Recovery - what am I doing wrong?

I just wanted to add that you are a complete inspiration Jaysa.  If I achieve half what you have I'll be happy.

I am unable to offer any words of wisdom that haven't already been said, other than your body will take longer to recover at your age (this is not meant to be offensive), and due to your cancer last year.  I say this as someone who is  nursing a failing transplant and also post heart attack; recovery takes longer when your body is contending with other issues, and post-treatment can take a long time to heal from.

Keep up the, frankly, staggering work!

Ruth

Hi Jaysa,

Glad to hear you're feeling more positive. Hope the recovery continues.

Notice that you're FTP is an amazing 5W/kg . According to Coggan's chart that puts you at almost 'World Class' for all Women, and I imagine well into World Class for the 60+ age group.  If I was anything close to that standard I'd probably be considering a coach, who might also be able to advise on the recovery issues. 

Kind regards.

I think your middle paragraph says it all. I had a much shorter trip for Ventoux this year but waking up when I wanted rather than when I had to, with sunshine, a pool and another ride planned makes a hell of a difference.

Also, never underestimate the power of lycra. My work commute is really short (couple of miles)  and after a long ride on a Sunday I can barely turn the pedals to get into work with my work attire on. If I'm doing the long route in (oops 20 miles) and I pull on the lycra and get prepared, my legs are much better as I'm riding for enjoyment...

Sounds fairly normal to me... but you don't say how long the fatigue lasts following the two weeks after you get back.

It is very easy to underestimate what the working day takes out of you. when on holiday, it is far easier to sustain higher levels of cycling output than when at home working around work.

That said, that time on holiday will defintiely be putting you deep into a box of overload, which will require prolonged recovery. 

Are you backing off the bike massively when you get back from your Alps trips to enable this recovery to take place? If not, then this will explain a lot of what you are experiencing. 

Also, I'd anticipate that you feel fairly euphoric on your immediate return from holiday, which will receed at the same time as the fatigue comes through. 

I'd also argue that riding in tights and colder air will be harder than warmer conditions. You mention power levels so I guess you use a power meter which will quantify things a bit. However, power is measured at the crank / wheel so won't take into account resistance from clothing, or the extra stress of breathing cold air. 

How is your sleeping?  Lots of evidence to show that having even a bit less sleep than you should over a relatively short period can make you feel depressed.

I've done a couple of similar Alpine tours, I must say I do feel a bit down when I've returned home, which I've put down to no longer being surrounded by that stunning natural beauty, and just being 'at play' and not having to worry about anything but the bike for a bit.

Given the feelings you describe, and your recovery from Cancer, defo worth a trip to a healthcare professional, if nothing else for reassurance.

Hats off to you first of all!  Rest and recovery is a big part of training well; it sounds like what you are doing in the Alps is very full on, comparable almost to what the pros do.  They are younger than you and have out of this world back up to help manage their performance when not on the bike.  Are you going full gas on every ride when you are away?  Do you have any flatter rides where you take it easy?

In my experience there is nothing like riding big mountains to improve your performance, but you will need time off after to recover and really see the benefits.

I rode three big climbs this summer, but had 4 days completely off the bike in between.  When I got back to the UK I felt fantastic on the bike for a few weeks, but feel like I have slipped back to pre-summer levels already.

I've done week mountain tours, they are tough and I always need a week or so after to recover. I usually just do recovery zone 2 rides for the following week and not overly long, one hour max.

Just throwing this out there as a random internet commenter with zero medical qualifications: 

Do you get much natural daylight in the office job?

I also start to get depressed the moment I hear people speaking English at the airport, and feel all too keenly the loss of the joy of simply being able to tune-out the inane conversations of random strangers. Then there's the brexit...

my advice - just stay in the Alps.

I'm not going to race you in any hill-climbs, that's for sure!

You mentioned that you had cancer, and I wonder if you are suffering from cancer-fatigue? My mother-in-law had cancer and was treated about four years ago, but had fatigue until only about a year ago.

Perhaps one of your doctors could help you find out if this is what is going on.

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/what-is-cancer-related-fatigue.html

As wellsprop says, seek professional advice, this is not a diagnosis to be made by complete amateur strangers over the internet.

First off, chapeau! I'm 21, pretty fit and I'd certainly struggle to match that effort!

Secondly and (most importantly), I'd suggest seeing a dedicated sports therapist/doctor.

Sounds like overtraining to me - but what do I know. I'd highly recommend seeking the advice of a professionally trained person.