Do we know when to back off?

We all have days when we simply don\’t feel up to riding, whether we ride strictly for fun and exercise; or are in serious training.

Especially if you fall into the second category, how do you tell whether it\’s a case of not being in the mood that day, or a genuine need to ease up for a day or two?

The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling mentions some markers that indicate warnings of overtraining (see pg. 18): a morning (i.e. resting) pulse 10% or more higher than is usual; or weighing 3% or more below normal; or having gotten 10% less sleep than usual.

If any two of these signs are present, keep your training short and easy until the numbers are back to normal. All three? Take a day off.

Another way of looking at it is When Stop Does Not Mean Go, in this article. This list is good for \”amateur\” athletes, who might not be into pulse-taking. Even recreational athletes who don\’t do interval work need to be aware of when they\’ve been pushing too hard. Don\’t spoil the joy of riding by overreaching yourself.

So learn now to tell when to back off. Listen to your body, as they say. It it\’s telling you something\’s wrong, it\’s time to take a step back.