genec

I used to fill my panniers with bricks...

keg61

pain does not equal success despite what the gym rats will tell you.if you are doing the same work for less effort I think you should be celebrating not worrying, good job!

jeffreng

If it feels easier, change the gears. Go with a heavier gear and you will get more out of your training.

Jeremy_S

Seriously this. If it's easy you aren't going as fast as you can. Clipless makes a more efficient stroke but honestly if you're not winded you aren't trying. 53/11 at 85+rpms on flat ground and you aren't tired, you have a future ahead of you doing something other than you're doing right now lol.

HvPnyrs

Hmmm,
OP I don't have a clue what TYPE BICYCLE you're riding? The above quote makes me think it's possible you might be on a bike with a small top-end gear ratio? (MTB drive train vs Road drive train?) Combined with not being knowledgeable/experienced with proper/effective shift techniques/cadence?

I also agree with those above that suggest you look at other than your clipless retention system.

DreamRider85

I noticed lately, my workouts have actually felt better than ever. It's weird. A while back, I'd ride my bike but generally feel wiped out after. Now, it's a different kind of feeling. I feel more 'cleansed' I guess after a long bike ride. Instead of feeling beat down, I feel like I got stronger. It's the last 4 or 5 rides, I've felt better. I feel like I got good workouts, but instead of feeling run down like I used to, I feel like my body is cleaner.

I feel best when I jump into the shower. Just feel stronger and longer. Better blood flow. I feel like my back is stronger and taller. I feel like my muscles look bigger. They say when you do lots of cardio, you're supposed to waste your muscles away. But it seems to me like my arms and chest look even stronger.

Before, I would feel tired even a day after a long ride. I felt I wasn't recovering. Now I feel like I want to get right back out there. I ''crave'' it now. It's like when I go out and ride, I'm connecting myself with the Earth. I don't know how else to explain it.

But this leads me to believe that the clipless pedals must be improving my training. Now I crave going out everyday to ride. I feel like I have become one with my bike.

Maxacceleration

You have hit zen mode!
Time for hill repeats. Find a shortish hill and do it 3-5 times all out then go spin on the flats.
You're making headway.

12strings

Any bike upgrade that helps you go faster will also have the effect of making your riding easier:

Pedals, lighter bike, better hubs, more efficient drive train...will all do one of 2 things:
- you will go faster at the same effort.
- or you will go the same speed at less effort.

If you want a harder workout work harder, or strap a parachute to your bike.

blacknbluebikes 

You have mastered cycling. Cease now, for the meager bicycle holds no further challenges.
Contact trainer and spiritual guide Zsolt Sinka for the next phase in your journey. Google will guide you to him.

Lakerat

Lay off the "training supplements" you've been getting from Lance's doctor.

simot

Lol, this guy's thread/comments are hilarious. Kudos for the laugh.