In the races last season it felt like my lungs were on max for pretty much the whole race duration, but at the end it seemed to be my legs that were giving up on me (cramp). If I do a hard rep session, my lungs/throat can often feel "winded". I think my cadence is what does this, I tend to spin quite fast.
Well I guess I'd have to say after the other days 4 interval's it's a mixture of both. I can keep up a good pace and can even push it, but then once I'm really hammering I start to feel it in the quads. To me however this doesn't mean it's just the legs, but also the lungs for not delivering enough oxygen to them and then the system not getting rid of the lactic acid fast enough. Guess I'd say legs though I guess, as the lungs are pretty good, I can go forever, just not fast forever
Like the dude up there said, my lower back is what kills me. My legs also get very tired in some races. I only ever get out of breath at the starts while trying for the hole shot...
In general: If you're only out of breath at the start or hills doesn't that mean you're not pushing hard enough or is it that your legs can't push hard enough for you to be out of breath the whole race?
I've never had any trouble with my legs giving out even when I've been out for 7.5 hours. It's my smoke scarred lungs protesting the work they are being forced to do but I'm jogging now so I hope that improves.
In general: If you're only out of breath at the start or hills doesn't that mean you're not pushing hard enough or is it that your legs can't push hard enough for you to be out of breath the whole race?
The idea is that my lungs are at a level that is above my legs. This is a good thing since there isn't a lot that you can do to improve your lungs, but your legs have a lot of room for growth. I didn't get into cycling that long ago, and am still fairly young, so I am counting on my legs getting better over time. So at this point, my legs are weak while my lungs can handle more stuff.
Legs, definitely. People I ride with or who pass me on the trail are always in a higher gear and when I try to match gears my legs go a bit rubbery. I can spin faster to keep up, but only for so long as it's too much like sprinting.
Depends on the time of season. Right now my legs because they are just weak, but later it will be my lungs, when all my legs are good for is sprinting. Overall it is probably my lungs though.
Actually, in racer parlance having good or bad legs just applies to the overall feel on the bike, not really the persons legs in particular. Incidentally good bike racing fitness is a total package thing and are not really dependent on one body part more than another, how do you know it's your Lungs holding you back?
Don't hold your breath? Honestly, you seem to be doing something wrong or have a problem. Try turning a bigger gear to keep your heart rate lower, and maybe get checked for excercise induced asthma.
Don't hold your breath? Honestly, you seem to be doing something wrong or have a problem. Try turning a bigger gear to keep your heart rate lower, and maybe get checked for excercise induced asthma.
Doubt I have any medical or technique problem. If I up my pace to try and maintain a faster speed, soon my lungs say "No, way dude, I'm gonna throttle you back."
I just think that some people are born with better lungs or legs than others. Some are more naturally born for speed while others are better at endurance. Training helps but I honestly wonder if it can get you past a persons natural physical limitation.
Riding and living at elevation is all fine and dandy until you leave the elevation. Whenever I do ride at or near sea level, it's my legs that will tire faster. I suppose this is all why the pros try to live at altitude but train at a lower elevation - hence those oxygen tents.
Riding and living at elevation is all fine and dandy until you leave the elevation. Whenever I do ride at or near sea level, it's my legs that will tire faster. I suppose this is all why the pros try to live at altitude but train at a lower elevation - hence those oxygen tents.
when I first started biking I think it was both that killed me. Now, I don't think I ever max out lung-wise unless I'm going for a hard sprint for a length of time. Hard riding or hard climbing doesn't max me out lung-wise anymore. But sometimes the legs just won't go any further.
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