I have almost fully recovered after my mishap with a car in the bike lane and I have my new ride pretty dialed in. Today we went out and did a short 30 miles ride with a Strava TT section tossed in on the way home. The TT comes about two miles after we stop for coffee and I was feeling rested and decided that if I got a good jump on the hill right after the start of the segment I would try for a new PB. I did get a jump on the hill and recovered well enough to make the 5 mile ride almost flat out. Taking the hill I ran my HR to the bump stops but on the flats I started to recover and was able to ride at 90+ percent all the way to the finish of the TT. I waited for the rest of the group and was caught flat footed as they made the light and left me. I smiled and gave chase but never caught more than the back markers. As we talked after the ride I realized I had sucked in air so hard my gums hurt. It may sound funny but I was surprised that I had worked that hard. At least I didn't throw up. I have had this happen when I used to snow board but this was a first for a moderate day cycling. Has this happened to anyone else?

My guns have hurt from doing heavy curls, never worked so hard that my gums hurt... You've got my respect Mobile 155; anyone who works so hard there gums hurt have to be giving at least 150%. Keep it up!!

While I was pushing through it I didn't feel that bad. I hit the hill as hard as I ever have and stayed in it for the next 4 miles and if it looked like I was going to drop my RPM I just dug in and brought it back. Normally I would have backed off but once I could see the finish line I just couldn't quit. I realized it takes a lot more effort to run solo.

I'm glad to know I am not the only one this happens to when riding or running hard. I need more hydration as dry mouth seems to be setting in more often from my medications.

Bill

You know I wondered about the medication part as well. But all in all I have been feeling pretty good so maybe more fluids would help as well.

The meds I take all have the dry mouth warning and to take with water. They aren't kidding either.

Bill

I've often wondered why my gums hurt for a few hours after a hard ride. They don't hurt during just after, why is that???

Do you guys have to pick bugs out of your teeth?

Nah, a little protein won't hurt you...

We learned to just chew and swallow in the Corps, extra protein as said. The love bugs are bitter though this time of the year.

Yep, bugs were used as seasoning in the Nam. Ants for salt and beetle backs for pepper. But now I am too refined for that.

I wonder if it is the massive intake of air when I push that hard for that long, long for me maybe not for you. When I am pushing my pace and am almost at the limit I tend to breath with my teeth clinched, at least when the effort is the greatest. I also wonder if the cool air was part of it.