How should I feel after cycling?

[falconvalley]

I don't normally cycle, but when I do, I cycle for 2 weeks. I have a cheap mountain bike from Target or Walmart. It's nothing special. I'm not concerned with speed, just effort. I ride for an hour at what I think is an "Easy" effort, which in running, is up to the maximum effort you can still hold a normal conversation with someone without being out of breath. I probably should check my heart rate on my easy runs and just target that on my rides but I haven't. Question- is it normal for my legs to feel like jello afterward? I remember feeling this way last year and being concerned enough to hold back every couple days. What's normal for fatigue with cycling?

 

[EDUC8-or]

Perfectly normal for your legs to feel that way. You'll have to gauge "normal" fatigue based on the intensity and length of your rides. If I go for a hard ride I feel like I'm going to puke and it's difficult to walk up and down stairs.

 

[typhoonpilot]

What speed are you riding at? Is it up and down hills or flat?

Normal speed for a non-pro in average shape with a road bike would be around 18mph with a few hills. On a mountain bike it would be a little less.



TP

 

[falconvalley]

I'm not sure what the speed is, exactly, but based on the distance, I think it's somewhere between 10 and 15 MPH, depending on grade, wind, and fatigue. I try and keep the effort pretty consistent. My goal is to rest my feet from running and focus my strength effort on weights, while getting my heart rate up so I don't lose as much fitness while I "rest". So, it's not really important that I get better on the bike...it's more or less effort not to exceed "easy". I remember feeling like I was a little tired every few days last year, so I wasn't sure if that was not being used to biking or if I was expending too much. I can tell I'm using my leg muscles differently and other muscles that I don't normally use to that extent, so I expect to be a little tired. So, it's normal to walk around like a dope for a bit, I take it?

 

[typhoonpilot]

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/healthtool-target-heart-rate-calculator

 

[Bolo]

I always get the feeling that my legs have to re-acclimate to the walking range of motion. They want to move in small perfect circles in stead of the elliptically. Could this be what you're talking about?

 

[falconvalley]

That sounds about right. Yeah I must be just not used to if. My heart rate is pretty low on the exercise bike, at least, but I still stagger a little afterwards.

 

[BEEF SUPREME]

Fairly normal. Drink plenty of water and some kind of electrolyte replacement. Gu, shot blocks or Brawndo the thirst mutilator.

 

[Minuteman]

Rule #20// There are only three remedies for pain.These are:

• If your quads start to burn, shift forward to use your hamstrings and calves, or
• If your calves or hamstrings start to burn, shift back to use your quads, or
• If you feel wimpy and weak, meditate on Rule #5 and train more!

 

[falconvalley]

Haha nice.

 

[TowJoe]

Rule #20// There are only three remedies for pain.These are:

• If your quads start to burn, shift forward to use your hamstrings and calves, or
• If your calves or hamstrings start to burn, shift back to use your quads, or
• If you feel wimpy and weak, meditate on Rule #5 and train more!

Awesome list! Rule #5 is amazing.

 

[Galaitoto]

Make sure your seat is the right height as well. No need for a professional fitting but watch some youtube videos to get a close enough setting. It makes all the difference in the whole wide world.

 

[flygirl813126]

Think of it a bit like how your legs would feel after getting off a trampoline. The motion of walking feels strange again after being on the bike for awhile.

 

[Galaitoto]

Think of it a bit like how your legs would feel after getting off a trampoline. The motion of walking feels strange again after being on the bike for awhile.

Ha I love that ! Or the super blastoid bionic walk after getting off the treadmill.

 

[falconvalley]

Lol