For Cyclists, the Season Never Ends – How to Avoid Burnout

Downhills, speed, kilometres. Even too much of a good thing can become a problem. So how do you avoid burnout?

Several times in my life, my favorite activity turned into a burden. I used to look forward to the end of the season so I could take a break from cycling. Lately, however, that has changed.

The Past

Cycling more than five times a week, plus going to the gym. Every year, I counted down the days until I could take a break at the end of the season. Not because I had grown to hate it—I simply couldn't keep it up anymore. Not physically, but mentally.

I craved complete rest, a total reset. Perhaps it was partly due to my personality: I either do everything to the fullest or not at all.

However, taking a few months off cycling isn't an ideal solution. My fitness would decline, my sense of speed would change, and my technique would suffer as well. So how did I change that?

Too Much of Anything is Bad

At first, I tried to find the ideal number of rides per week. I'm not a racer but a recreational cyclist who wants to maintain a good level of fitness and technical skill. I found that five rides a week were sometimes too much for me. My body could handle it, but my mind started to resist it.

Whenever I took a longer break from the bike (about three days), I suddenly looked forward to riding again. I wanted to feel that way all the time.

Going to the gym three times a week doesn't really suit me during the summer, and sometimes I only go twice a week during the off-season as well. For me, it's more of a necessity than a source of enjoyment.

It Opened My Eyes

When I started running, I immediately went to extremes there as well. I ran my first marathon, and that was it.

Over time, I realised that the joy isn't in a single challenge but in the sport itself—the discipline and the process. There was a time when a 4–5 km run would have seemed too short to bother with. But that's exactly the point.

Going for shorter runs a few times a week, with the option of gradually increasing the distance, helps me build a sustainable routine. Combining different sports and forms of movement is undoubtedly beneficial for health, and, most importantly, it helps prevent burnout.

Whether it's during the cycling season or the off-season, when I spend more time on other activities.

It's Not Just About Suffering

I've also found enjoyment in hiking and regular walks. They clear my mind and help me focus on something other than work when things get busy.

They're also great opportunities to spend time with friends, something that's often more difficult when cycling or running—especially in winter. That's why I rarely miss a group hike when someone organises one.

The Ideal Combination

Some people may already approach exercise this way, while others may train less. This is simply my perspective on avoiding burnout.

At the moment, I run twice a week, combine it with cycling, and go to the gym twice a week as well. If I have the time and opportunity for hiking, I'm always happy to add it to my schedule.

Eventually, I'd also like to incorporate trail running into my routine.

Equipment Matters

I used to run in inexpensive shoes that cost only a few dozen euros. As soon as I invested in higher-quality models, even at a slightly higher price point, I could genuinely feel the difference. I'm not saying you need to spend a hundred euros on running shoes right away. Our e-shop also offers more affordable options.