Sore legs...........with imminent weekend of torture!

Gobs

I cycle daily to work (circa 18 miles round trip) and even after 3 months doing it my legs still show some signs of soreness.

However this weekend it's about to get a lot worse, I'm off to Afan and Cwncarn for a 3 day expedition of the trails and I know it's really going to hurt. What can I do now and during the next 3 days to minimise my tired aching legs?

Any suggestions both weird and wonderful welcomed

Jonesy.

Take the bus for the next 3 days to give your legs a break and a chance to recover. Then stock up on energy bars and energy drinks for the weekend trip to boost your stamina. SIS Go Electrolyte is quite a good one.

Gobs

You misunderstand :twisted: I'll be doing the cycling weekend over the next 3 days, starting tomorrow morning. I wondered if there were any pills/potions etc to ease the soreness both now (before the trip) and during, cold baths maybe, painkillers?

Jonesy.

Ooops, hadn't quite finished my first cup of coffee so brain cells were not working correctly.

Too late for resting then, which is the best remedy. Second best remedy - grin and bear it.

Don't pop painkillers unless you have an injury.

You could try some Tiger Balm rub on your legs at night, might help a bit. I find it works quite well.

The aforementioned energy drinks should help too while on the trail, but won't relieve the soreness.

Might be worth getting some recovery juice too:

http://www.scienceinsport.com/rego.htm

Try to have a break from the cycling after the trip and that should allow your legs to recover and grow stronger.

Gobs

Thanks 8)

As for energy drinks, I know opinion varies on caffeine etc, some saying it sharpens you and keeps you running, and that the level of dehydration isn't that severe....

Your wise opinion? :roll:

And why avoid painkillers?

Jonesy.

Gobs wrote:

Your wise opinion?

Not sure about wise, but it's an opinion.

Caffeine isn't an energy drink, it's a stimulant, which just increases your heart rate.

By energy drink, I meant a drink containing carbohydrates that your body will turn into energy during exercise. For example:

http://www.scienceinsport.com/go.htm

This also replaces the electrolytes (sodium, calcium etc) which you lose via sweating.

Or as a cheaper, quick-fix alternative, get some Lucozade Sport, available from most supermakerts / garages.

As for painkillers, they wouldn't be much use for the type of soreness you have, which I reckon is just muscle fatigue. Personally, I'd only use a painkiller if I sprained my ankle or something, and needed a drug to reduce the swelling.