Tired legs. Anything to help recover?
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+1. Really notice the difference if I dont take one.
Really? After a ten mile ride? Maybe after 5 or 6 times that distance.
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Agree with the people who are saying - good hydration and stretching. No need for recovery drinks at this distance.
I felt the same when I first started commuting. I cycled a bit and had an OKish level of fitness from playing other sports and gym but wasn't used to working the same muscles every day 5 days in a row and really felt tired.
You will get used to it after a bit. Make sure you get a few days rest in between while you build up your strength.0 -
Bobtb. has a point. How fast are you going? Are you really pushing yourself? If so no wonder you are fatigued. Take some rides a bit easier - you might take a couple of extra minutes, but you will be surprised that going a bit slower now and then won't add that much time to your journey. Also, fuel carefully soon after your ride to work. If you let your energy crash it can take all day to get over it and make the ride home a real chore.Ecrasez l’infame0
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I've had something similar to this, but due to running rather than cycling, when I changed from running on flat roads to mountain trails. My quads and glutes (the muscles that do most of the work when you run up and downhill) ached constantly, even after rest days.
I asked for help on a running forum, and I was basically told it's due to the muscles suddenly having to work a lot harder than they were. The advice I was given was to take extra rest/easy days if the aching and soreness was too bad to run in the mountains, but otherwise stick with it, and it would get better as my muscles got used to it. They did, and the aching is just a memory now.
So, stick with it if you can, and take extra rest days if you need them. It will get better.
And I agree with what others have said regarding nutrition. As long as you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, you shouldn't have any special requirements for recovery after rides of that length. (A healthy, balanced diet includes carbs, by the way. You don't need to cut things out of your diet to lose weight - just eat less overall.)0 -
Pokerface wrote:I'm sorry but unless you are going at TT pace - you shouldn't need a recovery drink after a 10 mile ride.
But those that said good hydration, stretching, rest - spot on. A good, healthy and balanced diet will also help. Obviously you are trying to get fit and must be new to cycling if 10 miles is 'hard' - but keep at it and it will become easy very quickly. The sore legs is a short-term thing.
Yeah was tempted to say that but was afraid to open a can of worms heh.0 -
Thanks everyone, Plenty of good info there by the looks of things.
I am aware that it's a pathetic distance and I'm less of a man for only doing 10 miles either way, I shall now go and slice my scrotum with a rusty razor blade and douse in TCP as punishment.
In all seriousness, I know it's a small distance but I was looking for help before I caused any problems long term. I'd hate to get into proper distances and someone say "why didn't you ask this ages ago"
I will try to be more aware of fuel for the day and also to stretch after every ride not just when I remember. Sorry if this was a stupid thread.0 -
Not a stupid thread at all. If you want people's opinions / advice just ask. More stupid if you carry on not knowing what you're doing.0
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It's certainily not a stupid thread, and your nutritional requirements will change as your time in the saddle increases. So, yes, if you've got questions, ask them. (I ask far more than my share of "stupid" questions.)0
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'I started with nothing and still have most of it left.'0
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What are brow carbs? Never heard of them...Slack wrote:On a side note, ditch the weetabix and go for either porridge or shreddies.
I reckon you could benefit from more carbs, but only brown carbs, i.e. brown pasta, wholemeal bread etc. See if you can slip in a few rounds of wholemeal toast with breakfast also.0
