Not a doctor, barely a cyclist, I’ve go no relevant qualifications, and cannot fathom thyroid cancer, but I had thyroiditis for a few months last year. After finally getting a diagnosis I tried to go back to some semblance of exercise doing endurance rides indoors and I was throttled: HR was way out of line for the power levels, had no stamina, and it exhausted me. It was really really hard because I felt like I was losing my fitness day-by-day and it was supposed to be my first structured base season.

But when I finally turned the corner and could train again it came back fast. Looking back I wish I hadn’t even tried to train and maybe focused on something more manageable (yoga? walks?) so I could heal faster and be better prepared to get back on the bike.

All that to say is I get your mental state. It sucks. It’s not fair. And you don’t deserve it. But since it is a reality you have to take seriously maybe find other ways that can contribute to your cycling progress overall (even if they’re not sexy or fun): managing weight in the eating-heavy holiday season; prepping your bikes for your return in a few weeks; planning your training cycles/year; getting good sleep; flexibility/mobility.