Really bad day on the bike-what gives?
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Really bad day on the bike-what gives?
Did a 64 miler Saturday, but just couldnt get the legs to turn over! It was cool 40's to 50's with 20-25 MPH winds, but fairly used to that this year. Legs would threaten to cramp in the cool breeze (admittedly not a cold weather person) but just couldnt get the legs to stop complaining. HRM read only 140's -usually ride about 160 and can go all day. Leg muscles were never shakey like out of glycogen, but felt heavy and tired. Is this an occasional 'female' thing, a cool weather thing, too much dieting thing, or a some days are like that thing? Gels would help a minor bit, but not like usual-Im a good drinker so I dont think hydration was an issue. Normally we can rock a distance like this-but not Saturday! We live in the hill country so we are pretty used to the area-but I have Muenster coming up and dont want such a sluggish repeat! Any advice very welcome~!
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Yep, it was probably just a bad day. I usually get a good warm-up in before my ride. Fortunately, there's a small climb, followed by a moderate descent then a moderate climb before I get on my route. I'm able to get my heartrate in the 160s-170s during this time and get the legs opened up. One thing I know is that in all my rides I've never averaged lower than 160 over the length of the effort. I know I should mix in some lower HR rides, but just hasn't happened yet. If I averaged 140s, I would freak and assume something was wrong....
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1) Sometimes this happens.
2) If you're on your period, you probably won't have as much energy.
3) If you're doing a ride longer than 2 hours, it's not a bad idea to eat about 250 calories per hour.
4) It's a good idea to drink about one 750 ml bottle of water and/or sports drink every 1 to 1.5 hours while you ride your bicycle.
5) Try knee warmers.
2) If you're on your period, you probably won't have as much energy.
3) If you're doing a ride longer than 2 hours, it's not a bad idea to eat about 250 calories per hour.
4) It's a good idea to drink about one 750 ml bottle of water and/or sports drink every 1 to 1.5 hours while you ride your bicycle.
5) Try knee warmers.
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You mention dieting. Probably not a good idea if you're going to ride hard. Might be not enough protein during the preceding week. My experience is that painful legs on the bike = not enough protein during recent recovery.
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I had that happen a couple of weeks ago. I was on an "easy" fairly flat 67 mile course. I expected to just cruise, but the last half was a real struggle. I was sore, weak, shaky etc. I ate like I normally do.
Saturday I did a much harder ride, and I felt great. So sometimes it just happens that way.
Saturday I did a much harder ride, and I felt great. So sometimes it just happens that way.
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Thanks-I really appreciate it! You HR sounds pretty close to mine-I usually ride 160, 170's on hills. I just didnt know if bad days happened, or I had messed up! Have another 65 miles over hills this weekend-heres hoping for a good ride!