so thankyou all for all your advice. I did a few things:
A) Tried eating 2000cal everyday to ensure I was eating enough. I found that really hard! I felt bloated and full all the time. It just seemed that I was always thinking about food & then eating. So I relaxed that a bit and am sitting at about 1800 and feeling OK - you know eating when I want & need, but still having treats when I want. Funnily enough I had McDonalds yesterday for the first time since christmas & i'm sure I got 2000 from that meal alone!
B) Got electrolyte drinks. That made a huge difference I think. I drank more on each ride (4) since I've used it, than when drinknig just water.
C) Bought one of those little bento boxes to go on the top bar/stem, so I can see my food whilst riding rather than forgetting about it b/c it's in my back pockets. Used an EAS power gel last week - was OK. Found a "double latte" one to try tomorrow! I might have to accept that when riding I'll have more processed "foods" that normally I'd choose.
D) Raised my seat by 3/4 inch & my knee immediately stopped hurting. I also had sore & tight gluts & hamstrings afterwards so I guess I'm now using those muscles!
E) Started using my foot levelers soft orthotics in my cycling shoes. I never got knee pain at spin & wear the orthotics in my gym shoes. I tend to pronate as all of me is long and hypermobile. Not sure if this has had an impact, but has been part of the mix
I probably could have made one tweak at a time to see what afftected what, but I was so impatient & didn't want to miss any more rides. I'm sure you all understand that!!
So all in all a few adjustments have added up to a much more enjoyable experience. The group I ride with have a 90k ride that my training programme has me riding home from, so I'm planning to do 100K tomorrow & don't feel stressed about maybe having to drop off - I wont need to! THANKS to you all for your help.:) :) :)
Lou
