I used to play soccer outdoor (and sometimes indoor) for 15 years, along with other sports. So I'm an active person. However, for the past couple of years I've felt much weaker and am not active like I used to be.
I'm trying to ramp up training but I'm finding it very difficult. Sometimes I feel too tired to even head over to the gym.
Have been to the doctor and no answers yet, but does anyone have any general suggestions on how I might be able to work up my endurance/stamina? At this rate, the 2-day event is seeming more and more impossible to me... and it shouldn't!
The obvious question would be nutrition and check for asthma.
I am doing the 200 miles in two days, won't have my bike replaced until the3 31st of March, then will train hard. I've hiked and hiked in the winter here. I have degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, two fused vertebrae in my neck, sciatica, badly healed busted right elbow, left hip, knee and foot need replacing in the next five to 10 years, and asthma. I'm doing it. I may look like hell at the end, but I'm doing it.
Are you over training perhaps? That can fatigue you.
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I find the hardest thing to overcome is making myself get out and exercise. I use the tough love approach. It's better to force yourself to get out on the bike than to not be ready in June. I too felt tired and fatigued before (I wasn't exercising) but I'm out there now and I feel great. I'm riding 100km+ a week now.
Like Chase said, nutrition is key. I was eating a lot of junk food before but left it all behind.
Sounds like you could have a wide range of things going on - anemia for instance. While exercise can give you an energy boost, it won't undo conditions that are the result of underlying health issues. Nutrition is clearly very important . Getting plenty of sleep could be important too. Stress can have an impact. But if your body is not getting enough of something which it is lacking (and which everyday nutriton alone cannot always correct), you need to address that specifically. Could be vitanim D, B12, etc. Would could also be fighting off a virus or infection that you might not even be aware that you have. Lack of acute symptoms is encouraging but you need to find the source of the fatigue/lethargy. See your doctor and good luck. Still plenty of time to get fit on the bike.
Seconding the B-vitamins. Once I start riding (this Friday!!!), I'm up to 30 km a ride by two weeks in , and 2.5 times that in a month. I immediately buy that slimfast, i know, double up with soy milk and take vitamins WITH it, Then pack carb and protein mixtures for along the ride. And coffee. I have to. Clif Bars, Powerbars give me heartburn, and dried fruit. I should do more, but on my budget, I do what I can. I won't eat crap though. I learned the hard way that the Clif Bars are worth the price. A candy bar makes you feel GREAT..for 20-30 minutes, then BONK and you're worse than in the first place. There was a girl at orientation who said, Should I buy a bike BEFORE June then?" Everyone, as one, turned to stare. The girl running it was gracious. "Uh, yeah. Right now would be best, and get it at a bike shop, fitted. You may want to start riding it now too."
keep the Gatorade or whatever you use in you. I water it down, but I drink it. I tried just water and cramped up bad. B vitamins, energy bars, rest, nutrition, and love the Gatorade.
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
