PARD (Post Amazing Ride (or Race) Depression)
You know the feeling.
Monday morning, bright and early…roll out of bed, start the coffee, jump in the shower, get to work, and all you want to do is look at pictures of the weekend, scan the weather forecast for the next few days, plan the week’s training, clean and tune the bike, send funny emails or tell lots of stories about all of the hilarious anecdotes from the weekend.
Monday morning I woke up and I knew it was coming. My legs were sore, my clothes still in duffle bags around the apartment, wet spandex in the washing machine needed to be changed over, waterbottles drying in the sink, complete disappointment at the fact that I can’t eat a 7 course meal for breakfast, the tendency to try to stuff a gu in the pocket of my suit jacket, and a complete lack of motivation to do anything but think about cycling on a day when I needed to get back into the grind of the real world.
A quick aside: Typically a major side-effect of PARD is feeling like I can’t wear anything form fitting on my lower half or sit down for more than 5 minutes at a time – however, this past weekend, I broke in my new Selle SMP Evolution saddle, courtesy of our new sponsor Albabici. And this was no ordinary test ride. 100 miles on Saturday and 75 on Sunday – 10 hours in total – and not only do I feel great afterwards, but the saddle helped keep me in that “sweet spot.” 
That was my Monday. And my Tuesday. Heck… it’s Thursday and I’m still plugging away trying to get over the euphoria of a great weekend and back into the “real world.” There’s something about an amazing weekend of racing or training that just makes you want to forget everything else in the world and just ride the bike.
After the past two amazing weekends of riding in Tennessee, I’ve been suffering from some serious PARD. I’d never wish depression on anyone, but man I hope all of you have a reason to experience some PARD soon.
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I love these blogs.
Who knew cycling could be so hazardous to our health? First, cyclepsychosis and now PARD. Maybe we need to start a support group for those afflicted with cycling-related disorders.
I always thought we were all a little nuts. This confirms it.
I’m sooo happy to find out that I’m not the only one that suffers from this syndrome, in fact to find out that it’s common enough for you to give it a name!!
PARDner… Good name for insidious companion.
Last three weekends have seen me:
Take 34 secs off the PB in State Title 20k ITT for a second place, second in State Road Champs, 3 mins off mountain TT (last 3 k on a flat rear) and 4th in the 100k dash.
This week I have felt totally crap. Legs won’t move. Can’t sleep. Don’t want to be near anyone and can’t stand to be alone.
I’ll get over it – good to know other people get it too…
Save riding everyone.