Quote Originally Posted by notsportygirl
I am having problems with getting really lethargic after rides of only 14 miles, or so. My muscles never hurt afterwards, but I have no energy at all. I had problems with foot-cramping once, and after reading some threads on here, decided to bring vitamin water with me that had electrolytes in it. I also bring a food bar with me and eat it half way. I didn't have any more foot problems, but again...I felt so, so drained, and had to cancel my plans for the evening, because I only had enough energy to veg in front of the TV. I even ate a good breakfast before the last one: a bowl of cereal, a hard boiled egg, and a banana. I have a feeling that I'm not eating soon enough after riding, maybe. I don't feel hungry, and don't eat for a few hours, and then I think I crash. I'm not sure, though. I feel like I'm drinking water non-stop afterwards, too, but am insatiably thirsty the rest of the day. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do this athletic thing...It seems like you have to think about fueling yourself differently. This is especially challenging for me, since I've been eating relatively low-carb for a year now. Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong? What are the best kinds of foods to eat post-ride?

I've also realized that I have a frustrated racing instinct. I keep wanting to be able to pass people, to be really speedy, and am a little bummed, because I've read that you are at a big disadvantage when you're really small...and there are fewer who are smaller than me...Oh well. I am still pretty slow up hills, more because of my asthma than anything else...it's just a little distracting to feel your throat close up...I'm going to try to start taking my preventative asthma medicine to see if it can improve things for the "big ride". And maybe when I'm in better shape, that'll let up because it'll take more to make me exert myself.

Becoming Maybe-a-little-sporty...
Hey Maybe!

Two things: I used to have asthma problems too, but now I just use the puffer before I ride, and I no longer have a problem. Check with your doc, but I think it's better to prevent an attack than to suppress one that's started.

Other topic- post-ride fuel. I've always heard that you need to get some carbs in your system in the first 30-45 minutes after you stop exercising. If I don't do this, I'm a lethargic couch potato the rest of the day. I also found that if I don't include some protein with those carbs that I'll be ravenously hungry all day too. So, right after you ride, get some carbs with a bit of protein in ya. Half a PBJ sandwhich works very well for me.