Originally Posted by DrPete
Pushing a 53/12 in the flats isn't exactly easy... I don't whip out my 53/11 unless I'm descending. That doesn't make you a weak cyclist.
I would recommend picking up a cyclocomputer with a cadence function, and focus on keeping your cadence around 80-90 rpm. I think you're just burning your legs out turning a much higher gear than you need to. Focusing on your cadence will help keep you in a more efficient gear.
DrPete
Definitely agree with the cadence comment...for the past few weeks (after almost a year of not riding) I started focusing on keeping my cadence in the 80's. Its helped me A LOT, I'd like to say I'm a stronger rider now after only a few weeks, than I was back then with several months under my belt (obviously not training properly). Everyone is different of course, but that technique definitely helped me.