Training & Nutrition - ...before I go to the doctor......

Been riding for years, raced and trained pretty hard, could and still can "go all day", but over the last year or so I've developed a strange complaint even when I'm just training with the Sat morn guys. I choke up with flem and can't swallow or breathe properly until I gagg it all out, then I'm ok, not nice in the middle of the bunch. It's not that I'm unfit and trying too hard because this can happen after a gentle recovery ride when I get home....What is wrong??

Ehh hard to say.

Something's changed in your environment or diet; maybe you're drinking more milk or eating more of something than you used to.

Or did you move and allergies are getting to you? Allergies are wierd, some people they get better with age, others get worse over time. Or it could just be that this spring is a big one for _____ plants which you happen to be allergic to but never noticed before.

None of the above, however I think I've found a way to help it settle down. I've always been very active and have needed a substantial breakfast before I set out each day, if I didn't I was in trouble.
I usually have porridge with grated apple and pure honey, and this has sustained me well, but now with this problem it's better to have something drier like toast before a ride to keep everything at bay.

When you say flem? Are you refering to mucus type of stuff?

Ok googled it and now know what you were reffering to. I've been told that when you get that your body is getting rid of the crap and as you exercise more regurarly it will eventually clear up. I'd like to think that it is true because I think I've had a decrease in the amount I get since I've started biking somewhat regurarly.

Yours sounds a bit excessive so perhaps it's worth getting checked out? Espically if you say its been going on for a year.

On a related kinda topic.... I've also started doing some Pranayama exercise.... my dad showed me a few.... and I think they've hlped my respiratory system/breating. So maybe something to consider.

Allergies sound like a likely source of the phlegm.

What concerns me most is that my level of fitness is quite high for my age, (47), and I've always been able to push really hard, but now it seems when I do try, this stupid thing happens and sometimes it's so violent there's blood in the phlegm, and I've never had allergies before so why would they start now?

I'd get it checked out, the doctor might refer you for an ultrasound. It would take the guess game out of it. In any case, if you find out whats causing this, let us know.

Just curious, you ever check your body temperature say before the rides? After the rides? Late in the evening?

I've not checked my temps before & after a ride, but that's a good idea.
I'll probably see the doc soon.

You should definetly be getting higher temp after the rides but it's interesting to know by how much.