bit more.''

 

[ColinJ]

It is hard for me to take it completely easy on most of my routes because there are so many hills on them, and some are pretty steep (15-20%). I usually take it fairly easy between the hills and on descents, saving my energy for the uphill bits.

 

[Absinthe Minded]

I like to keep a nice balance between pushing it a bit and not going all out. Just so that I don't get lazy. There are lots of people that are faster than me, but rarely am I overtaken.

 

[slowmotion]

I only ever push myself on hills. Not by riding up them fast, but by actually trying to get to the top. I hate them but the feeling of satisfaction if I manage not to grind to a halt is well worth the suffering.

 

[Lonestar]

It can depend on my mood, where I'm riding and who I'm riding with.
I don't do 'fast'. Today was 15.6 mph over 46 miles. That's pushing it for me. Usually, I put enough effort in to know I've been out, but don't want to kill myself.

I agree.Once I was on a bike tour where they were averaging 22mph in 90+ degree heat.After 40 miles I had to pull out.I was not enjoying it.

 

[Bodhbh]

I used to hammer it nearly every time - relatively speaking anyhow - but after some surgery it was no longer possible. I'd by lying if I said I didn't miss it, but I also don't miss having stiff legs half the time and it is nice to drift into cloud cuckooland on the ride in instead.

 

[HarryTheDog]

I have been commuting to the same place for 10 years though have changed the route a few times, now stuck on a 23 miles each way. Its got busy in town traffic over most of it with 4 miles of fast country lane and 6 miles of cycle lane ( CS3) so you don't want to admire the view most of the time. Therefore I try to get it over and done with as fast as possible usually. Also I have started racing again so mix it up with max efforts, strava sections recovery etc. Also I seem to have some very fast competitive people on half of my route, we mostly have got to know each other over time and usually have bit of friendly SCR followed by a chat. ( birds of a feather flock together)
Overall my attitude is, its something that needs to be done so lets get it over and done with!

 

[hopless500]

I agree.Once I was on a bike tour where they were averaging 22mph in 90+ degree heat.After 40 miles I had to pull out.I was not enjoying it.

I would only be able to get that average with the assistance of a motor.

 

[Lonestar]

I would only be able to get that average with the assistance of a motor.

Yeah and I'm not normally as fast as than normally,either.

 

[BrumJim]

My body wants me to take it easy, but my head wants to push it every day.

However, I've been told by the doctor to take it easy for a week or two. Its nice when I have someone to chat to, but not so nice when I'm alone. Illness over, and I've taken the decision to push it from now, but I've lost some fitness and my speed Mojo, so didn't manage to do it today.

 

[mjr]

However, I've been told by the doctor to take it easy for a week or two. Its nice when I have someone to chat to, but not so nice when I'm alone.

In such situations, front jacket pockets are what capsule speakers were made for IMO

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ7LPdfpcHg


Take it easy unless you're in a rush for some reason. You don't want to be overdoing it. https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/i...endurance-athletes-and-heart-problems.199021/

 

[classic33]

I would only be able to get that average with the assistance of a motor.

You're not trying hard enough.

 

[gbb]

Its in the individuals head (the desire to push on..or take it steady) generally speaking and its no good telling someone who enjoys pushing to take it easy and enjoy the ride, generally speaking its like asking a tea lover to drink coffee .
Pushing yourself does come at a cost sometimes...pre illness I could achieve 18mph average over 50 miles. Whatever anyone says, for an average fella thats some going. 80 miles becqme a target I achieved, always wanting more.
Trouble is, I got to the point I wasnt enjoying it, I started to bawlk at the idea of getting out, preparing for a good few hours in the saddle, so inevitably I eased off and went back to 15 or 16 mph average.
At the same time I was cursing the fitness I was losing

Post illness with long term chest problems, at nearly 58, I'm STILL pushing, albeit at a much lower level. I cant help it, its just in me. End of this summer, if I can get to 16mph average i'll be ecstatic. Mind I wont be doing the mileage I used to.

That said, I had one of my best rides ever the other day with my grandaughter, a meander at no speed whatsoever.