MapMyRide Community - second wind

second wind

DE-Nikos — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:46:26 -0500

I have been riding now for 4 months and have gotten comfortable with 40 to 50 miles at 17mph. what has been happening to me is i am good until mile 8 and then 8-12 i get winded, everything hurts and climbs kill. Then after that i get a second wind and find a new energy to pedal forever. anyway to avoid this?

second wind

Ascentionist — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:26:03 -0500

I recently rode 60 miles for the first time and the first 30 killed me. But after I passed the midpoint I got a strong second wind and cranked along at 20mph for 20 miles or so before dropping back down to about 15mph. But I felt really good the last half and could have gone much further than just 60 miles despite almost giving up within the first 20 miles.

As far as avoiding it I don't know...proper nutrition and make sure you stretch and warm up a bit. I wouldn't over do it if you're just going for mileage and not speed. I think it took me 20 miles to wamr up and then I was good. Plus, I was eating the whole ride and I think the energy from my food didn't really kick in until afte mile 20.

Try to eat good carbs ahead of time and make sure you're hydrated before the ride and then try to maintain those levels throughout the ride.

A lot of it is mental too. The first part of my 60 mile ride was in unfamiliar territory and the last half was all on familiar trails and roads. I didn't have to worry about where I was going and I could focus on my riding.

second wind

elwood64 — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:11:39 -0500

I have found that as my fitness level increases, the time to get in the "groove" decreases. Early in the season I feel like I'm dying for the first 10-15 miles, and then the mojo kicks in. Right now it's taking me around 5 miles to find my groove.

I second the proper nutrition and hydration. Many times I'll find myself suffering during rides. I'll stop and get some food and drink down, and it's a world or difference in strength.