Originally Posted by
slushlover2
So, is this inevitable? My endurance is still good, no trouble riding centuries. I just really have a hard time with speed and hills. I am probably 25 lbs over my ideal weight. I have asthma and my arthritis causes some discomfort while riding. I just really miss being able to keep up with the front of the group. Oh, and you kids keep out of my yard!!!
Aging reduces the amount of fast twitch muscle fibre. "Use it or lose it" applies here. Fast twitch develops speed/ acceleration and slow twitch is used for endurance. If you aren't training to maintain fast twitch fibre, you will become a slow and steady endurance rider.