{
  "id": 12877784,
  "title": "Too tired, ill, or... just not feeling it? A coach advises on when you should skip a session and when to keep pushing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/too-tired-ill-or-just-not-feeling-it-a-coach-advises-on-when-you",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T12:35:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Cycling Weekly",
    "slug": "cycling-weekly",
    "url": "https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/too-tired-ill-or-just-not-feeling-it-a-coach-advises-on-when-you-should-skip-a-session-and-when-to-keep-pushing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When an athlete feels ill, excessively tired, or simply doesn't have the motivation to complete a training session, coaches face the challenge of determining whether to allow the athlete to train or skip the session. According to the source, the most common reason for riders wanting to know if they should train or not is due to the early stages of illness. If the illness is viral, it is advisable to avoid riding altogether as training through a virus can lead to longer-term health implications and hinder recovery. However, if the illness is mild, such as symptoms above the chest, no aches or chills, no excessive fatigue, and no raised temperature, a shorter and steadier indoor session can be considered. This approach allows for better control over session intensity and reduces exposure to cold air. If an athlete has recently experienced an injury, it is crucial to prioritize rest and avoid any activity that causes significant pain. The intensity should be kept below the second lactate threshold or Critical Power while the bruising or road rash is visible. For broken bones, the athlete should rest for the first week or two, with the gradual reintroduction of riding based on medical advice. General fatigue can also be a reason for skipping a session, which can manifest in various forms. Coaches often structure training in blocks, including a build-up phase followed by a deload week to manage fatigue levels. If no external factors contribute to the fatigue, coaches may need to push the athlete during the final stages of a build-up period. Breaking down efforts and sessions into manageable segments can help riders complete the training. Various factors, such as work or life stress, lack of sleep, or underfueling, can contribute to overall fatigue and impact the athlete's ability to perform optimally. In these cases, coaches may recommend reducing intensity, the number of efforts, or the volume of the sessions based on the individual's needs. Ensuring proper fuelling, including pre, during, and post-ride nutrition, is essential to maintain energy levels.",
  "summary": "Have a session in the planner, but you’d rather stay in bed? Here’s when to press on and when to hit snooze",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}