Originally Posted by
Rstyle
I have read about this but wondering if people in the more advanced age group have experience with this.
i am 67 and have been riding every other day for the last 8 weeks. I usually do 15-20 miles on weekdays and 30-35 on weekends. After the long rides I feel well and may clean bike, take shower, eat lunch.....but 1-1.5 hrs after the ride I get very significant fatigue. I must lay down and sleep for 2-3 hours. Don’t want to move.....all I want to do is lay down.. Once I am up I feel fine. It does not happen on shorter rides.
Is use one Gu at beginning of ride and one at mid ride. Will drink 2 full bottles of G-Zero ( maybe I should use regular Gatorade).
Should I try snack bar mid ride? What would be good to eat after the ride? Anyone experience the same thing?
The time length of naps will vary according to circumstances. The body will adjust, given time. By "time" I mean the ride regime within the context of the rider's other activity. Its never isolated to "just the ride".
The body will adjust to the load. As you ride longer or faster, the body will somehow recognize the demands. The body may even "complain" by asking for more nap time (repairs and maintenance). Eventually, the body will make the adjustments. The rider needs to help the body along during the rides and after too.
How to help the body along? First, the pace, if you rush it and try to be a racer type, the body may show muscle soreness or even occassional cramps now or afterwards during the nap. Ouch!. Does this mean interval training isn't that good? It may mean interval training does some things but not all things. Just don't get fooled that you somehow "should" do interval training to solve the body problem.
Nutrition is during the ride and afterwards. The heart muscle works (beeps), thus electrolytes. The blood needs to carry oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. And the muscles need to respond accordingly. Orchestrate all that and the body will thank you for it.
Go ask your colonoscopy physician about electrolytes prior to the procedure. Mine did and suggests using Ultima Replenisher. No sugar, just electrolytes.
https://www.ultimareplenisher.com/?g...SAAEgIl1_D_BwE
If your body wants a longer nap time, then let it happen.