Originally Posted by Ursa Minor

Sounds like a great ride Null66. I'm impressed with your speed - I usually poke along
at 8 to 10 mph.

Charlie

Originally Posted by Weatherby

Null66.......if you can get one long ride in about 2 weeks before the 200K and then dial it back on intensity and distance for the week of the event, you should be ok.

The reason I was asking about BP meds is I was shocked how much lower my max heart rates were after starting cycling again after a 15 or so year hiatis. At 40 years old, I would max out at almost 200 BPM and my threshold was 168-170. On recent rides I could barely hit 154 BPM on hills. I started reading and trying to figure out what was wrong and even contemplated seeing a Cardioilogist. I am not on any meds but I read how many meds will impact heart rate. I joined a cycling club and went on a brisk club ride yesterday and hit 177 hanging on for dear life on a 2 mile long climb into a 25 mph wind. So, the bottomline is your post gave me some food for thought trying to figure out a training regimen. My old numbers just don't work and I have to find a new set.

THe old Long Steady Distance (no more than 60% of VO2 Max or about 75% OF HEART RATE RESERVER) regimen burns fat, increases mitocondria density, and spares catabolic tissue destruction. For these of us losing weight and who do not want to lose muscle, most of the riding should be in Zone 1 and Zone 2. Of course, I know many will challenge this. I have lost 34 pounds......this year.