Getting back to training after COVID (our experience)

[@tmhudg]

"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our 'Behind the Scenes' to everyone else's Highlight Reel" - said someone who is the author or one of my favorite quotes. Glad you guys got through it with minimal impact.

[@sydandmacky]

That's an excellent quote!

[@davelloyd8454]

This is why I love watching you two! The world is not all Instagram highlights.

[@NightHawk59]

I liked this video and the reasons for sharing it. As an older rider, I'm often faced with post injury/illness recovery. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@Leo_Inclan]

Glad to see nobody got terribly sick. Hope the recovery keeps trending well and you guys are back to 100 soon! Thanks for sharing the experience!

[@2scoops624]

Love you guys, love the channel, I wished you a speedy recovery. Keep being awesome! My primary illness symptom is also rage.

[@ericleszkowicz898]

I wish I had the link but there was a research article that discussed the challenge of hard exercise while having a coronavirus (of any kind). It can leave permanent markers on an EKG if you do super intense exercise while sick. (Which is why they were doing electric ) Take time to be sick when you are sick.

[@poppawhit1]

I pray you both feel better & get well soon. God bless you & I look forward to seeing more of your motivational videos.

[@brianlehnhardt1632]

I love how honest your videos are. I'm just getting over covid myself and I'm waiting for a negative test to get out there again!

[@michaellangfitt2077]

Adapt, modify, move forward. This is the path to full recovery. Glad you pushed through the worst of it. Ride on1

[@Gabe73C]

Glad you two are recovering well!

[@hakanskogstjarna5180]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and some of your everyday life. After any flu or cold I think the takeaway is: listen to your body. And start slow. If it feels okay, then continue. Otherwise, lay off a day or two (three?) more before going back to serious training. And with age, it takes more time... And there are no general advice that fits all, since we all are affected in different ways. I got a fever for three days, my wife did not. Keep it up guys!

[@TrailFeatures]

On day 5 of Covid myself. It came hard and fast the first day but then I seemed to shake most of it by the third day. The most lingering issue has been the fatigue that everyone warned me about. For sure good advice about taking it easy and staying well hydrated.

[@gaberomero1740]

Get well. Miss your videos btw

[@brettjohnson9453]

Covid worked it's way through my household a few weeks ago, the hardest part was not being able to get out even for an easy ride or run. Our isolation rules are 7 days isolation from date of positive test. Knowing that you're not allowed was always in the back of my mind.

[@d-nicebikes]

It was bound to happen with one spouse getting COVID. All the best with the recovery for you both. Hopefully the symptoms remain mild as well. Appreciate the share of more of what continues to make Syd and Macky extremely relatable.

[@safetythird23]

Thanks for sharing this, it’s something *unfortunately a lot of people have also experienced. My journey was similar, and it was also strangely relieving to finally get it and be able to recover -just to know that we didn’t have to fear the worst anymore. my family still has some lingering effects which sucks, but it’s livable. Hope you continue to fully recover!

[@shaunholden963]

I'm just three rides in post rona. I waited 5 weeks before attempting any exercise.. I just have to learn how to chill and take it easy if I don't feel good.

[@michaelmurphy6335]

Thanks for sharing these experiences. I am happy to see that you both are jamming again as healthily as you can. Take care and good luck! 🤙🏽

[@jameslopez958]

Thankfully you were able to Recover! ✌️🙏❤️

[@okayatbikes1909]

Kid brought covid home after the fist week of school. Naturally, mom and dad caught it too. I had a sore throat and tested negative Saturday and Monday, it wasn’t until Thursday night that I finally tested positive. Because of other stuff, my doc prescribed paxlovid and a bunch of other stuff. Fortunately, the worst parts have been the fatigue, the loss of taste, and the nasty taste in my mouth from the antiviral. Random sweats and chills have been a thing, but no fever. My husband’s symptoms have followed a day or two after mine and he didn’t get a positive test until Sunday (a pcr even came back negative that he had done Friday). Staying away from people has also been harder than e pelted for this introvert. Thank you for documenting and glad this was fairly mild for you guys.

[@okayatbikes1909]

Also love, “Other than congestion, my main symptom is rage!”

[@benc.8103]

Great honest content. I love watching your clips. Stay healthy and best of luck on your race season.

[@sagehiker]

“Primary symptom is rage” against the unknown. Thank you for this as I just am coming out of restricted spring and summer from spine and hip issues with BIG outdoor plans just now kicking in, but COVID a second time could be lurking out there. How would I deal with keeping fitness up and not wallow in a pity party? You set a great example.

[@kenny83081]

Glad you're both feeling better.

[@jlhinsk]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I got COVID two weeks ago. I did an easy ride 5 days after the end of my major symptoms (fever mainly, no rage that I remember:). I felt that big time the day after. Waited a couple more days and got some intervals in yesterday (14 days after first symptoms). Do not feel to bad today. Sounds like that matches your experience. Look forward to hearing about your next race.

[@David_A_MTB]

Went through the same as you guys. 2 years later and I got covid. After I tested negative, I had a race 2 weeks after. Came in second to last out of 40 people lol. Took me about 3 months to feel way better. Residual cough lasted me 3 months and any excersize left me coughing. But finally after feeling like it would never go away, it has.

[@jcreeker5581]

Great to see you guys back out on the bikes

[@crbondur]

Glad you're both focusing on recovering. Your symptoms and timeline matched mine and my wife's fairly closely, except I tried to do too much too soon, which meant it took me a tad longer to fully recover.

[@garyharmon5386]

Get well soon and pedal safe

[@ronm7489]

I had Covid in early July. Started feeling off on a Friday and woke up the next morning feeling super tired and with sore leg and back muscles. Against my better judgement I went riding because I’d promised my son that I’d take him and his friend out. Started feeling worse and worse as the weekend went on and ended up tested positive the following Monday. The first 4-5 days was really bad and it took 3-4 weeks before I could do anything physical and not feel exhausted the next day.

[@mikieson]

Glad you're both good

[@fmstrat2104]

Ive been watching your channel for a while and I admire your comitment and your energy and your creativity as well as your results. How do you see your future in the cycling world as you grow older and enter into your post pro lives?

[@cesartorre9236]

This year I went through: January appendicitis surgery. March covid (Omicrom), August covid (Delta). In the past, I used to get really stressed about being sick or injured. Nowadays I really accept it. I count 50 weeks per year, asuming I'll be out for two weeks. This year it's been two months sick and the year is not over... :D

[@sydandmacky]

That is rough. Hope the test of the year is better 🤞

[@derekcraig3617]

I had walking pneumonia once. It affected my blood oxygen levels for months

[@NDURcycling]

Is it intelligent to train so hard after any infection? My doctor alway tells me that I should take it easy at least 2-3 weeks after the last symptoms.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

I agree that the risk might be too much too soon, and of course most of us are not as fit and strong and young as Syd and Macky. I have read that people who try to return too quickly to exercise after contracting Covid have a greater risk of long-term Covid. I dread having to deal with this, so far I have been able to avoid catching it and I am very grateful for that.

[@sapinva]

You probably shouldn't train if that means doing the same volume. But not being active puts you in a weaker position to fight it off. Just listen to your body, and if a 20 minute ride is all you can tolerate, do 20 minutes, or just go for long slow walk. You can always sleep more.

[@KDog2264]

Glad you didn’t get real sick. I caught delta a year ago. I am still dealing with respiratory and heart rate issues. Glad you didn’t get as sick as I was.

[@sydandmacky]

Oh man, sorry to hear it.

[@Axr24have]

Just at the tail end of my Covid now - I hope. I believe I contacted it at a family event. Several others advised they got it too. Anyway, I did a mtb ride locally before I knew I was sick, all seemed well until later in the day. Next morning I tested positive. I tried a short ride with my wife the next day, nope. Been off my bike for the last week. Your trainer’s comments seem reasonable. I am hoping for a negative test today or tomorrow. 😞

[@Magoo71]

I'm glad you two did not get it so bad as other folks have...shows what keeping a healthy body can do for you! Hey where is s good place to get some more "Pedal Dammit" Stickers...different sizes too?

[@sydandmacky]

That's Niner's thing. I think they've got stickers of it: www.ninerbikes.com/collections/merchandise/

[@Mr.P.Griffith]

I am about to go for my longest gravel bike ride this morning. With my boss.

[@theeoarsman921]

Bummer, get healthy soon!!!

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

Any special diet during COVID?

[@sydandmacky]

Nope, just LOTS of hydrating (both water and electrolytes)

[@timmckinstry]

Again? I thought you already posted this?

[@richardkaz2336]

We wide as a group of retired professional engineers and have a rule that if you're not feeling quiet right, don't ride with us. We are all vaccinated and boosted and had flu recent shots. However one ride rode anyway and then informed us the next day he wasn't well and tested and came back positive to RSV. Where we are the covid test not only test for covide but influenza and RSV ( Respiratory syncytial virus). With the months of rain we have had I hadn't interacted with anyone for 3 weeks and have made sure I masked up when doing any shopping. So I thought I was save with out MTB group. Nah, two days after the ride I came down sick. For me this is a minor disaster. While I'm physicall very fit, I does not equate to having a good immune system. Far from it. The guy that had RSV during the ride was sick for 3-4 days. Me however, I was ill for just over 4 weeks with full symptoms for the whole time. Six weeks after recovery I still have a morning cough. My first urban ride 2 weeks ago had me very short of breath and just started single track rides and at about 80% fitness now. My wife caught and tested positive to RSV 2days after me. We dread the thought of getting covid a couple of the guys have had covid from their kids and went into isolation as soon as their kids alerted them of not feeling well which is just as well as the tested positive with a PCR. Just a not of warning. If you don't feel well and your RAT in not positive to covid it does not mean you don't have covid, Influenza or RSV. My wife is back riding with us again. That was interesting elevated heart rate and breath. Trying to suck in enough air. I've noticed a big change after a big ride I can't stop yawning it goes on for a couple of hours before settling down I know RSV is entirely different to Covid but is that something others have notices?

[@michalwiktorow2188]

I had 2 vaccs., then 3-rd and still get Feb '22 CV19 Omicron. This thing spreads easily. I have no clue where,when etc. 14 days, from which 7 were really bad. I do not work now on-site due to multiple 'happy-parents' type of ppl that prefer to come to work sick but show just for the sake of being 'at work'. Their presence ruins others immunity, and they don't give a *** about others, they think that if they have children, then everybody should/shall be in the same s...t as they are. I don't have nothing to kids, but they are the main spread in western economies through closely-compacted schools arrangements (like 30 - 40 kids classes). Supermarket don't give a damn about replacing air filters in AirCon, so whole rows of alleys are bound to be 'stuck' with whatever anyone sneezed-out. I really expected smth like a change after this, but it's going back to the same s..tty situation. Also, rude and aggressive ppl are being an a-holes to those who wear a mask. What do they care? It's not their business.

[@onlyfoolriding8223]

I'm terrified of getting COVID. Fucking awful.

[@Montblanc1986]

My sense of smell still is wonky after a year…

[@outerstellar7186]

Stay phaithfull and don't forget to get your magic remedy!

[@CaFFeineSouLja]

glad to see you recovered from the common cold

[@machyne82]

You need more booster! That the only way to stay safe 😷

[@nathanbrooks6423]

😂😂😂😂

[@outerstellar7186]

BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! And don't forget obedience face dyper!

[@keithquinn5624]

Did u guys get the Jab?

[@sydandmacky]

Yup and the booster, but it had been about 8 months since the booster and it sounds like the immunity wears off in about 6. Just got our bivalent booster, so hopefully we're good for a while now 🤞

[@keithquinn5624]

@@sydandmacky 🤡

[@Leo_Inclan]

I will take the liberty of subtitling Syd's brain for a bit: 13:48 - Oh yeah, we're recording! Happy dance!!! Oh, no, wait! No happy dance, we're disappointed!! Quick, Syd, make a disappointment face!!

[@sydandmacky]

🤣 pretty much exactly what went through my head

[@GB-tr2wj]

Pushing it too hard guys post COVID isn’t a good idea even for young pros !

[@eniorivera9672]

I have got the covid myself and I know how you guys felt and went through, but you guys did it right, one day at a time, you guys be back at full strength in no time, as always great video.

[@burrellbikes4969]

Great call on being honest about the very faint line. Lots of people would just ignore it.

[@abstraddic0442]

Hang in there guys and try to be patient. We're all pulling for you both. Wonderful teamwork and drive. 👍👍 Thanks for being awesome. 🏍 🏍.

[@mynameisgid]

Howzit guys. 3 x Vid survivor. Unlike you guys, I had zero symptoms, besides feeling slightly tired. It's when I rode, where I realized ok...take care of my heart...that def felt off. Biggest advice I can give you....up to possibly a month after..take it easy on that HR. Unfortunately damage to that very important component to life...can be permanent. Love the story of you guys! Good luck!

[@outerstellar7186]

Flu survivor? Lmao, you are dramatic as dramatic can be.

[@mynameisgid]

@@outerstellar7186 if you are too dense to see the sarcasm in the term survivor, then seriously mate...just go lay in the street and accept your fate.

[@Nagasaki068]

I have had this "covid like" symptoms for more than 4 years,it is called Chronic fatique syndrom. I use to be a proper mtbiker,but with 10% energy , I can do almost nothing. Trust me guys covid is nothing compare to CFS

[@PhilGartman]

Well I haven't had to deal with COVID but I did spend two days in the hospital for blood on my brain earlier this week. One angiogram and 4 CT scans later and I'm doing just fine without any real explanation as to the cause. I hate missing bike time but Tuesday I can start riding again.

[@sydandmacky]

Whoa! That's scary. So glad you are okay.

[@PhilGartman]

@@sydandmacky Thanks.

[@thelanehunterdevon1664]

Great video. I was worried about lung scarring and inflammation. It seems like you just need to listen to your body. Your coach had great advice. Thanks again

[@svenweihusen57]

Mike is totally right. After a virus infection you should wait at least a week after symptoms before you really stress your heart again. It happens each year that people with the flu start too early and collapse with heart failure which is fatal most of the time. Just because you don’t feel awful any more doesn’t mean that you are healthy. Your body is still doing cleanup work and there are some viruses still circulating in your blood. Congratulations that you made it through so fast.

[@outerstellar7186]

Just let em do what they want, they have pfate!

[@myroncunningham9042]

Macky what the hell? You wiped out a chain ring, no way buddy lol...

[@BlackMan614]

At least you guys can track down the source. I got it and have no idea how. Spent weekend mountain biking. Never went indoors outside of my pod. Ate on patios. It's like this big mystery. Covid was easy - no fever, chills... nothing but a little fatigue. My doctor prescribed Paxlovid. But I got the rebound which hit 10 days later and its worse than covid. My doctor now says they are seeing a lot of rebound with Paxlovid. Thanks for sharing.

[@janeblogs324]

They admitted rats were a superspreader finally. Explains why NYC and Sydney were doomed

[@dirtydogfpv1159]

It's taken me 10 months to get back my lung capacity so I could do longer rides. Still don't have all my taste and smell back.

[@sydandmacky]

Oh no. So sorry to hear. That's brutal!

[@earthquakemagoon2505]

Hang in there guys! You got this!! 👍

[@miked51]

Hey Syd and Macky. I commented on another of your vids where I said how you inspired me to keep riding after going through COVID twice. Well, this comment may be a little lengthy. The first time I caught it was before anyone knew. I stayed in bed for almost two weeks. I then resumed work(essential) and started riding a bit, in the winter, in Chicago. Fun. Wasn't feeling too bad, summer came and I was able to amp up my training. Fast forward to September 2021. Caught this bug again and my life has not been the same since. Fatigue is the major thing. I have long COVID. I have good and eh days. It is brutal but what I do think is keeping me together is riding. Every morning I go through a fit of coughing and clearing my system from sputum and whatever, sneezing for awhile and headaches. The pressure in my head is almost unbearable at times. That is why I kit up, grab a bike and ride. It does help big time but yeah you gotta take it easy. Love you guys! Go win. Oh yeah, it also has messed with my cognitive, natural ability on a bike. COVID sucks.

[@sydandmacky]

So sorry to hear that! Hope it clears up and you're able to get back to normal soon.

[@janeblogs324]

Don't cough, ever. Swallow, hum, swallow, exhale (hiss) then hock only if its ready. Repeat

[@michaelmechex]

I feel you. I got sick at the start of July, the classic cough, blocked nose and high fever, not covid. After a month of that, almost recovered but still weak, I got infected with covid. I had fever so high I couldn't sleep for 2 days. I am still sick, but hoping I will get at least a little bit of riding in this year. It sucks so much

[@jonathonmcmillan9410]

Thanks for the update and sharing your experience. I got covid more than 20 days after my son brought it home from camp, and a full 10 days after my wife came down with it. It took nearly a full month to work through our house after the initial exposure. That was a really long month.

[@P4P5]

I seem to be one of the lucky ones. After all this time and being in close contact quite a few times with people who had it, i never got it myself. I hope this trend continues with me. As for you two, i'm sure you will be back to normal form/training in no time.

[@rboyce4539]

It took me at least 2 weeks after COVID to feel good enough to do my regular training. It took another 2 weeks to get back to normal. I feel for you I missed two races because I had COVID.

[@southernbythegraceofgod6524]

Covid absolutely destroyed my fitness. I was two months post Covid before I had the energy to ride. It’s been 10 months now and I’m still not back to the rider that I was before.

[@toneb4198]

Really respect you guys for having the courage to talk openly on this subject. We all need to have these conversations if we are to move forward with our lives, well done. Cheers Guys (UK)

[@posenyang9549]

Can you guys do a video on the strength training workouts you do. Maybe show each move and either the reps & sets or times sets. I discover your channels a few month ago and have been watching everyone of them! Keep it up!

[@smoothisfast6644]

I did Lord of the squirrels in Whistler three days after initially testing positive. Woof what a mistake. I kept telling myself that at least I would die doing what I loved.

[@beerenmusli8220]

I'm still recovering from a really intense sickness my self, and the mental part is so draining. I was in bed for over a week, it really was a drag and I still am only at like 60% of my usual energy.

[@angelahill7041]

I hope you guys get to feeling better soon great bike videos 💘 2022

[@damnedlock8776]

I hate to hear you got sick,...Im glad you guys seem better.

[@ryanskrause1386]

Haha i just found out I live down the road from you

[@tylermoser6706]

You guys are fantastic! Thank You

[@MrThegixerman]

Glad you're both feeling better

[@erikhilsinger9421]

Thanks for being real.

[@tdub25]

Big fan of coach mike

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

On my second day of a two week vacation I was hit by kidney stones. A week and a half of sitting on my butt taking the maximum amount of Advil ruined a two day trip to Bromont Quebec for some downhill riding along with some more local rides I had planned. Zero stars. Cannot recommend.

[@sydandmacky]

Brutal!

[@tamserenity]

Glad your well again!! I had it too...

[@coneklr]

Have Covid currently. First round for me. Caught it at SBT GRVL. It’s not fun, hoping I can get back on the bike soon. Glad you are feeling better!

[@sydandmacky]

Feel better soon!

[@boydcrowder4436]

Syd, how do you like those Altra shoes? I've been thinking of trying a pair. Hope you two are coming back strong and stronger. Thx for the video.

[@johnfilicicchia1651]

I also noticed Syd’s Altras. I’m just a walker, not a runner, and they are the best-so comfortable!!

[@sydandmacky]

I love them! I'm not a runner though, so I mostly use them for gym work and general life. But they are super comfy!

[@billderas3420]

Thanks!

[@roneysilveira7606]

You guys are having fast recovery, that is great 👍Please do not exercise a lot, wait at list a couple of weeks, then you start to do more strong exercises. I got COVID last Jan18th and wait 10 days to ride 38kms. Some sintoms remain for some months !

[@shawnpritchard366]

Everyone is going to get it regardless of vaccination status. Thankfully the Omicron is mild in comparison to Delta. Good news you now have natural immunity. Glad you're both feeling better.

[@kennethroth6757]

My brother, sister triple jabbed both caught covid very badly my dad received 1 dose his bp went crazy..

[@DevinDeVore]

Actually that isn't the way the body works with mRNA. DNA has been changed for life.

[@michalwiktorow2188]

1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No - this does not drive nat. imm. at all, also herd imm. is not possible to arise - read studies. You have 6 to 9 mnths and then it's gone. 4. YES.

[@shawnpritchard366]

@@DevinDeVore they made no mention of vaccination status.