Originally Posted by
vinuneuro
There have been a few rides now where I've pushed too hard too early for my current level of cycling fitness. Yesterday was one, and the last 30% of the ride was like running in water. My legs would recover if I gave them a break, but they'd eventually go back to feeling like I had nothing in them. And so this cycle went until I reached home. What exactly is happening when this happens? Moreover, what's the trick to pacing yourself correctly?
Keep doing it.
Don't pace yourself "correctly". Ride your legs off every time you ride and take a day off after every ride.
The longer you keep doing it, the longer you will last before your legs quit on you.
Then your legs will start to outlast your lungs and you'll be hitting the wall with your heart rate.
Continue this process until your legs and lungs are strong.
Then the hills will be your enemy. Attack the hills the same way.
Before you know it you will have put in 1000 miles, be able to manage a fast pace for a long distance, and you'll be ready to start thinking about racing.