Training & Nutrition - Question on Recovery...

Hello again,

Something just poped in my mind today during a group ride that I wanted to ask.

Today was a nice 40 mile route, some steady climbing and some nasty head wind, averaged around 22 MPH on the normal stuff, 17 - 18 in the wind going up a hill. I was in zone 2 half of the time, zone 3 for about 40 minutes and some zone 4 and 5a, 154, 163, and 175 ish HR... (LTHR, 175 for me).

I am a little tired now, quite an eyeopener on working on my endurance. Now the question. Is a rocovery spin a good idea tonight after a semi to hard group ride this morning? I took in a recovery drink after the ride and I am going to take a nap right now. Is a nice 30 minute spin tonight a good idea? Also is it going to be a recovery problem to do 30 - 45 minutes of E2 later this evening or is it too much in a day?

BTW the group ride was 2.5 hours of riding, not including my flat tire in the last 5 miles...

Thanks

(Sorry I know this a double post, I think that it is more approprate here...)

I remember reading in Greg Lemonds Cyling book that many fit cyclists train twice a day. Now this is more aimed at a pro level and those who don't have much of a day job (or a day job with little exertion). There were times he stated that even a hard morning workout and an evening medium intensity workout could be in the same day. We know that the body gets stronger with recovery and that recovery is best at mild exercise levels. I would say that if you are taking a nap during the mid day and taking in the correct recovery foods then an evening recovery ride would be beneficial as long as you keep it a recovery ride and nothing more. Good luck!!