Normal? What to do?

[murielalex]

Hi, glad I found this forum. It's motivating!

I'm a 51-year-old woman just getting back into biking after 15 years. On pure impulse (I was making a u-turn out of a restaurant to go home on evening last week, and a car pulled out from a side street, so I swung into a bike store to avoid it, and I somehow end up with a new bike), I bought a Specialized Crossroads Sport, complete with big butt seat thinking I wanted to just ride around the neighborhood a bit. I already wish I'd saved my money as I now want a road bike, but that's a different story.

So...I haven't been on a bike in 15 years. I'm not in the best of shape, but I've been doing CrossFit (with modifications) for awhile, I have a Concept 2 rowing machine at home, and am not completely out of shape. Fifteen years ago, I commuted on my bike and had zero problems at any distance I needed (average 10 miles anywhere multiple times a day). On the day I got my bike, I started out with a light ride in my neighborhood for just four miles. I stopped to talk with a neighbor and found I was so dizzy standing there, I was afraid I was going to faint. I figured that I hadn't eaten in awhile, needed more hydration prior, etc. I prepared better next ride, and although it wasn't as dramatic, when I stopped, I still felt weak, and the same the next day. Today, I took a leisurely (average 12mph) six-mile ride on a perfectly flat road, and although I wasn't dizzy, I felt really out of breath and weak at the end.

I guess I'm sort of shocked. I've not experienced this ever before when doing a leisure ride, and I figured I could at least handle a few miles since CrossFit and rowing have can be pretty intense. I'm not experiencing any muscle fatigue or soreness, and wanted to go longer, but I was too winded. I don't want to quit. I'm just remembering how much fun this is! I'm trying to build up to my first group ride (a slow-paced, 15-miles ride with police escort in my town) in a couple of weeks, but now I'm nervous that it's too soon.
Maybe this getting old business is just showing up. I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance or ideas. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[OakLeaf]

It doesn't make sense that your conditioning would have anything to do with it if you're already doing workouts that are more aerobic than cycling at a moderate pace.

The one thing that occurs to me is that your workouts are indoors. What's the weather like where you are? Is it possible you have asthma triggered by cold, humidity, pollen, car exhaust?

Fainting isn't good, and especially not on two wheels in traffic. Maybe get it checked out with your doctor?

[Wahine]

While Crossfit is intense, it's not really the same kind of aerobic work required on a bike. So it might just be a getting back into it thing.

However, I have to say that something doesn't seem right here and I would have to agree with Oak, you should talk to your doc about it. In fact, if you were a client of mine, I would insist on it.

[zoom-zoom]

Could you be dealing with vertigo or inner-ear issues?

[PamNY]

I do think you should talk to your doc.

I returned to cycling at age 58. I certainly was tired and out of breath at times, and building strength took a long time. However, I never felt anything like what you are describing.

Ruling out medical problems couldn't hurt. Best of luck and I hope you enjoy your new bike.

[tealtreak]

Triple ditto on see the Doc! I am 50, relatively new to Mt biking (almost a year) and when I have been dizzy I knew exactly why, (bonk, my fault) or nauseous (dismal swamp fire- code orange air pollution) but not knowing.......scary! Please get a complete checkup (:

[murielalex]

Thanks, Ladies. I think I got it figured out. I woke up this morning with sore throat, headache, stuffed up, mild nausea, chills, general aches....blech. It's been going around work for the past couple weeks, but since I never get sick, it never entered my head that I might be getting it. I'll take it easy for a few days, and if, when better, I have similar issues, I'll head straight to the doc. For now, I'm going to assume it was the early stages of the flu. In the meantime, I called out sick from work, and will spend the day napping and maybe checking out more threads in this forum :)

[Wahine]

The flu would definitely explain it. Hopefully it all clears up once you're better again.

[Sky King]

Yuck, flu :( I was also thinking vertigo. When I haven't skied in awhile, my first couple runs can make me dizzy. I just have to remember to focus ahead instead of only 15 feet in front of me. Feel Better Soon, love the story of how you became a bike owner again :)

[sarahkonamojo]

Fainting/dizziness/flu aside, I love the bike purchase story.
Glad that LBS was there when you need it!

[CyborgQueen]

Sorry to hear about your flu!!

If you *really* want a road bike, I would take your bike back to the shop and buy a road bike that you want. If the bike shop is good, the GM or owner will be more than happy to help you out, and will take in the bike to switch to a road bike.

Or you can keep this bike, and use it to improve your training, and save up for a road bike ( and save up for clipless pedals, shoes, saddles, etc as well), then when you get the road bike you'll have better knowledge of what you like and what you don't like and use your current bike as a commuter bike.

Heal up well!!

[murielalex]

Or you can keep this bike, and use it to improve your training, and save up for a road bike ( and save up for clipless pedals, shoes, saddles, etc as well), then when you get the road bike you'll have better knowledge of what you like and what you don't like and use your current bike as a commuter bike.

Heal up well!!

Thanks again, ladies. I'm still home sick, but it's been raining for two days here, so it kinda feels nice to be cosy inside.

CyborgQueen, that's the plan! I've decided to start looking around, and once I get a new bike, I'll keep the other to have on hand for visiting friends and family, or keep using it around town.

I have a professional fitting (Retul) scheduled for Saturday, which I figure is a good place to start prior to trying out everything I can. I know that sounds like overkill for a newbie, but I have issues with a deformed leg and ankle (minor but real), and once I get a bike, the fitting they'll do post-purchase to get things right is what I'm paying for; the before-you-get-the-bike fitting is just included in the price. I've been researching around, and from what I'm reading and looking at, I'm seriously drawn to steel. It seems practical for my needs: some commuting, no speed demon stuff, though want some speed, and I'm thinking mostly weekend warrior runs in the 20-30 mile range (I live one mile from the ocean with nice flat biking territory), and hopefully some longer club rides when I get better at this whole thing. I love love love the old-school aesthetics of the steel frames I'm seeing, and although I think they're attractive to look at, I haven't seen one of the carbon or aluminum models I've been researching that call my name. Of course, once I start testing bikes out, I may completely change my mind. The Jamis Quest is right at the top of my list, and what would be nice, is the the lbs doing my fitting is a dealer, so if I buy the bike from them, the fitting is free. We'll see. I'm going to take my time this time. My budget is between 2-3K, so I have some options.

[missjean]

Feel better soon - congrats on getting back into biking - and great story on how you ended up with a bike!

[OakLeaf]

Hope you feel better soon!

[Owlie]

Flu explains it! Feel better!
(Oh, and take it easy when you get back on the bike. The first time I rode after a nasty bout of the flu, it was a gargantuan effort to ride around the block.)

[murielalex]

Thanks again, ladies. I'm back to feeling almost perfect again. I'm very excited about my fitting tomorrow and getting on with the adventure of finding my bike. Since being home for a few days, I've been researching everything and, of course, am lusting after things I do not need and can't afford. If I return to my senses, the Salsa Casseroll looks good to me as well as the Jamis Quest. I'm going to see what the fitting leads me to and start from there.

[murielalex]

Well, the fitting was an amazing experience, and it answered a lot of questions as to why I never felt "right" on every bike I've tried, and even in spinning class, kept trying to make the seat go back farther than the bike allowed. Apparently, I have freakishly long femurs for a 5'5" woman, and coupled with other weirdnesses, getting a stock bike that works for me in one way would be making big compromises in another. Anyway, the winner is:

Custom Gunnar Sport in English Blue with white panels, Ultegra, but with a 105 Crankset, Shimano R451 brakes, Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels with Gator Skin 28s. It will take about two months to get it, but it should look pretty much like this:


http://blog.harriscyclery.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG_3231-1024x682.jpg

I feel almost guilty with this being my first road bike since My Schwinn Varsity in the 1970s, but when doing the fitting, I went from thinking I could never get used to/ride a road bike at all (uncomfortable and "weird") to wanting to be outside pedaling right NOW once they made adjustments to get things right for me. Amazing difference! I highly recommend a Retul Fitting, especially if you're a newbie like me and/or feel like bikes are never just right.

Also, it was my first time clipping in. I really loved the feel of pedaling that way, but am starting out with SPD pedals until I get more used to things.

Now...the waiting..........

[malkin]

Yay!
A new adventure!

[Owlie]

Congrats! Please, show us pictures when it gets to you!

[indysteel]

Wow; that is one pretty bike. I have relatively long femurs, too, so I understand your decision. Post pics when you get your bike!

[Sky King]

Hope it is all you are wishing for, when reading your femur issue I was thinking a bit more slack in the seat tube (surly LHT'ish) Once you get the bike if it still feels like you want to push back consider the VO Grand Cru seat post for added set back

[smittykitty]

You're my kind of women: Pulls in to bike shop to avoid car crash - buys bike!!!

Custom Gunnar on the way!!! Very cool:)

Can't wait to hear what's next.

[Wahine]

Beautiful bike!! I love Gunnar.

I'm glad you're getting dialed in and feeling better. :D