Question: Question about bicycle riding for exercise.

[BigTex]

I have recently taken up bike riding for exercise. I didnt expect to but I am really enjoying it. I try to hit 10 miles on the bike one day and then 3 miles walking the next and take no exercise on sunday. I try to average about 10 MPH on the bike.

Question to you physical fitness guys is that after a 10 mile day and then 3 miles walking, my legs feel like lead. When that happens should I take a day off to recharge or push through it ? I really am not sore, just very tired in the legs.

My goal is to do a 20 mile round trip on the bike by end of july and then take a 50 mile trip by end of october.

 

[RTR91]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

We don't like bike riders 'round these parts. They get in our way when we tryin' to drive.

 

[92tide]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

I have recently taken up bike riding for exercise. I didnt expect to but I am really enjoying it. I try to hit 10 miles on the bike one day and then 3 miles walking the next and take no exercise on sunday. I try to average about 10 MPH on the bike.

Question to you physical fitness guys is that after a 10 mile day and then 3 miles walking, my legs feel like lead. When that happens should I take a day off to recharge or push through it ? I really am not sore, just very tired in the legs.

My goal is to do a 20 mile round trip on the bike by end of july and then take a 50 mile trip by end of october.

since you're just getting started, i wouldn't push through too much. if its just tired, take an easy day. often, once you get warmed up, your legs will feel better. you will soon be able to tell the difference between tired and sore, and hurt. one of the biggest mistakes people make when starting an exercise program is overdoing it and not getting enough rest.

 

[stlimprov]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Well...riding a bike can cover a huge, huge range. 10 miles on flat asphalt on a decent road bike can be a warm up, 10 miles on hilly dirt on a steel mtb can be a killer.

Consider investing in a heart rate monitor. I'm thinking you can find a simple hrm without breaking the bank. Then don't worry about how far you ride or run, but just target certain exertion ranges for certain times. That way your exercise is more consistent, based on your exertion. With some sort of an objective metric (in this case heart rate) you'll actually learn to read subjective feedback like perceived exertion much better.

As mentioned in previous post, you'll do better over the long haul if you can achieve consistency, and a key to that is not blowing up and killing motivation early. It can actually take some time to find a natural comfort in a pace that pushes you, but doesn't blow you up too soon.

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

since you're just getting started, i wouldn't push through too much. if its just tired, take an easy day. often, once you get warmed up, your legs will feel better. you will soon be able to tell the difference between tired and sore, and hurt. one of the biggest mistakes people make when starting an exercise program is overdoing it and not getting enough rest.

This is the best advice that can be given. It doesn't really matter the method of exercise but be very careful of not overdoing it. Several years ago I had been out of the gym for quite some time and jumped back in, not realizing that my body in it's 30's is a far cry from when it was in it's 20's. I over did it, pulled a muscle, and was out for over a month.

 

[MattinBama]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Paging Ted Mosby.

 

[92tide]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Paging Ted Mosby.

that'll just teach him how to get a flat

 

[Relayer]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Sounds like you need to look into blood doping.

 

[rizolltizide]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

You're obviously not wearing the right bike dork clothes.

 

[MattinBama]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Take up speed walking.

 

[RTR91]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

You're obviously not wearing the right bike dork clothes.

He's probably wearing what this guy has on instead of the second guy.

I'd wear what the second guy is wearing. Much easier.

 

[Bamaro]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

When you first start out it is normal for your legs to feel rubbery afterwards. A week or two and that should pass. For exercise, I would look at time more closely than distance. Most of my riding tends to be 'out and back' on an old RR trail so I shoot for 30 minutes out, rest for a few and 30 minutes back. Keep up a good speed to get and keep the heart rate up. Enjoy!

 

[happytidefan]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Meh, a little soak in the whirlpool tub, and glass of wine in hand helps me to recover from the lead in my legs (and whatever else is ailing.) Hang in there. It'll get better. I'm envious tho - as a social creature I do not do well on the bike or the treadmill that goes nowhere.

You've inspired me....Zumba tomorrow!

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

What you're doing is not that extreme, but the way you framed your question makes me think that you've jumped from being inactive to trying to exercise 6 out of 7. (And you're not a spring chicken any more.) As others have said, you need to listen to your body. Take some zero days. You'll be surprised at how you bounce back with just a little recovery. As you work into better shape, you can up the mileage and intensity and your recovery time will shorten...

 

[Tide1986]

We don't like bike riders 'round these parts. They get in our way when we tryin' to drive.

I pretty much have no respect for bikers, especially when they choose to be out on the roads during primary commuting times (6:00-9:00 in the morning and 5:00-7:00 in the evenings). Also, from my experience, bikers tend to ignore the rules of the road. So...beware a 1999 green Suburban if you find yourself on upper Hwy 119 in Shelby County, Alabama.

 

[Bama Torch in Pcola]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Big Tex - It's great to read that you've taken up cycling. It's the only form of exercising that I truly enjoy. There's a lot of good advice here.

I pretty much have no respect for bikers, especially when they choose to be out on the roads during primary commuting times (6:00-9:00 in the morning and 5:00-7:00 in the evenings). Also, from my experience, bikers tend to ignore the rules of the road. So...beware a 1999 green Suburban if you find yourself on upper Hwy 119 in Shelby County, Alabama.

You make a broad generalization here. The vast majority of cyclists are considerate of traffic. People who take up half the road during commuting hours are jerks who happen to be cyclists. They aren't jerks because they are cyclists.

 

[RedStar]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Big Tex - It's great to read that you've taken up cycling. It's the only form of exercising that I truly enjoy. There's a lot of good advice here.



You make a broad generalization here. The vast majority of cyclists are considerate of traffic. People who take up half the road during commuting hours are jerks who happen to be cyclists. They aren't jerks because they are cyclists.

Do you wear spandex?

 

[Bamaro]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

I pretty much have no respect for bikers, especially when they choose to be out on the roads during primary commuting times (6:00-9:00 in the morning and 5:00-7:00 in the evenings). Also, from my experience, bikers tend to ignore the rules of the road. So...beware a 1999 green Suburban if you find yourself on upper Hwy 119 in Shelby County, Alabama.

Maybe if you weren't driving such a behemoth they wouldn't be in your way. :tongue:

 

[Tide1986]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Maybe if you weren't driving such a behemoth they wouldn't be in your way. :tongue:

As I recall, I'm the guy who pulls up on your right-hand side while you're trying to make a left-hand turn -- I know you enjoy the view (or the lack thereof).

 

[rizolltizide]

Re: Question about bikcycle riding for exercise.

Meh, a little soak in the whirlpool tub, and glass of wine in hand helps me as a social creature.

Go on...slowly...

You've inspired me....

Oh no, my dear. You've inspired us.