BF is pulling away

[mstevens]

Wow, there's some great advice there. To respond to a few of the comments, I did have a fitting when I bought the bike, but my body has changed. SI joint issues that made one leg longer than the other have been addressed. So maybe I should do it again, even just for a second opinion.

What happens when I go faster is mainly an achiness, like lactic acid buildup, mostly in my quads. With a slower cadence it's like there's a little recovery period in each turn, but when I spin faster the ache just doesn't go away. Probably just improving my basic fitness level and getting used to spinning faster more often will help.

I have a good girlfriend who is a competitive triathlete, consistently wins her age group. I rode with her a few times last summer and it almost killed me, but I think I'll start doing it again, if she'll let me tag along! And I'll ride almost every day, and get a cadence meter.

As for BF, when we finished our ride on Sunday he said to me, "I love you honey, but you're the enemy." To which I sweetly replied, "Thanks, I feel the same way about you!" If I have to resort to sabotage, I will!

[indysteel]

When you try to spin, do you have any idea what gear you're using? Pay attention next time you're out and post it here. I wonder if you're trying to spin in too big of a gear for where you are in terms of aerobic capacity and leg strength.

That said, not all of us are spinners. I can comfortably spin at a high cadence, but I'm often on the lower end of what's often touted as "ideal," so I border on being a masher.

[Biciclista]

have you tried couples counselling? I mean seriously, what is your goal? Do you guys just race each other when you are riding? That doesn't sound very fun to me.
Is it always about who is first, or are you guys having some social fun too?

[Rollinlucky]

Do you have an indoor trainer? I have exercised for as long as I can remember but have seen the most improvement in everything I do since I have started doing the Spinerval DVDs several times a week. I have been riding "seriously" for about 6 months and was averaging around 14mph. Since starting the dvd's about 3 months ago, I am now averaging between 18-19 mph with a headwind ( I live in South Texas). They are tough, but I am definitely seeing BIG results!

[mstevens]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your concern about my relationship with BF. He's a sweetie! We're very evenly matched on the bicycles, he's in good shape but is a little older (he's 55 and I'm 46.) We both have sedentary jobs and just bust loose on the weekends! Seriously, we do have fun while we're riding, we stop for coffee or lunch or shopping along the way. I've been very supportive of his improvement over this last year, but I never seriously thought he'd get faster than me.

I enjoy a challenge and this is exciting for me to have a new goal. As I mentioned before I also have a good girlfriend whom I'd like to be able to keep up with!

I went out for 15 miles last night. I took Kermit's advice and focused on a fast cadence, and every time I thought I was in the right gear I dropped down one (great idea from MartianDestiny!) It was an out-and-back route, and I hit 18.3 average for the first half!! Then I turned around and realized I'd had a strong tailwind pushing me the whole way. By the time I got home my average was down to 15.5, but that's still .5 faster than the last time I did this route! Like zoom-zoom, now I have hope!!

Plus, there's always chocolate. BF can't resist!

[indysteel]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your concern about my relationship with BF. He's a sweetie! We're very evenly matched on the bicycles, he's in good shape but is a little older (he's 55 and I'm 46.) We both have sedentary jobs and just bust loose on the weekends! Seriously, we do have fun while we're riding, we stop for coffee or lunch or shopping along the way. I've been very supportive of his improvement over this last year, but I never seriously thought he'd get faster than me.

I enjoy a challenge and this is exciting for me to have a new goal. As I mentioned before I also have a good girlfriend whom I'd like to be able to keep up with!

I went out for 15 miles last night. I took Kermit's advice and focused on a fast cadence, and every time I thought I was in the right gear I dropped down one (great idea from MartianDestiny!) It was an out-and-back route, and I hit 18.3 average for the first half!! Then I turned around and realized I'd had a strong tailwind pushing me the whole way. By the time I got home my average was down to 15.5, but that's still .5 faster than the last time I did this route! Like zoom-zoom, now I have hope!!

Plus, there's always chocolate. BF can't resist!

Great job! Just keep at it and you'll see improvement.

[malkin]

Tandem?

[Melalvai]

Change the rules of the game. The contest is now who can ride the most miles in a week, not who can ride the fastest.