I realised how real exercise addiction is when a nurse told me to rest, and my world fell apart
Realising that A&E nurses rarely have the capacity to address cycling addictions, Steve posed his questions to a sports psychologist
This narrative, which began high above the ground, unfolded after a cyclist collided with a deer, causing a chaotic descent. In the hospital, an initial concern was the potential for broken bones due to the severity of the fall. The prospect of being unable to ride a bike brought to light the reality of rest necessary for recovery.
Strava's notification of 400 consecutive training weeks added to the unease about a potential break from the sport. The crash left the narrator with a fractured or bruised pelvis, forcing a three to 12-week hiatus from cycling. Despite being in a high-risk group for exercise addiction, the narrator questioned how they would fill these weeks without cycling.
Dr. Josephine Perry, a sports psychologist, emphasized that exercise addiction, especially in endurance sports, is a real issue affecting up to 40% of ultra-endurance athletes. The addiction can manifest in various ways, from eating disorders to an unhealthy focus on training. Perry suggested finding alternative activities to maintain mental engagement during recovery, such as learning a new skill or pursuing a different hobby.
For the narrator, this meant using the time off to learn Spanish and contemplate an Everesting attempt on Mount Teide. While the narrator's outlook on exercise addiction was lighthearted, the issue can have serious consequences, and Dr. Perry advised developing other identities, being more flexible, and finding safe forms of movement to cope with the condition.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
