As a fair weather rider, (dry and 55+ degrees), I find that once I break a sweat I'm good to go. That is probably about the three mile mark. As a rule, I am always starting from my home, so once I get into the zone, I just continue riding until I get to the point where I realize, "Dag! I have to save enough to ride myself home from here!" :twitchy:

For running, it takes about 1 to 2 miles for my body to get on board- especially in the morning. With cycling, it's often 3 miles or more, depending on time of day, previous exercise, etc.

When I'm feeling good and riding well, it takes either 8-10 miles or 35-40 minutes to warm-up. Add in either wind, or some elevation, I may never feel warmed-up or feel relaxed while riding.

Before reaching 8-10 miles, I'm breathing hard and the legs feel lethargic. Once I hit this point, the breathing becomes more relaxed and calm, the HR drops and the legs feel energized. It's as though the lungs and legs are independent of each other.

Wait a minute Miss K', you told us ladies don't sweat,:twitchy: they glow! What is going on here:notamused:? Is this some sort of miss-information campaign?:rolleyes:

Bill

It takes me 30 minutes or so to feel loose and to settle into a rhythm. After that point I can keep up a pace that feels sort of effortless.

Yep

And actually prescribed by coaches and others as the proper way to start the day :)

Funny this comes up; on our ride last night my wife asked whether it sometimes takes a few miles to warm up (as we climbed our first incline about a mile and a half into the ride).

Sometimes I think it takes all day to warm up. My morning commute takes about 4 miles to get loosened up and when I roll in after 10 miles I'm about ready for a ride. Going home I'm good to go by the time I'm out of the parking lot. I've been chalking it up to age.

:lol: Well, Bill, I wqs going to say, "break a glow", but this being a predominantly male forum, I decided no one would understand what I meant! :innocent: