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I know I can't be the only one this happens to.... the day after a race, I generally feel like I have been run over by a bus. Not physical soreness so much (although that is part of it), but sort of the empty feeling in my head of the adrenaline hangover.
In my case, it seems to get worse with age (I'm 45), and one of the reasons that I generally choose Saturday races over Sundays whenever it is an option.
Does anyone else notice this, or has anyone found any good solutions (legal ones of course) to lessen the effects?
In my case, it seems to get worse with age (I'm 45), and one of the reasons that I generally choose Saturday races over Sundays whenever it is an option.
Does anyone else notice this, or has anyone found any good solutions (legal ones of course) to lessen the effects?
is a feeling like there's no fuel inside the body, and the necessity to eat a lot
The Shop
I get this now too after long day of moto riding.. I'm 42.. I stay hydrated and eat enough fuel. Google "exercise headaches". Mine comes on pretty strong couple hours afterward, more like a migraine and fuzziness. No solution except to pop a couple ibuprofen before it comes on.
Always looks slower on camera unfortunately haha
I did finish in the top 5 of the Vet main but dang, that little crash took the wind out of my sails Saturday night! I contribute that to old age for sure. And all those pesky 30 year old kids on the line!
Personally for the most part I don't think adrenaline is the biggest factor in MX. To ride well you need to be in control, focused, calm. Yes first time you hit a big jump you may get a shot of adrenaline. But if you really consider the bodies adrenaline response there's no way we would be any good if you spent the whole time in fight or flight mode.
The reason you love motocross is because it gives you a high, a reward feeling. Lot's of other athletes experience the same reward buzz. Google runners high for example.
It's the dopamine hit your missing, which is why your always go back for more.
Your point about reward feelings really hits the nail on the head... could it be that I don't find my normal office work on Monday morning "quite" as exciting as a day of moto?!? It probably makes the hangover quite a bit more noticeable.
It's ultimately our caveman wiring still in effect. These chemicals are why mankind survived & evolved.
I think just being aware of it will help.
As you were/are a runner, if your not too tired from your days riding, you could try to run too & from work, of have a pre breakfast run. That will release some extra endorphin's.
Swimming is also great I find.
As a cure for Monday morning hangovers, I retired, works wonders, because working sucks. My Mondays are spent cleaning my bike and gear, followed by an afternoon kip on the sofa. I'm 46.
I love the retirement idea. I think I'll need a pretty good sponsor for that haha!
The biggest downfall in our sport is EXHAUST!
After riding on a track for an hour or 3, your body is full of exhaust fumes, down into your cells.
What you're feeling the next day is your body filtering it out.
Even though this is not a chemical mask, I've found that wearing one of these while riding filters out enough of the exhaust that I no longer have the day after riding hangover.
I heard it said that Andrew Short was wearing one of these for a while. I have no idea whether it's true or not.
What I do know is that how I feel the next day is a night and day difference when I wear one of these.
Try it once, and let me know what you think.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-N95-Woodworking-and-Sanding-Painted-Surf…
Of course, I’m old and slow. (And far from fit enough for MX). I’m physically beat up after a race, but feeling high for weeks after.
I just worked it out. I’m 54yo. That doesn’t seem right.
Pit Row
I wish I got those adrenaline rushes still, I ride and race twice a week and it feels like a job to me lately...
Another issue may be alcohol. If you’re regularly drinking too much you might be messing with your dopamine and blood sugar levels. If you drink all week and then hold off the night before a big race, you may put a load on your system that your body has to handle without alcohol propping up your blood sugar and dopamine levels. Or conversely you might be drinking too much after a race.
Either way, pick a good diet, stop drinking and see how you feel in a few weeks. Most of the things people complain about as getting old aren’t just age, but getting fat, not sleeping enough, and the aggregate effect of years of bad habits.
Working out used to help me the most. Try taking a spin class and pretend it's a moto, you'll feel great afterwards. Other things that helped are golf, bowling, pool, darts and even a movie night, all more for the mind and are fun/cheap.
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