General advice

dov2711

Hi first time user after lurking for a wee while

Having returned to cycling after many years amatuer football and as many years out through knee surgery I am loving my new specialized bike even though I wish I had the cash to upgrade the spec when I bought it..

Few questions which I would appreciate any help with:

Firstly why is the first 3 mile of any run such a struggle? after about this distance I find my smile and my legs think "yep, this is for me"

Which tights/waterfroof if poss offer the best value-(in my area of Scotland its vile weather most days and I dont want the weather to become an easy cop out)

Anyone have any experience of either the Castelli Dublino or Londra waterproofs? Was given one of their showerproofs and really like the style and functionality.

I have had a bit of a search about so apologies if Im revisiting tiresome questions.

carl_p

I find the first mile a bit uncomfortable until I get warmed up and the joints and muscles are mobilised. At 47 that's probably just an age thing. On the otherhand I go to the gym four times week and work the old legs pretty hard so that probably doesn't help.

I pedal at a faster cadence in a lower gear initially and gradually increase the intensity. If your route permits get a decent semi print in as soon as you can to let your body know what's ahead!

Some might say do some warm up exercises and stretch. I just get out and get on the bike before her indoors realises where I'm off to

Jaeger

It's probably the time taken to loosen up a little, but also until your body starts to release endorphins (the 'feel good' chemical). I think that's generally considered to take somewhere from 3-10 mins, which would equate to something like 1-3 miles.

mikeq

Hi dov2711,

I'm Scotland also and cycle to work every day plus longer rides at weekends. Decent wind/waterproofs are a must, I used to have pretty cheap waterproof gear that wouldn't keep you dry for long. What I have now and find them perfect

Altura Night Vision Jacket Hi Viz Black (about £60). http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk/Products/N ... acket.aspx

Endura Venturi eVent waterproof trousers (about £115), loads of zippers and adjustable velcro to get best fit and make them easy to get on and off with shoes on. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Endur ... 360020529/

Both are wind, waterproof and breathable, makes cycling in rain a lot more comfortable.

Would also get Overshoes, I have Endura Luminite.

peanut1978

which area of scotland are you in?

dov2711

Cheers for the advice, I am in Fife which I now realise has great routes no matter which direction I head in.

Think I need to spend more time warming up and a bit of pre run food research is needed.

I know some of the newbie questions will seem somewhat tedius to more experienced riders but a nod in the right direction really does fuel the enthusiasm.

Grazy81

dov2711 wrote:

Firstly why is the first 3 mile of any run such a struggle? after about this distance I find my smile and my legs think "yep, this is for me"

I recently spoke to a personal trainer about this and apparently it is about 10 - 15 min in to exercise that you start to burn fat for energy and this is when you start to sweat alot more and you get comfortable in your ride