Chavez Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 So I've started pedaling my tubby ass to and from work after being a lump all winter, and while I obviously need to get myself into a shape other than "round", my legs are just not keeping up with my cardio. It's <4 mi one way, and only mildly hilly, but my legs are just dead - they got nothin' after riding on T, W, and Th (too rainy on M). Anyone have any prevention tips/cures? Stretching helps a little, but not much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skilly Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Do you eat or drink anything after you ride? A drink with some kind of protein/carb blend in it will help reduce fatigue. Don't know about you, but I have to stretch before and after any kind of exercise. Getting old sucks. And, the obvious answer is that the more you ride, the less your legs will hurt. It just sucks getting to that point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted May 11, 2007 Author Share Posted May 11, 2007 Do you eat or drink anything after you ride? A drink with some kind of protein/carb blend in it will help reduce fatigue. I usually try to knock down a liter or so of water shortly afterwards. Is beer OK? the obvious answer is that the more you ride, the less your legs will hurt. It just sucks getting to that point. Yeah, I know that I've got at least another week before I start seeing progress - I just want to make sure I'm not overtraining from the get-go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godtomsatan Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Other than plugging away at it, not sure what else to recommend. Stretching the calves, the thighs, and (especially for me) the glutes before and after tend to make a big difference. Water helps a bunch also. My legs can handle about 3 days in a row of riding before they need a break (or just plain cramp up). Due to the lack of consistently sunny days this spring, I've only had one stretch where I did 2 days in a row (commute is 8 miles round trip) and admittedly, I only did the downhill parts, then caught the bus the rest of the way home both days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted May 11, 2007 Author Share Posted May 11, 2007 admittedly, I only did the downhill parts, then caught the bus the rest of the way home both days. Heart of a champion... ...plus the damn bus doesn't run a direct route for me between work and home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildcat2334 Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 try Epsom Salts- take a warm bath- throw some in the tub, chill out with some brews. Works pretty well to get some juice back into the muscles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Calgon, take me away! Translated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broncosn05 Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Hydrated? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I know what you mean. I jumped on my mountain bike for the first time in a few years last summer and I thought I was going to fall over when I got off. Strange, because I have always been able to walk 15-20 miles in a day with no ill effects. I think biking just uses muscles we don't normally use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I don't think there's a silver bullet here other than stretching. Certainly you want to keep your electrolytes up (potassium mostly, 'cause we all get plenty of sodium and your body actually needs way more K than Na). Frankly, however, if you're just going 4 miles each way, that isn't likely the issue 'cause you're not out there long enough to really deplete your stores. In fact, I would caution you from using most workout drinks 'cause they have a lot of carbs and you're not really burning a ton at that distance. It takes a solid 1/2 hour of somewhat intense effort to really start depleting. Guessing you're at about 20 minutes of moderate effort. If you're not careful, you might end up taking on more carbs than you actually spend. That distance is also not "pushing it". Rather, it is a very conservative distance to break in. All I can prescribe is patience. Just make sure you stick to it. Within a week or two, you'll see a difference. Of course, make sure your bike is tuned up and your tires are up to their max psi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Calgon... Haven't heard that one in a coon's age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 The reason you are fatigued it pretty basic. You're out of shape, and you don't have enough energy. So, the solution is also quite simple: eat better, which will provide you with the fuel your body needs, and continue to excercise, which will help your body build up your stamina. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Calgon... Haven't heard that one in a coon's age. It's as old as the hills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 The reason you are fatigued it pretty basic. You're out of shape, and you don't have enough energy. So, the solution is also quite simple: eat better, which will provide you with the fuel your body needs, and continue to excercise, which will help your body build up your stamina. Along these lines, if you aren't taking a quality men's multi-vitamin daily, try to do so. Also, eat a couple of bananas a day. One soon after finishing each ride, and then on off days you can make it just one, whenever you like. Good recovery food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isleseeya Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Detlef is correct ...dead legs are based on lactic acid build up ..potassium is key ...eat banana's , drink gatorade and stretch ...if that does not work , sit on couch , eat chips and watch tv ..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 dead legs are based on lactic acid build up I don't think he has soreness, which would indeed be lactic acid build up. I think he's just fatigued, an out of shape fat manure if you will. That has nothing to do with lactic acid. He lacks stamina and a proper diet which is why he is fatiguing after doing very little. If he eats right, properly hydrates, and continues to excercise, he'll be Lance Armstrong in no time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I don't think he has soreness, which would indeed be lactic acid build up. I think he's just fatigued, an out of shape fat manure if you will. That has nothing to do with lactic acid. He lacks stamina and a proper diet which is why he is fatiguing after doing very little. If he eats right, properly hydrates, and continues to excercise, he'll be Lance Armstrong in no time. Yep, while I certainly agree that eating more bananas is a fine idea, we're not talking about the effects of sustained high effort exercise here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Yep, while I certainly agree that eating more bananas is a fine idea, we're not talking about the effects of sustained high effort exercise here. I think a cleansing would be in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isleseeya Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Sorry I forgot who we were dealing with here ..sorry chavez , just kidding bro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 beer, beer, beer and a little ganja never hurts either Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 beer, beer, beer and a little ganja never hurts either I drank beer throughout my entire marathon trainings. Never cut back. I actually had 8 beers the day before my last marathon. You just have to be a little careful about hydrating yourself. Granted, it may not be the best marathon training, but it worked for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 I think a cleansing would be in order. You haven't used up your quota of 100 times yet so it's still funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojo20 Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Just a little different thought, you may want to check what gears you are using while riding. Using the appropriate gears for uphill, flat, and downhill riding will relieve some of the tension in your muscles while still keeping your cardio workout rolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skippy Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 One more different thought. Is your bike set up right? I mean a lot of people, (adults), are riding a bike with the seat way to low. That seat should be high enough, (bike big enough), that on the down stroke you leg is almost completely straight. This really does make a hugh difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildcat2334 Posted May 11, 2007 Share Posted May 11, 2007 Good advice on the hydration, diet, etc. but to rejuvinate and loosen up beat up leg muscles......... Epsom Salts. Seriously. Chit works, try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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