Quote Originally Posted by Bluetree View Post
Let's see...

When you hit the wall... what does it feel like?
(See above)

What is happening?
Usually happens after two hours. I'm not tired... my quads have just said, "Enough!"

Is your breathing labored? Do you lose all energy?
No and not really. Just in my legs.

What have eaten up until that point? What did you eat before the ride?
A little more carbs than usual the night before (500-600 calories). Usually a carb-protein meal one hour prior to my ride (400-500 calories). One bottle of energy drink per hour.

Have you had any rest stops? Is your average higher or lower than when you go, say, 20 miles on your bike?
No rest stops. My average in my first hour is about 17-18mph, but varies because the ocean winds vary so much. My second hour drops 1-2mph. It's when I get into my third hour when I start losing it.
I understand what you mean, when your legs just feel *dead*... and every time you pedal, it's pain.

I had that the 2nd day of the MS150 last year. Oddly, I found that if I just kept pedaling... well, I could do it. Sure, it hurt... but I kept going. Of course, it's not something I would want to experience on every ride. Not really a pleasant experience.

With that said... I would wonder how you would do if you dropped your average early on. Maybe hold a 15-16 mph average? It might be your high average that's killing your legs and keeping you from going the extra miles. Maybe this is something you can ponder with your coach?

Something I have come to terms with... is that sometimes I have to ride my own ride.. and my ride is slower than others. You might be pushing yourself too hard for longer distances... as you are trying to keep up with faster people. ????

Well... just slowing down your average early on is about all I can come up with. Might be worth trying... once? Or ask your coach about it. I'm certainly NOT an expert by any means.

Good luck in unlocking the secret to getting further down the road.