new job, no energy

[nash]

i recently started a new job as a tree worker. its been about 2 months. i've definitely added some muscle and have somewhat acclimated to the increased energy level required for a day at work. i'm not longer exhausted and hitting the couch at the end of the day, but i still have a hard time getting up the energy to get out and ride as much as i am used to. i used to do a 10-20m ride 2-3 times a week with a 30-40 once in a while. now its hard to get out there more than once a week.

anyway, any tips to increasing energy? i dont know much about nutrition. my diet is pretty healthy and hasnt changed since the job change. mostly meat, vegetables, and fruits. few grains, usually just rice or tortillas if any (my gf is gluten free). i drink occassionally but not much.

should i be eating more protein? more fat? get more sleep? more water? get some recovery mix from the bike shop for after work?

[ldamelio]

Sounds like you're doing everything right without becoming an outright monk. Of the things you mentioned, adding more sleep probably will make the biggest difference. We get stronger when we recover, not when we train/work. As long as you're peeing relatively clear, you're adequately hydrated. There's some evidence that some relatively pure protein ( a scoop of pure whey protein in water) at bedtime helps with natural release of growth hormone, muscle repair/synthesis. A multivitamin never hurts, although your diet sounds adequate. Pre-formulated recovery products are OK, but some lowfat chocolate milk or yogurt with fresh fruit or any one of a number of other real foods do the same thing - just get some 4:1 complex carbs:protein in after hard physical work or riding. Can you ride before work now that the days are getting longer ?

[Bobqzz]

Get up early and ride before work.

[nash]

riding before work doesnt really happen anymore. it used to, when i worked as a bike mechanic. the shop opened at 10 so it was a lot easy to get up early and ride.

but now work starts at 8. i get up 630. getting up before that to ride is just not going to happen. i'll try some whey protein like you suggested idamelio.

[boots2000]

I know a tree guy/bike racer. He was always overtrained until he became a foreman.
Now he owns his own company and has it dialed (does not climb much anymore).
I could put you in touch with him if you like?

[rabo]

Whatever you do , don't dial the stress up to where you're going to be tired at work. I've seen a couple of guys paralyzed by tree accidents now.
Stay SAFE above all!