Legs shot but breathing OK
Brommers76
Posts: 234
I have noticed that the first thing to go when pushing the pace is certainly my legs rather than being unable to breathe. I know what it is to work maximally after years of interval training when I was competing as a runner.
The only time I really can get my breathing and legs near max is when climbing for a long period.
I am not a big chap (5ft 10inches and about 148lb). I ride usually with an average cadence at around 90-95.
Any ideas or advice? Thanks.
The only time I really can get my breathing and legs near max is when climbing for a long period.
I am not a big chap (5ft 10inches and about 148lb). I ride usually with an average cadence at around 90-95.
Any ideas or advice? Thanks.
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Comments
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I would've thought it's inevitable. For flat cycling you're only using a few muscles, so it makes sense that they'll give up before your lungs. A long climb is much more of a full body workout - your arms and upper body will be engaged to find the extra strength, making it more similar to running.
Having said that, I do find riding a higher cadence for a given speed is more challenging on the lungs.0 -
Brommers76 wrote:I have noticed that the first thing to go when pushing the pace is certainly my legs rather than being unable to breathe. I know what it is to work maximally after years of interval training when I was competing as a runner.
The only time I really can get my breathing and legs near max is when climbing for a long period.
I am not a big chap (5ft 10inches and about 148lb). I ride usually with an average cadence at around 90-95.
Any ideas or advice? Thanks.
I think the "competing as a runner" bit is the key here.....different muscles used in different ways.....You have the cardio system developed because of the running but you need the cycling muscles to get some practice.17 Stone down to 12.5 now raring to get back on the bike!0 -
Are you sure your seat height is correct?
If its to low you'll feel it in your legs quite quickly when pushing it.0 -
I've been out with loads of runners who run marathons etc and it's their legs that go first after say 30 miles...The only way to build cycling muscles/endurance is to cycle.
Get out and do more miles! Your legs will eventually catch up with your cardio.0 -
I'm in the same position as you, just starting out from a background of running.
First time out I my cycling legs were completely bolloxed , breathing was fine and went for a run with little ill effect. Just could not push those bloody pedals!
Now after a few more months of being on the bike I'm finding it much better. What I used to think were hard hills are now a lot easier. Still don't have the out and out power on the straight sometime but getting there and endurance isn't a problem.,
I'm training to do some Tris so I hope a running background will help. I used to run ultra marathons so well used to running with tired wobbly legs
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Same here. I've been a decent club runner for the last 20yr, and always done cycling too but to a less extent.
I've NEVER run out of breath on the bycicle. I tried to understand it but eventually gave up...0 -
I started as a runner, and went on to cycling. Its been pretty much cycling only for me the last 3 years solid, and in some cases, not all, its the breathing that goes first for me.
Examples:
If i'm on a long climb and pushing hard out of the saddle, it is usually my breathing that goes first.
Having said that, in the later stages of a long endurance ride, where my legs have already taken plenty of stick, any hard climb would see my legs go first.
I think its good practice to try and get the balance right. If you need to build leg strength, try leaving it in a higher gear for the majority of a short (say 1 hour) session. This should help keep your heart rate down, and get your legs working more. It can be painful, but it should help in the long run.0 -
Either do more hills or use one of those climbing machine things at a gym.
Stand up and pedal more too, it will be hard at first but you'll gradually get better.0 -
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