Assessing fatigue...my first season with EN

Eflach

 So I felt completely defeated on the bike this am and am looking for wisdom from those of you that have been around with EN.  I have felt weak all week and was hoping to feel pretty strong 5 weeks out from my A race (Kansas HIM).  Is it normal to take a couple of steps back in the midst of the training like this?  Thanks for any words of advice...

I am in week 15 of Intermediate HIM

Scheduled for 3 hour ride today with main set as follows

M1: 8'(2'), 10(3'), 15'(4'), 12'(5') at 95%-100% of FTP

M2: 3x12  (2') @ 80-85% of FTP

I have always been able to hit my numbers but today I gave everything I had and couldn't finish the main set.  I ended up doing 

M1: 8, 10, 10 and these were all at 95% of T which I typically can do 100% so did not hit the 15' or the 12'

M2: Due to feeling defeated ended up doing 4x15 @ 80%

Ended up riding 2:50min

tuckerm

Eric don't get down on yourself for only going 95% or 80%. They are zones remember. You did a ton of work today and are in week 15 on your plan. I'm sure there is a lot of accumulated fatigue in that body. You'll be tapering soon and should feel great by raceday.

chris malone

Put down the powermeter and step away from the plans......

In it's own sick way, your fatigue, and not hitting the numbers is AWESOME. Means you've done the work. It also may mean you're not recovering the way you should which is less awesome but....

Every year this time there are many such stories. Take a Spring Break. 3 days. A week maybe. Do something else, no intensity, noodle, swim, do nothing, whatever. I absolutely guarantee you will bounce , not only back, but past where you are now. And when you return you will experience a "no chain day" and it will be time to build again. I had mine today and I'm contemplating a new thread entitled "Spring Break" or " How can I miss you if you won't go away?" or "Transfusion anyone?"

Bold words from me, a guy who has very little info surrounding your situation. But it sounds very familiar and I bet you're not alone.

Good luck.

Steve Ross

Eric no issues with how you are feeling, each and every one of us in the family of EN have had your day and more from the HIM to the IM'er. 15 weeks into a HIM plan you deserve to be depleted with all your hard work. But the key issue is you recognize an issue with yourself whether it be mental playing on your physical well being or just plain physical. Assess and move on to what you feel you have to do.Cheers Steve Ottawa Sleeper Cell

Daniela

Did you do an OS? Which one? Did you take 1-2weeks off after? I used to really worry about taking downtown, but now I know from experience that it gives my body time to absorb the training and get ready to build more power. I also know that if I have a few bad workouts, I need to step back a bit for a day or two to reset before I dig a hole too deep to come out of.

Coach Patrick

Great advice for all...and props to you Eric for "admitting" you are tired. The ability to rest appropriately is what separates the best from the other 95% of athletes who are really good at killing themselves in training. Stand down for 3 days...swim only, maybe a short run...you need a reset and better to do that now than hope it all gets better later!!!!

matthewbward

A little off-topic, but any of you guys using Restwise? I've been seeing it pop up a bunch in magazines lately and seems to be well-endorsed.

Swanie

@Eric- this happens to me on every build, usually 10 weeks out. I will hit a wall and can barely hit my zone 1 work. It's happened the last 4 builds. Take an easy week, swim some, rest lots and get lots of sleep, drink lots of water and eats lots of carbs. This time next week, you'll be back to your old self and making gains again. The ones that ignore this fatigue are the ones that blow themselves up before they even get to the starting line.

chris malone

Matt,
I used Restwise. Not the sort of thing I'd stay subscribed to except during extended, focused training, but it is good info re blood oxidation levels and hr and helps put a number and a face on fatigue.
cm