Feeling bad, but numbers are fine

[inappropriate_bike]

I've been feeling very worn out lately, especially when cycling up hills. I get a strong desire to climb off the bike and go home.

But on a purely quantitative basis nothing looks wrong. After painfully and slowly struggling up the Dulwich wood climb today,  I found out of actually chopped over a minute and a half off my best time.

I ride about 100 miles a week, 40 of which are commuting with a child seat fitted.

Any ideas what could be wrong?

[hellymedic]

?Overtraining?

[mcshroom]

Mental fatigue?

Sometimes riding can feel a chore, even when I'm going well. Other times I can be struggling but feel fine mentally. Is there any chance you can mix up what you're doing a bit and maybe get out on a mountain bike, or do some rides with friends/family, or something else that will change your routine?

[Kim]

The "it doesn't get any easier, you just go faster" principle at work?

[inappropriate_bike]

Did think about overtraining but I've dropped from 5k miles last year to 3.6k this year. Maybe it's the amount of time I spend lugging a 20kg weight around on my shoulders.

It's a faff getting bikes out (especially the child seat every day) so maybe that's sucking out some fun, too.

[ElyDave]

 bit of SAD creeping in?

[campagman]

I've dropped from 5k miles last year to 3.6k this year.

Is this your answer. Due to visiting my elderly mother more regularly this year I have increased my mileage and consequently my form is good.

[inappropriate_bike]

I've dropped from 5k miles last year to 3.6k this year.

Is this your answer. Due to visiting my elderly mother more regularly this year I have increased my mileage and consequently my form is good.

That's whats confusing, form (measuing power output) seems better than ever.

Anyway, slept for 30h this weekend and will see if backing off a bit helps with motivation.

[Greenbank]

Did think about overtraining but I've dropped from 5k miles last year to 3.6k this year.

Overtraining isn't about 12 month long training effects. It's more to do with recent (1-2 week) training loads and whether you've had enough recovery or not.

I felt very slow on my commute home last Friday as my legs were very heavy from a (relative for my current state of fitness) big couple of weeks of riding/running/swimming.

(Gave blood yesterday so all bets are off in terms of how I'll feel on tomorrow's run.)