Training & Nutrition - Feels like I'm choking, can't swallow (newbie)

I'm pretty new to exercising in general, and I'm definitely new to cycling. I've been doing what I think are strenuous rides of about 5-7 miles (don't laugh). My lungs definitely get exhausted, but I'm not really that sore afterward.

What bothers me the most is a choking sensation while I'm riding (toward the end of the ride). It feels like there's mucus or something blocking my throat. But I have trouble swallowing or spitting too.

Am I maybe not drinking enough? I go through almost a whole bottle of water during these rides. Should I try a sports drink instead?

Any advice you guys have is much appreciated.

Andrew

Should I try a sports drink instead?

Any advice you guys have is much appreciated.

Andrew

On a 7 mile ride it won't make any difference. And the extra calories are going to make it hard for you to lose weight, if that's a concern.

If you're choking, you may be suffering from exercise induced athsma. It might be time to see a doctor. If you're really overweight, losing a bunch of weight will probably help.

Az

Hi Az B!

Thanks for your thoughts. I never thought about needing to see a doctor. I'm 6'3" and 193 lbs, so I'm a tad overweight, but not much. But maybe I'm pushing the poor lungs too hard.

Hmmm... I'll have to think on this some more.

Any other thoughts?

Your mouth is probably terribly dry compared to what you're used to as well due to the air blowing against you. Drinking water won't help that on the ride too much because it will dry out right afterwards. Take a few swigs here and there to try and help. Try not to swallow or spit, is there a need for either? It's probably just a habit of comfort, try avoid it. Just a thought.

I think you are pushing way way too hard.

Start with a pace where you can ride for an hour and feel like you could talk comfortably for most of the time.

Thanks for the additional thoughts. I'll slow the pace down and see how that works.

I would definetly advise that you see your doctor and dicuss with him/her that you are trying to improve your fitness. Consider slowing the pace, sticking to about 12 miles (or less if hilly) / 1 hour per session, but try to do that 3 times a week. Your breathing will quickly improve excluding any condition such as athsma which only your doctor can advise you on and help resolve / control.

Get a heart rate monitor; you may be pusing it too hard. I used to get the same type of problem when my heartrate would go way up. Now I use a monitor to keep my heart reate where I want it. Once I stopped overdoing it, slowed down, and listened to my body, I became a much better cyclist. As a benefit I also like riding more and can enjoy longer rides.

Don't f*ck around asking questions about your health on the internet...go see a doctor, and sooner rather than later.

There is an inherited condition (can't recall what it's called) that causes a "ring" to develop in some people's esophagus. It can cause difficulty swallowing, choking sensations, and even death (I suspect that my father died from this, when he was only 47 years old). My brother has this same condition, and recently had to have a "balloon" procedure to expand his esophagus to allow him to swallow more easily.

I repeat...go see a doctor about this, and soon.

OK, you guys have convinced me that this at least warrants a doctor visit. I didn't know it was something that serious. Since the men in my family die young (50's), I definitely should make an appointment.

Maybe now's the time to mention that I had a spontaneous pneumathorax a year ago (not exercise-related at all). Yeah, I should see my doctor.

Thanks guys!