Weekly miles and barriers

[Catrin]

I have FINALLY gotten my mileage up to 100 miles a week - this was my first week. Last summer my weekly average was rather higher - but I finished the season with all of those over-use injuries... 100 miles/week for an average is just fine.

Am I the only one who has had trouble this year getting her mileage base up to where she wants it? With this crazy spring I just could NOT get out consistently, and then we went from needing warm bike clothes to 90+ temps in the space of two weeks!

While I am pleased I am up to my weekly goal, I am not pleased with the length of my rides. It has to do with the scar tissue in my quad from last year and when starts talking to me... Patience, I know, patience. This weekend I will see if I can knock it up a notch, though it will be pretty hot Saturday. Will take lots of water, take breaks and listen to my body. I should be able to at least break 40 miles Saturday. If 32 isn't a problem, then 40 should be fine if I stay hydrated.

Regardless it will be fun For some odd reason I LIKE riding in the heat, don't ask me why...

[surgtech1956]

I am struggling. My longest ride so far 12 miles, weekly mileage 50. The 'pluses' - I lost 49#, but the 'big negative' - I broke my ankle last December in 3 places and still struggling with this. Anyways I'm happy with the weight lost, it makes cycling easier - I'm going to keep riding, more miles and often.

[Catrin]

Yikes, recovery from anything dealing with feet is hard, I think you are doing great! I am riding more frequently during the week than I did last year - but I've also stopped spinning class outside of when it rains, and while I still do strength training it is only twice a week and more for maintenance. So more rides, even if they are shorter than I would like, seems to be helping This also gives less reason for that scar tissue in my quad to complain, priceless

[Owlie]

I did 162 miles this month (yeah, I know), for an average of 40 a week (there was a week in there that I didn't ride, but still). The very wet spring didn't help anything, but right now, if I ride more than two days in a row, my knees start complaining. The major mental barrier is regularly completing 30-mile rides, as this is the first season I've actually been riding distances consistently. Physically, it's not a problem, as I've done it before. On top of that, I'm trying not to do too much because last year I did way more miles in one week than I should have and burned myself out on riding until September.

Surgtech, good for you!

[rubysoho]

I keep tweaking my right knee. It doesn't hurt a lot but I am definitely made aware of its existence. I can usually "feel" it at the beginning of my rides and then the kinks work out. Sometimes I think I need to ice it and other times I think it is okay. Today I am icing. I'll have 5 days off from riding because of travel for the holiday weekend so hopefully that will help.

I've only be riding 60 - 80 miles a week. Thinking I will get a professional fitting done (except I am putting it off because I feel a bit silly getting it done when I still use my flat pedals...) and if my knee still bothers me then I'll go see a doc before it turns into something more serious.

[Miranda]

I keep tweaking my right knee. It doesn't hurt a lot but I am definitely made aware of its existence. I can usually "feel" it at the beginning of my rides and then the kinks work out. Sometimes I think I need to ice it and other times I think it is okay. Today I am icing. I'll have 5 days off from riding because of travel for the holiday weekend so hopefully that will help.

I've only be riding 60 - 80 miles a week. Thinking I will get a professional fitting done (except I am putting it off because I feel a bit silly getting it done when I still use my flat pedals...) and if my knee still bothers me then I'll go see a doc before it turns into something more serious.

A professional bike fit... is SO worth it!

So what if you are using platforms? Chances are your knee pain could be helped-eliminated with a great fit. Sorry if this is injury or otherwise related and I'm just not clued in here responding. I rode a long time in pain guessing why... until I got a reputable fit. World of difference.

Hope things work out for you soon.

[Catrin]

I keep tweaking my right knee......
I've only be riding 60 - 80 miles a week. Thinking I will get a professional fitting done (except I am putting it off because I feel a bit silly getting it done when I still use my flat pedals...) and if my knee still bothers me then I'll go see a doc before it turns into something more serious.

What does platform pedals have to do with not getting a fitting? There are many factors involved that can affect your knees outside of your pedals. Now, frankly, you may learn that you will need to clip in to save your knees - there are quite knee friendly clipless pedals out there (my Frogs are a great example, but there are others). This doesn't mean, however, that a professional fitting by someone who understands what he or she is doing may not address the problem.

My caveat is from the fact that there are LBS out there who offer "professional fittings" but their fitting staff only know how to use the tools of the trade - but do not really understand them or how to adjust to different physical needs. A good professional fitter, IMO, is worth more than they charge - and they aren't cheap...