General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does Rss Feed  
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2008-10-20 2:27 AM

Expert
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Subject: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
Whenever I got on 2+ hour bike rides, my legs always ache and can't go any faster, but I'm not breathing really that hard.

Why do my legs do this?

What can I do to improve it? Weights? More cycling?

Thanks.


2008-10-20 3:30 AM
in reply to: #1753372

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Master
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Loughborough, England
Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

1. More cycling

2. Make sure you are eating enough, although you don't really need that much for a 2h ride.

2008-10-20 4:39 AM
in reply to: #1753372

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Master
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
x2 on the more cycling. It takes years to build up some cycling legs.
2008-10-20 6:32 AM
in reply to: #1753372

Extreme Veteran
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South Park, PA
Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

my legs ache too, but i can still go a bit faster, or at least not slow down.  i've learned that they just don't hurt any (much) more when you keep pushing.  it's what happens when you ride hard.

ride loads and 1. they'll ache less and later and 2. you'll get used to it.

2008-10-20 7:08 AM
in reply to: #1753372

Master
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

"Ride Lots"

I've also found that Accelerade (4:1 carbs/protein) Sports drink is the stuff of miracles.

 

2008-10-20 3:04 PM
in reply to: #1753372

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

As well as ride more, slow down on the longer days so you can go for a longer time.

It will come with time.



2008-10-20 3:26 PM
in reply to: #1753437

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
I use Accelerade too.  It's not going to suddenly increase your endurance or strength, but I find that it does delay muscle fatigue to some degree.  I don't do any long rides by most people's standards, but on my normal 20ish mile route, I can feel a major difference between drinking water or Accelerade.
2008-10-20 3:31 PM
in reply to: #1753372

Expert
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
Ok cool thanks guys

Ride more is the gist I got, and I've only been cycling for like 7-8 months so hopefully the longer I cycle for, the better I'll get.
2008-10-20 3:45 PM
in reply to: #1753372

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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

It's not just longer, but a matter of volume as well. Is a two-hour ride normal for you, or is it an anomaly? If you're not regularly doing rides of this length, then of course it's going to be hard on the legs.

Your logs don't appear to be complete, so not enough to go on there...

2008-10-20 4:00 PM
in reply to: #1753372

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Expert
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Plano, TX
Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
More power.  Hill repeats and/or squats.
2008-10-20 4:14 PM
in reply to: #1753372

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does
T.I.T.S.


2008-10-20 5:30 PM
in reply to: #1753372

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Expert
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Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: Cycling... My Legs Run Out Of Energy Before My Cardiovascular Does

If you haven't already done so-Get a proper bike fitting.

I had the same problem, except I've been riding for quite some time.  At my fitting, we determined my chronic  tight hamstrings were causing my to pedal 'toe down'-It's almost impossible to go any distance (and still have power) in this position.  After we changed my position-Whola!  No fatique and more power.  Oh, and Ride More!

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