loz
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2
Loc: hampshire
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hi all.i started cycling eighteen months ago to lose weight and get fitter.i do 3 to 4 days a week commute,about 8 miles each way and a 2 hour ride most weekends.i am 57 years young and feel much better in myself for doing this.have lost about stone in weight which for my build i uess is ok.i can certainly get into smaller size clothes.Lately however ,i find i cant get up the hills like i used to particularly early in the ride.It feels like i need to ride longer to get warmed up and i feel stronger at the end of a ride than i do at the beginning.I would emphasise that i dont intend to participate in time trials etc but i wonder if anyone might have some advice.in particular the hills i could get up in fairly high gears now defeat me as my muscles just seem to give out.i should add that my job entails me being on my feet all day save half hour at lunch.
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bfergie
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 3653
Loc: Sticks ,Scotlandshire
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If this has happened since the weather has turned colder then that could be a big factor, I know if I'm not running at "normal" temperature it just feels like you can't get going, speed drop by 1-1.5 mph in the cold no matter how hard I work IF I don't eat a bit more! With the hills just try and keep spinning, boost your calorie intake before you go, It was always said that oats heat up cart horses and make them work, same with us, we need food to generate heat, your body gives heating priority over movement so eat plenty before you go and while on the go!
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I now accept PAYPAL!!!!
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bigoldsideofham
Reged: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2288
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To start with remember the cold wet and wind will have a slowing effect on the warm up part of your ride.
Have you been keeping an eye on your heart rate over the last 18 months? Any rise or difficulty in elevating it could be a sign of sickness/overtraining. (although i doubt it at this training volume)
Keep hydrated and eat good quality food. (many tend to drink much less in the colder months but your body still needs water!)
Plus the modern way of viewing climbing is not to push big gears anyway. Use smaller gears and spin your legs faster = less fatigue. Also on your actual training ride make sure you eat good quality protein and rest well afterwards to aid recovery.
Do you ride with a club? A common mistake to recreational cyclists is pushing themselves too hard from the go and all of the time. Competative cyclists rarely do that and always include recovery sessions in their training. Also remember to stretch - vital as we get old and crusty!
Without seeing the way you ride, the terrain you ride on and your gearing i can offer no more pearls im afraid! Good luck.
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loz
Reged: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2
Loc: hampshire
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cheers for the advice.will take it it on board and let you know how it goes.
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zimmerman
Reged: 16/01/2009
Posts: 32
Loc: Swansea, Wales
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Hi Loz
I'm 55 and love to ride as quick as I can. I'm no rece man but love trying to get up hills fast. At the moment I'm waiting for the wife to get over a cancer op but both of us will be working hard in the spring. Good luck and please pass any tips over to us.
Bob
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