I was going to give up cycling and Youtube...

// Cycling eBook: www.ilikemountains.cc/s-h-o-p
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Super happy to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)
www.shimano.com/en/
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exposurelights.com/
Shokz: Use KATIE2023 for £10 off: shokz.cc/3Sq4IXJ

[@sharpbends]

Sometimes its good to go for a ride with zero technology no phone no gps no headphones no watch no cameras and no monitors of any kind. Its liberating to just breathe and pedal.

[@secretagent86]

Agree

[@PeterSdrolias]

100%

[@nigelwilkinson-xg9us]

Well said sir

[@deDANIEL11609]

no GPS even possible?

[@dannyswain2937]

100

[@bazstravels8986]

Katie. Do whatever you need to do. If want a break take it and come back on your terms. But, please, do not lose sight of what you have achieved and importantly those you have inspired to get on the bike. Personally, I’ve had a slow start to the year with a chest infection but not missed a day at work. Rest is a great healer and if you need rest, then rest. Take that time to think what you want to do, how you want to do it and when you want to do it. So, glad you also seem to have your mojo back. Please remember, your videos bring a load of fun happiness and joy to people but do what you to, you owe us, the viewers, nothing. It will be good to hear what you decide to do next. Take care of yourself and keep smiling and thank you for all the fun videos

[@crobbw]

Glad you stuck with it. After 20 years off the bike I have set a goal to climb Mt Teide by the time I turn seventy. That gives me 4 years and a bit to train. You are such an inspiration to work hard, keep training and enjoy it!

[@radicalvox8770]

Quitting YT is ok but quitting cycling is not an option. Remember what cycling has given you

[@sheepledog4470]

Fake notion. Katie earned what she got. None of it was freely given. oldmrmegadrive2. blogspot. com

[@rogeranderson1524]

Her options are her options.

[@horriflying]

No one really gives one.

[@MrCyclist]

Hi Katie. Toronto here. I am 79 and for the last 12 years I have been doing 12,000 km each year. In 2022, I over did it in Spain with 1000 m climbs that took 5 months to recover from with rests and low level climbing but same distances. Now, I use rain and cloudy days to take as my rest days because I can then ride fully after. As an ex-Brit I know you don't get enough good days so space it out accordingly. Love your videos and keep it up and they are appreciated,

[@secretagent86]

Wow i love this… i M 67 and ride 4-5 thousand kms a year (in 7 months)

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

I finally was in a position to buy a good indoor bike this year so I can finally get in consistent training with the dreadful Irish climate.

[@carolmcdermott7844]

Hi Katie. We met yesterday at Ayacata! I'm always impressed that you manage to find the time and energy to do filming and commentary whilst out riding. I realise you probably get a lot of pleasure sharing your rides and passion through your channel, but still, it's a lot of work. I also appreciate that KZbin is now your job, and you need an income stream. But, you have no obligations to us, and if you just want to take a break or time out, just do it. Focus on quality, not quantity. Yet, I can see, even whilst sunbathing, that you were still thinking about what you filmed on the way down to the beach. Good luck on VOTT tomorrow, although it's looking pretty wet.

[@robanderson251]

Thanks for sharing your experience - its this honesty and openess that we all love about you. I hit a bit of a wall myself last year with work and being motivated to do anything and its taken a while to firstly let myself just say no and stop, but then after to rediscover the spark and energy to get out on a bike and get back into work. Finding balance is really hard when it feels like everyone wants a piece of you. Your story is so positive and helpful, thank you.

[@ScottWaltonDev]

4:53 shout out to the guy flipping off the driver in the background

[@richardharris8538]

Maybe he was just adjusting his hat?

[@geoffmerritt]

Had one eye on the background waiting for the guy.

[@danwiddon3854]

It’s Gran Canaria, He waved at his friend and adjusted his hat, indifferent to the driver crawling over the striped road that are only conflict zones in large British cities!😂

[@ColePearl]

It’s always so important to take a break for yourself, even with things you really enjoy. I have been watching your videos for years and they have always brought me so much happiness and motivation! When I’ve been unable to cycle because of injuries or because my motivation left me, your videos helped me get through those rough times. Thank you for being so open and honest and I’m so happy to hear you’ve found a better balance for yourself and KZbin 💜

[@Erin8844]

Burnout is brutal, all you described was how i’ve felt now for over a year, I am not yet in the place where I even want to take my bike outside yet simply because I don’t have the energy. I look forward to the day when I can wake up and feel refreshed enough to deal with life plus a fun little cycle but it isn’t going to be in the short term I guess. Take care of yourself and relax as much as possible

[@chrism5433]

Burn out not fun. Proper sleep routine and nutrition helped me . I hope it wasnt depression but its good now .cheers . pretty normal for everyone.cheers

[@tkpeters]

Do whatever you are happy with, we'll still watch all your videos. Love staying in GC & La Palma.

[@20yearsagotoday1]

You won’t if she gives up YT!

[@mototheroad2566]

I raced bicycle’s for for 15 years and was so burned out I could not even look at my bike… it made me sick to even look at it. I did nothing for a year and then started running for fun and stay in shape and started to get into trails and started running on the trails that I would mountain bike on. Running on trails gave me a whole new perspective and now I love running long distances on trails and have did 3 50k ultras and found a bit of a community as well and enjoy my bike for purely recreational. I don’t know why it happen but my mental is really good with running now and

[@ianlloyd1182]

As always Katie, your openness, honesty and ability to engage with those who follow you is refreshing and encouraging. I, and this is no doubt true for many enjoy listening to you and sharing in your adventures. My wife and I were driving through the high country of NSW last week past paddocks full of sheep and I mentioned to my wife that you’d be calling out “hello” to all the sheepies.

[@davidisaacs6692]

really admire your honesty. I had a passion for cycling so left UK moved to Andalucia to set up bikingandalucia, biking holidays, did it for 19 years, nearly destroyed my passion for cycling, difficult punters, working 24/7, Spanish bureaucracy, dealing in a language that is not your first etc etc but at the end of day I had to pay the bills, hope that you can too, take care, best, David

[@stevengeorge5605]

I’m glad you’re still riding and sharing your advice and adventures with us. Thank you! 😊

[@VickyMathwin-mz4tc]

Wow this is relatable. I had a similar experience in terms of my love of cycling last year. I’d founded a cycling club and done loads of amazing things, and I just fell into a pit of self doubt and burnout with life in general. I’ve lost my cycling mojo temporarily in the past, but this was a full year of feeling like shit. I’ve come through the other side now and am focussing again on putting my positive energy into new things - QueensMoot being the new project! You’re fabulous and your openness about this stuff is really refreshing.

[@terryforsythe8342]

Well done Katie. Absolutely love your videos and find them both inspirational and educational. So glad you’re keeping them going. I came back to cycling when I retired at 66 and despite an horrific crash two years ago I love it just as much as when I was racing back in the 60s. Keep up the good work even us grandparents love it.

[@kubam1498]

hi Katie, I'm off cycling so far this year. Life just gets in the way. I usually set a low cycling distance target just to keep me ticking over but between work and being a dad of two.. I need a bit of downtime. I will do some cycling but i'll more than likely just do a few family rides with the kids. Its all about balance and time out.

[@rasmivancollinson4526]

Thank you Katie for always being so honest and brave to share. We all need to rest and recover at the best of times - I’ve found out the hard way this week as always super busy and training and planning for the next cycling adventures … until I came off my bike last weekend and unfortunately fractured my shoulder. Now an enforced rest from cycling and work but looking to the positives and all part of life’s experiences. Now just need to focus on recovery and the 12+ weeks of rehab. Enjoy the lovely sunshine and your videos will keep me motivated and inspired to get back on the bike come late summer. So full of gratitude for your videos 🙏🏼

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Hi Katie! There are so many lovely, loving, and helpful comments here I won't even pretend that I have anything more of value to offer. EXCEPT no one has mentioned your Smile. 😊 I suspect that in addition to all the cycling adventures, training and bike fitting advice, and wisdom about the power of dates 😋, many of us come here to visit with you in order to have our spirits uplifted. You do that in so many ways, including that priceless smile. Thank you for all of that.

[@richardharris8538]

Beautifully put.

[@grahamelliott6041]

🤑

[@rexthedog9637]

This!^^^^^^

[@1972hermanoben]

I know you mean to be complimentary, and you’re not wrong, but that’s creepy as anything.

[@grahamelliott6041]

@@MrLuigi-oi7gm I think he’s actually spot on to be fair

[@paulblundell3053]

Dig your honesty Katie. We'll be here with you through thick and thin. Love ya.😊

[@Miekzz]

Katie I'm so happy you've falling back in love with our beautiful sport and we get to enjoy your videos :) like you said - rest is an activity and you should take the time for it!! Fully agree!! Enjoy the week off x

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Thank you for putting such an important message out there Katie! We don't, especially in developed countries, value DOWN time! Parasympathetic time (rest, digest, repair and RECOVER) is paramount for a healthy, sustainable life. Thank goodness you saw and LISTENED to the warning signs!!! People think that sleep is wasted time but that's when the body repairs all the damage sustained from a hecktic day. Phil Cavell in THE MIDLIFE CYCLIST (not that you're there yet) that way too many of us wind up over training, in fact more than the pro's. We can do the efforts, but we need to recover. And that's not just on the bike. I will gladly watch what you have to offer, BUT only if you aren't running yourself into the ground. It need to be sustainable. Thanks for setting such a responsible example! It's hard when society expect so much (especially of women). Good on you!

[@khchan8341]

You were one of the first youtuber whom i subscribed to when i started back cycling 4 years ago before the pandemic. Thoroughly enjoyed the videos you created. Do continue to enjoy cycling, even if you decide to stop producing videos. Greetings from Malaysia.

[@garybrown9857]

Katie, you have been a wonderful inspiration to me, and I've learned quite a bit about cycling while watching your videos over the years. I'm glad you found your second wind to keep doing this, but please know what a marvelous impact you've had by making these videos and that's going to be there whether you move on or not. Thank you so much.

[@robertdavies9594]

Dear Katie. The mind and body will at times need a reset. And sometimes life will bring about something that brings this reset, even though it may be something that makes us stop and think about life and what we are feeling through illness, mentally, physically, emotionally! There was an advert for a certain choc bar The phrase was "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play"! We need all three to make life work. You needed that down time to get to your reset. You deserve your down time to enjoy the other things in life. We love seeing your video's, but also love to know you are looking after yourself. We can see the smile that say's you are so happy with what you have decided, which also put's a smile on your followers faces. Enjoy life's every moment Katie, and keep that gorgeous smile what ever you do. Big cwtches from Wales ☺

[@grahamelliott6041]

Thank you Dalai Llama

[@sarahstreet-rose7532]

I just had to sing that advert line ! 😂

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

This is pretty much how I'm feeling right now. So glad you're doing better!

[@glennoc8585]

I'm convinced cycling and your lifestyle has kept you looking young Katie. Its good to have variety in our lives but its hard to give up what gives so much back. I can see you doing group cycling day or longer tours as a business.

[@debrarose8079]

Love your content and transparency ❤😊Thank you so much you inspire me to ride more😊

[@mikeh8282]

I'm very glad you stuck with it Katie. I really appreciate your videos and the hard work you put in.

[@stephenwilliams8384]

Glad you have found a way out of that dark place & you are back feeling good. You must always make time for yourself. Thank you for the videos. Best wishes.

[@semiterminaal]

It's nice hearing that you've found a better balance between work and life, Katie. I've been having my lazy Sunday's for years now. It's my one day of the week where I don't necessarily do nothing, but rather do nothing I don't feel like doing. I can highly recommend it.

[@weegiewheeler]

WE NEED YOU, you are my go to for motivation to get on bike !. 1 week today me and my group go to mallorca. and ive nicked all you gran canaria routes ! hopefully soon. keep pedalling, and hopefully YT.

[@palmer3977]

I made the same mistake, i ran my own business & i was living to work not working to live, minimum 14 hour days days a week for 10 years, i suffered 2 breakdowns & now i have fibromyalgia, the importance of rest & time away from work is underestimated.

[@joninoj214]

I felt like this after getting 65mm carbon rims. Only Di2 left. Upgrades kept me going. Soon I'll need other reasons.

[@victorhamilton9097]

Hey Katie, I've been follow for several years. The consist effort and creativity involved in your channel is impressive. Keep at it, I'm enjoying the journey.

[@DavidPenney]

Glad to see that you are feeling happy and positive! Love to follow along on your journey!

[@markdillon4521]

First found you on Zwift years ago, have watched many many of your videos, enjoyed them all, Thank you for sharing, take a break, come back on your terms, find your happiness, see your friends and family, Keep happy and know there's people out here that love you, M.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Mark that is so lovely thank you!!! 🙂

[@davidwhitehead2298]

Hi Katie, I love the the way you reflect on stuff and listen to your body and listen to the question thats been rumbling around in your spirit. You have to listen to that. I read a book once called " staying in the boat" which was brilliant. It teaches us to work from a place of rest. Easier said than done, but its valuable. Downtime needs to be planned in and do something different like spending time with friends, going to the movies, etc. Thanks again for opening up your reflections! Youre a beautiful soul.

[@simonleavesley7064]

What courage that has taken to be so honest and open. I'm definitely going to keep watching your journey, love your cycling adventures. Yes well done and total total respect

[@KatieKookaburra]

Thank you so much!

[@larryryan6003]

Thanks for sharing. I am glad you are still here!

[@user-je3wl3zo6n]

When you live in an apartment and work at home doing everything yourself reminders of work are all round you 24/7 I’m sure it is easy to fall into the trap of work, work, work. Remember that quality is better than quantity, if the pressure of producing a weekly video is too much then don’t do it! Love the honesty and openness, take care.

[@ravenwing8842]

Hi Katie, I went through a period of absolute exhaustion at a very similar age to you, for very similar reasons, but nothing to do with KZbin! I follow several you tubers and I’m drawn to conscientious people because I am one and this sense of needing to justify rest, enjoyment and downtime for fear of being criticised or judged by one’s audience is a very common issue. It’s very sad that there are and always have been people who are unable to understand and appreciate another’s perspective. I hope you have a wonderful year just being you. Those of us who have followed you for a long time and many others from the first video, follow you and this channel is about you being happy, healthy and doing what you love. Cycling doesn’t have to be the dominating content. You are the dominating content for being who you are.❤

[@olelie2]

Thanks for some background. I live on Gran Canaria and normally go riding most days. Had my hip changed out 3 weeks ago though so now suffering the withdrawal symptoms. Hopefully valley of the tears on the menu again within a couple of months. Enjoy your holiday even though the weather has been a little wet lately.

[@starlitshadows]

Yeah, it wasn't that long ago you were taking time off and thinking of filming different activities. Keep in mind Katie, the activity you love is very physically demanding and can lead to overtraining and burnout alone. Let alone all the travel, filming, production you do around it. Like you said you can burnout on anything. Something positive can become stressful. Important to find a balance and rest, eat right etc. I just recently got a bit ahead of my training, combined with work I got burnt out as well. Last 5 or 6 weeks. Finally this week I'm back to doing intervals and enjoying riding again. I've noticed you seem much happier in recent videos as well. Glad to see you are feeling better.

[@douglasbender1456]

This is a very good video. The life of a good KZbinr like yourself is an entrepreneur so I’m not surprised to hear that there’s no downtime. The sad thing is that it affected your passion for cycling but as you mentioned taking a break allowed you to recharge. You certainly seem to be hanging out in a lovely place. I look forward to your future videos

[@icewarped]

Thank you for sticking with it and congratulations on achieving that life/work balance that we all strive for. You are truly an inspiration.

[@bhakta43]

There is always something natural and beautiful in your narratives , hope you keep it in touch with it as it comes from a true place of joy

[@denlsgoulden2307]

So glad your recoupertion appears to have done the trick. Guess it's like alot of things in life you can overdo it to beyond saturation point and it loses it's sparkle. Welcome back 😊😊

[@richardatkinson4015]

You have earned couch time Katie ! It's snowing in Canada right now , I look forward to your posts when i can't get out on my bike. Just wanted to say thank you because i know it's not always easy to put the effort in you do !

[@GordonChaffin]

I have very similar experiences as a fellow early bird and someone who over-sleeps to try to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. I have a standard office job, but I also have a lot of community/volunteering work that I over-commit to. I'm hoping you keep finding the balance and joy in your work as I try to do the same in mine. My desk is full of crazy sticky notes and lists and it makes me so stressed!

[@peterparkingmeter4764]

Rest is so important in day to day life especially if you put your mind and body through the wringer,good on ya for seeing the signs,onward and upward from here on in😁

[@tvolkmeier]

Thank you so much for your content. You have totally inspired me. And I am sure thousands of other people too. We would follow you on any bike ride. I started cycling only 6 years ago. Thank you. Thank you. You have made me a stronger rider in both the legs and the mind. If that makes any sense.

[@rowingfrance]

Thanks very much for sharing this with us. It's quite brave of you. Downtime is important, so please make sure you have it Katie. We love your videos and can wait for them to appear. Look after yourself.

[@moreadventureuk]

Thanks for sharing this with such honesty and vulnerability Katie. Only you know what's best for you and it takes a great deal of strength to admit that turning a hobby into a career is not all sunshine and rainbows. Thank you

[@jigglypuff4227]

I am glad you stick with us and cycling, you inspire so many of us please NEVER forget.

[@odetocycling]

Definitely sounds like classic symptoms of burnout. Having been there I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Great to hear that you've listened to your body and mind and leant from the experience and got your mo-jo back again. Looking forward to seeing some of your new videos this year and hopefully some audax content too. PS You're looking amazing at the moment - that beach life is really suiting you

[@kennedystuart5685]

I love your videos. You do what you need to do for you. I hope you stay with it. Cheers

[@nerigarcia7116]

I think we all go through burn out as cyclists at some point. Usually I just take a break until I feel the need to have to ride again and I usually start to enjoy it again. It's just important to have something else to take up that down time. That's when I turn to playing music, reading, or art.

[@jimpeyton1459]

Burnout can happen anytime to ANYONE. Glad you were able to come out the other side with a positive attitude. That transition from bleak, stress-filled existence to feeling hope and joy is incredibly difficult. I struggle in getting through these dark periods. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Have fun. Ride on.

[@chriscorman6249]

Thank you for your advice I will definitely keep it in the back of my mind !! I had the same problem and took off cycling for a year. I am blaming the aftermath of Covid & the little things it created. Getting in tune with myself and getting in step with god took me out of that hole. Thank you for sharing. After my journey I am convinced that I will be a better cyclist !!

[@paulimagicaable]

I'm glad you're looking after yourself and feeling rejuvenated Katie 👍👍😎😎

[@kevinlyon9501]

I have had a similar experience. I also have wondered how do you cope when it's just you and KZbin is your job, rest is very important so plenty of beach time, weather is still poop here so don't rush back.😎❤

[@alertbox]

Lovely video Katie. High pressure work cannot be sustained forever, we all need to take our foot off the pedal and relax when the mind and body are grinding to a halt. Rejuvenation is all important, and that is the key message from your video. Have a great time next week.

[@malcontent510]

KB, so very glad you're still here!

[@globaljobber]

Thanks for your honesty Kate. Doing a great job. One thing you are is inspirational and uplifting.

[@senyaw53]

Good on you Katie. Stress and burnout creep up on you almost until it's too late. Take care. Cheers from AUS.

[@peterawlings6568]

Hi Katie, I follow you as a sometime (hopeful) cyclist...and do so because of the emotional honesty of your pieces to camera as much as about the cycling (which are always helpful). I feel that you engage with me (us all?) because of the openness and vulnerability of your videos...the best way to engage is be your authentic self...and, as this video shows, like so many others videos, you are emotionally brave enough to do that! I liken this quality to why I like Cavendish so much as a professional athlete/cyclist: his vulnerable honesty is a key part of himself as a man as well as a cyclist - that I I feel identified with him as another human. Ditto you! Well done and I am pleased that you have, as others here have identified , your 'mojo' back! Enjoy getting into the 'flow' of cycling in Gran Canaria!!

[@margobrown6140]

Love your honesty Katie. Glad you took the time you needed & are enjoying your cycling again. Don't be so hard on yourself, what you do is fab! Enjoy your days 'off'

[@timcollins340]

Katie, that's a really useful piece. And it would have been a disaster had you felt you needed to give it up. Thank goodness you found your way through it. My problem is the opposite. I rest too much...!

[@LakeDistrictcyclist]

Katie you are a inspiration to us who enjoy your videos and are learning the hard way on creating for YT, it’s hard work and you deserve a break. Keep going because it helps us too 😊

[@simonchristen6537]

Keep going 💪💪💪 Great to see you back on KZbin 😊

[@MarufoVega]

I have always found a seasonal cold weather break from cycling has always been followed by an eager attitude in the spring. Some time to refresh and do something different or new is probably going to have a payoff. I never rode the long distance rides that you do though.

[@CycletheNation]

Great to hear your honest thoughts. It's definitely not an easy thing to do, especially when you factor in 'life' alongside YT and it taking up some of your enjoyment time, and worrying about what you're posting / vlogging. I know it's something I'm aspiring towards, and videos like this don't detract from that, but highlight that your 'job' isn't your life.

[@joseseptien]

Work 10 hrs M, W, T, F, S. train cycle 15 hrs per week, train running 5 hrs/ week, swim 5 hrs / week.... sleep when I can.... fun is the challenge.

[@cruachan1191]

Seen this with pretty much every youtuber I subscribe to, everyone needs time away even if it's still riding your bike but not filming, or focusing on another hobby for a bit. I've not been working for a bit so cycling a lot over the winter, but just about to start a new job so trying to think about if I can fit long rides or adventures in to my weekends now as opposed to just going off when I feel like it.

[@mikeward2922]

Interesting. I only found this channel because I was researching bike fitting, and somehow it just connected. And this was only weeks ago. For what its worth, the inspirational side is real, and it's been real for me. I am a consultant in IT, and I literally find a 'happy place' in road biking, and just a few of this channel's videos have inspired me even more to fight the fact that my IT job robs me of my free time. In particular, with age comes a little bit of a harder effort to lose weight, and those before/after results I saw were simply needed for me. And more, I follow the conversations on equipment, tips and advice, all of it. It's real. But. In saying all that, you do what you need for both mental and physical strength. The rest of us will survive if that is the outcome (well, I hope I do). Peace.

[@Keepinitreal61]

Just commenting on the title. A few years ago I had the privilege of cycling with a gentleman called Malcolm Townsend, 91 years young, cycled all his life. He stared when cricket, football & Ruby was the only sport. He'd cycle 200 miles a week every week. He'd done the Paris - Nice in the day. He just stopped one day, he said me, I'll never forget it "I can't cycle forever, enjoy your cycling, you are not training for the TDF or the Olympics" I was gutted he stopped, my hero. Katie never change, you are loverly, the sheep can here you & so can we.

[@bee_whisper]

It's very relatable. Comparison is a thief of Joy... From personal experience I feel like I am not the best when it comes to insect identification and behind compared to my peers but having rest and getting back into the field on your own terms when you have recovered will make you better

[@carlpentney290]

Sometimes having your hobby as your job just does not work and you need that clear differentiation to enjoy both, or at least make work bearable. I'm sure the doubts will return again at some stage but try and get that balance. Sometimes less is more, but appreciate that won't pay the bills.

[@mikldude9376]

Sounds a bit like burnout , been there done that, I don’t know what the answer is , but I do know feeling stressed or being stressed out is just absolutely bad for you or anyone. Rest is definitely good , make a resolution for yourself, nothing is going to stress you out , I did this some years ago , if something goes bad I now laugh and say shit happens , I’ll fix it later. If someone pisses me off I just roll my eyes and smile . Have a wonderful day Katie !

[@KeithHeinrich]

Its top secret but what you described is normal. I'm there now actually meant to be preparing for a long ride. I've booked the event and paid for the airfare so there's no way out, I need to find some motivation. Eventually you recall why you enjoy riding and your bojo returns. A clue though you won't find it on the couch. 😉

[@rexthedog9637]

Sometimes a job becomes a job regardless of how glamorous it appears. I appreciate the work you do to produce this content and I’m glad you took the time off that brought you back to us.

[@andreaplaskitt2315]

To be honest whilst I am gutted you had to get to the point of burnout to prioritise yourself. I am so happy that you have figured out what you need to do to heal yourself. I discovered you in the early days and your videos gave me so much. A chance to see parts of the UK through your audaxes was the reason I joined audax uk and did my first one last year and have 2 booked this year. Your mantra of "it's just riding a bike" has gotten me through a lot....and I am so looking forward to seeing your Audax adventures again. The older content is what I value the most and it seemed that was what you enjoyed more, a simpler pared down approach. You cannot pour from an empty cup and need to put your needs at the top

[@meadows408]

Stress and depression are real, I know. I am the only caregiver for my wife and have been for the last 2 years, at times I feel trapped and life is passing me by. But today, it is the best job I have. I don't have the enthusiasm for riding or working on bikes that has given me such joy and happiness. But I believe this too shall pass and better days are ahead. I hope they are better for you too.

[@Johnpvb]

Don’t get sunburned! ☀️❤️‍🔥

[@leecorsack4752]

So happy to see you happy. Do whatever you need to stay happy :)

[@MrMountainmaniac]

Katie, we totally love your honesty as always. Every one of us that follows you gets holidays and prob 2 days off work a week......and you should be the same. Take the time to totally chill out and recharge, and try during that time to not even engage your brain by thinking of content ideas. We will all still be here enjoying any videos you upload whenever they happen. You aren't going to lose true followers if you take some Katie time.

[@davidbird3752]

Hello Katie, glad you have re-found your vitality, curious as to what have you found to be the most suitable accommodations for longer stays in Canarias, with bicycle.

[@GingerWarriorCyclingClub]

Wow. A mirror image of how i felt last year. When I got to the max I could take from my engineering position. Even tho’ having 30plus years experience of it. Thankfully I’m good now, down to a few factors, but mainly my epic wife. The other being (indoor) cycling and Zwift. Love your content, which is currently driving said wife to new goals 😊. Plus me hitting the road. ✌️

[@gygabytes]

I have burned out last year, a combination of too much intense rides/racing, self induced pressure to keep training and fitness.. stopped for 5 months and just trying to get back now, but work getting in the way.. lost a bit of motivation

[@richardmorgan4485]

Hi Katie I have always loved your honesty and willingness to share your feelings. I was coming close to burnout looking after my wife and working, taking early retirement has been wonderful. You should do what the heart tells you, life is for living. Best wishes Richard.

[@peterhehn9511]

Sunshine, cycling and Katie. Perfect day.

[@SEMBANGBASIKALISFREE]

Yes me too, I venture into marathon. 😊

[@stewieDM]

Hi Katie, As someone who's gone through a very similar experience I believe your accident could be a very big reason for the dip in your enthusiasm. A few years ago I suffered a triple leg break and dislocated knee and couldn't do anything for 10 month's. Once I was given the okay with the help and guidance of my physiotherapist I eased myself back into sporting activity (I cycle as well as playing cricket in the summer, and 5-aside football in the winter) All was going well till about 14 months later when I found I just couldn't be bothered, everything not just sport became a chore. On a visit to my Doctor he asked how things were going so I told him exactly how I was feeling and he said he wasn't surprised, he said it's quite common for people who get back to sport after forced time off to hit a wall, the euphoria of getting back to your normal life masks the building weariness, both physical and mental, then it suddenly hits you like a ton of bricks, but because it can take month's before it happens you never put the two together. His advice to me was to do what you did, talk about it. I'm glad you kept doing what you're doing as I love your videos, and appreciate the time and effort you put into them.

[@FlowJunkee65]

Katie, I totally get it. Although something may start off as completely enjoyable to you, if done too much, too intensely, or for too long it can change your relationship with and feelings/thoughts about the activity, be it work, recreational hobby, whatever, especially if it takes a toll on other aspects/spheres of life to which you wish to better attend. I hope you find that "sweet spot" in your life where you feel and are fulfilled by what you do, and don't do. Sometimes letting go of some things can be the best thing.

[@Dugsoft]

It's good you realise the need for downtime it makes you stronger 😊 Even though I am more mtb than road cycling I love your vids and outlook and look forward to seeing your adventures 😊 🎉

[@MM-ih4rj]

Katie, I consider you "Miss Positive"! Always a sunny view on life, thanks. I was in GC last year for 2 weeks. I loved it and would like to go back for a longer period (I can work remotely). Do you have any tips for housing on GC when staying, let's say, a month or so? I wasn't too happy with the hotel and it's location I was staying last time.

[@ralphchristianson]

Glad you survived the down time and have come back ready to give it another try. When I did photography for years, my young son called it my hobby job. I loved what I did but one day I had to get a real job in a factory making pharmacuticals. It had great benefits, got to meet people from all over the world who also worked there. It was a real education and I got to home after 8 hours. This was a major change in my 50s and had to learn a whole new job. The world did not end. Sometimes we have to take on something new and just have to appreciate the previous experience. In your case, you still get to do your hobby job, and I hope it keeps you strong and to do it a pace that is not trying to do what you could do even 5 years ago. LIfe has to adjust to what the body allows us to do, as well as what our interests draw us to. You inspire so many people, we enjoy your adventures and just enjoy the play which is your work, it is what you make it. You are right we have no idea of how much work you do, but we know you do bring sunshine into our lives with an excellent product.

[@ajmeyer66]

Burnout is normal, it can be hard to deal with. I generally love programming and I still do it today but I have had periods of time where it became tedious. I have generally hopped from place to place about every 5-10 years. I did a number of years doing technical support instead of programming, it was a good and needed break, but then even that became tedious. Do what you need to do for you. Your mental and physical health are paramount, everything else comes second or lower. I hope you feel like continuing to produce content, but even if not, that's OK too. Do what is best for you Katie and live the best life for you at this time.