chefisaac

My quads have been hurting for the last week. I think it is a good hurt but to be frank, I have no clue. I have been riding all week and have been loving it. Is the quad thing a usual feeling to have?

Also, when I climb hills, my quads burn like heck. I believe its due to acid building up in them but I am not sure... just something I remember hearing a long time ago. How does one deal with it?

TrekDen

Yes it's probably lactic acid building up. Here is a method I use to relieve the build up (taught to me by an indoor spin coach). Once over the top of the hill, or on a flat portion shift into a gear that is really easy to spin the pedals at a high cadence and do it for about a minute. That will actually (as he put it), send the lactic acid flying out of the muscles (I've also heard the Tour de France TV announcers say the same). Personally I've never witnessed any acid flying, but it does indeed relieve the build up. Give it a try next time out, and see what you think. Another thing to consider is taking a rest day. Muscles get stronger if they have time to recover. A day off will do just that.

Denny

chefisaac

thanks trek. Let the acid fly!

Street Pedaler

What Trek said. People sometimes overlook the importance of rest days. Your legs wont get stronger as you ride. They'll get stronger as you rest and they have time to recover/ rebuild. Don't forget to to take a break every few days. And, again like Trek said, on the days you ride, let that acid fly!!!

FrenchFit 

Yep. Not to throw a warning at you, but you can also burn the quads up by having your saddle positioned too far forward... like a sprinter. Just something to be aware of.

Neil_B

True, but it could also be lack of conditioning. Chefisaac is more puff pastry than Iron Man at this point. Most of his rides have been flat, and he's only beginning climbing work.

motobecane69

sounds like a lack of conditioning, the tone of the post sounds as if you just started riding within the past couple of weeks. if this is the case, focus on turning your pedals faster in a lower gear as opposed to mashing the pedals and you will relieve some of the issues. My quads never hurt, even after a ride of hard climbing, they just feel tired and I struggle to get up my stairs energy wise but never any soreness.

chefisaac

Thanks for the puff pastry comment neil.

I better be a creamy puff pastry confection.

Neil_B

Would you rather this?

MaxRenn

Please also remember to stretch! There are many easy quad stretches out there. If you're this tight just take a rest day and make sure you drink plenty of water.

chefisaac

Neil.... I like marshmellows...... u are messing with my emotions now. =)

motobecane69

hey dude, you posted this same thing today, sounds like a recurring issue for you. how much riding are you doing?