Wow, I never thought about the whey protein in Accelerade. I use it because I think the protein is important for endurance, along with carbs, but I am allergic to it! No wonder my stomach hurts sometimes when I use it... Maybe I will try Cytomax.
I ride in a hilly area, too and think that takes it toll on my aging body. I can't imagine what it would be like to ride on flats all of the time. I have a treat when I start my ride somewhere other than my house and don't have to ride up my my street and driveway. Just like someone else posted, I want to ride more, longer, etc. but my body doesn't let me. I often walk on my rest day (s), along with stretching and yoga. I think some of this is the Fibromyalgia, but truthfully, I have always been this way, since I was in my 20's. Overtraining is not just for elite athletes. When I was about 34 and I was just starting to teach aerobics, I developed palpitations, and was a wreck because I was teaching 5 classes a week, 2 of them at 5 AM, not getting enough sleep, teaching high school, and caring for 2 little kids, when my husband was traveling for business all of the time. I got down to 92 pounds even though I was eating fine. Believe me, I learned my lesson!