Sore

[rainywells69]

71 year old male, been riding for a year in August. Thighs and calves sore always. Not hurt but sore. Will have over 5000 miles by August 1 which far surpasses any expectations I had. Now riding 25 miles almost everyday. When standing up from a sitting position I feel it in my thighs and calves. Will this never go away? I do take days off for wind and rain. Any suggestions?

 

[cyberknight]

Are you stretching ?

 

[screenman]

A foam roller works well for me on those points.

 

[si_c]

Take a week off and go for some walks instead. Sounds like overtraining to me.

 

[Bazzer]

What they said.
Also how physically active were you before taking up cycling and more specifically, what activities?

 

[PeteXXX]

Great to be out riding, but maybe try 25 miles on alternate days to give your muscles a bit more recovery time?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Are you starting out gently warming-up for the first five miles or so and warming down for the last 5 miles?
Agree regarding rest days or doing some other exercise like a walk or swim.
Milk after a ride is good for muscle recovery.

Bloody well done on your progress. Inspiring.

 

[Alan O]

Take a week off and go for some walks instead. Sounds like overtraining to me.

That.

I'd say you're possibly not giving your muscles enough time to recover properly between rides.

 

[smutchin]

It could be overtraining but it sounds more like normal post-exercise muscle soreness to me...
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/why-do-I-feel-pain-after-exercise.aspx

I find regular sports massage helpful. Post ride stretching and using the foam roller also help as part of the 'warming down' process.

 

[GuyBoden]

Milk after a ride is good for muscle recovery.

Does "Milk Chocolate" count

Edit:
I was joking about "Milk Chocolate", but apparently chocolate milk is a very good thing for muscle recovery.

 

[smutchin]

I know a lot of audaxers who swear by chocolate milk. Not for me though - that kind of thing doesn't agree with me.

 

[boydj]

Try using lower gears with a slightly higher cadence. This puts less stress on the muscles and more emphasis on the heart/lung fitness. Also vary your routes to include or avoid hills, depending on how your legs feel.Try riding more slowly on alternate days, or resting completely. Your body does need recovery time.