After Cycling Extremely Tired?

Question

I ride my bike 11 miles to work and after being there for an hour or so I get so tired I can't keep my eyes open any ideas what might be going on and any suggestions on how I could correct this problem. Also I don't eat a lot in the morning could this have something to do with it.

Answer 1

Riding 11 miles is tough, i don't blame you. Stop doing this and drive to work for a few weeks. During this time, train, build endurance on your bike, and work your way up to 11 miles. Also, possibly consider buying a racing/really light bike. The lighter the better. Also, maybe you are just getting up extra early to go to work because you need to ride your bike, and maybe that's why you're tired.

Answer 2

Eat!

A little something before you leave and a little bit when you get to work will help alot.  Also make sure that you drink water.

11 miles is not really long (I know it can be tough when you first start riding)... maybe try to ride only a few days a week and as you get better add in more days.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hum...

I usually ride 20-40 miles during my lunch hour, (or so.)  I can be entirely out of it all morning, but always come back completely jazzed for the rest of the afternoon.  Before I started riding at lunch, I was often pretty drowsy in the afternoon.  From my experience, I don't think your tiredness has anything to do with the physical exertion of riding.  

If you do not eat much in the morning you may be starving.  Have you tried eating when you finish riding?  Personally, I am always hungry at the end of a ride.  Could be you are very hungry and just need some food.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that gets worn out by this length of ride!   I've realized that I ride too fast and too hard, and basically wear myself out.  I also noticed that I am getting dehydrated, even tho I don't usually feel too thirsty when riding.  Here's how to figure out what's going on;  first off, eat a bigger breakfast consisting of complex carbs like oatmeal, a bit of dairy like a container of light yogurt, and some protein (eggs are good, or a bit of something non-greasy like chicken, soy sausage, etc).  Top if off with a banana, and at least 16 oz of water. Once at work, have another light snack, and more water.  See how you feel once at work.  

Also, if you can, weigh yourself before you leave (after you've eaten and had water) and then again at work (maybe get a cheap scale for the office) and see if you are losing a lot of weight during your commute.  More than half a pound and you are getting dehydrated on your ride.  If this is happening, force yourself to drink more while riding, thirsty or not.  

Lastly, get a heart monitor, the kind you wear around your chest that reads out on a wrist watch.  See if you are over-exerting yourself on your ride.  

By eating and drinking more, refueling afterward, and not being so gung-ho, you should feel more awake after your ride.  

Good luck!

Answer 5

The Most Important Meal of the Day

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/most-imp...

BBC NEWS | Health | Breakfast is 'most important meal'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/282498...

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day - Don't Skip Breakfast

http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutrition1...

Answer 6

ya...u..ur excercising a lot by riding to work so u need to make sure u drink sufficient water and eat healthy to replace the energy ur body has used up by getting to work. If u dont replace this energy u will feel tired. try eating healthy snacks while at work and if ur in A.C try drinking a lot of watercause AC dehydrates ur body

Answer 7

It seems like skipping breakfast is the main reason why you are falling asleep at work.  That and the fact that you find your job incredibly boring.