Noonievut

Due to some recent health issues that may have been caused by cycling, or where cycling at least aggregated the problem, I’ve been branching out to other activities/sports. I’m hoping this avoids overuse and other issues that can crop up from doing too much of one thing. I’ve been cycling for 15+ years and will usually ride 4-5x a week...with very little of any other activities mixed in.

Im assuming some folks here have always dabbled in numerous activities, and I’m not just talking triathlon?

I started this in the last few months and my plan for 2020 is to do a little of a lot of things, on no set schedule. I have zero performance expectations as I don’t race or compete in any of these activities, I do them purely for enjoyment, camaraderie with friends, stress mgmt, etc.

So in a week, I may go for one long and one short ride, swim a couple times, go for some long walks or hikes, maybe a round of golf or practice at the driving range. I also backpack and will do a couple multi day backpacking trips. I also play some sports with my kid, and I stretch daily and get a massage once a month.

Machka 

I walk, hike, run, climb stairs, row, cycle and lift weights.

Noonievut

how much cycling would you do in the average week or month (# of days, # of hours)?

Machka 

Since Rowan has had his accident, and is very, very, very slowly recovering, the amount of cycling we do is anyone's guess. It depends on how he feels, although sometimes I'll Zwift when he's too tired to ride.

Just checked Strava, and I see that I cycled 1,018.7 km this year ... the smallest amount I've cycled in the past 29 years.

rumrunn6

sounds good! for a cpl years I was doing great w/ a bunch of that. but then my personal & work situation changed drastically & threw a monkey wrench into everything. best of luck & here's hoping you stay injury free

wolfchild

I am curious to know how cycling has contributed to making your health worse instead of better ??….What health issues were caused by cycling?

Seattle Forrest

I hike, backpack, climb, ski, swim, lift weights, and bike. Life is more interesting and fulfilling this way.

Noonievut

prostate issue. Rest of me health wise is all good thanks to cycling

Carbonfiberboy 

In order, I bike, hike, strength train, ski, run, and snowshoe. My weekly hours range from 4 to 20, with 6-10 being most common. 74 now, I used to put in more hours. In the past year, 58% bike, 25% hike, 10% strength, 3% XC ski, the rest misc.

Noonievut

that’s great!

Noonievut

So far it has been relatively easy to go from predominantly cycling to multiple activities. However, it’s the winter months! Cycling is limited primarily to Zwift (don’t have to work around weather conditions). Golf is an hour indoors. Hiking and skiing are my outdoor activities in the winter and they’re great. Swimming is short and sweet.

Though the way my slightly OCD mind works, I’m wondering how I will fit in all these activities when it warms up? Golf and cycling will compete for multi-hour stretches of nice weather. I have a couple cycling trips planned that are long multi-day rides (well at least one trip, that is 4 of 5 days riding, 80-100k per day). And I have a couple backpacking trips planned across spring and fall. I guess I just have to accept that I may not be entirely honed for any of these, but that dabbling in them should keep it interesting while somewhat avoiding injury and health issues from too much of one thing. And it’s not that I want to be great at any of these activities but rather I want to give them my limited time (would be different if I was retired!).

danmyersmn

it sounds like you could look at Triathlon. Swimming and running won’t effect your prostate assuming the issue is aggravated by seat time.

Even if you don’t wish to compete Triathlon isn’t like bicycle racing. Due to drafting being illegal on most of them it’s more of a solo sport. Sprint and Olympic tri are very laid back and casual. Two years ago I was a bit intimidated to try one but I did and I have been hooked ever since.

SpinClassSara

I also don't ride as much as I used to. I lift weights and do HIIT intervals. Every so often I'll throw in a barre or pilates class.

Seattle Forrest

There isn't much in the way of being "good at" backpacking. Unless you're scoring FKTs or photos for NatGeo, the only point is to have a good time. You've got this.