Warming Up/Getting Into the "Zone"

[Popoki_Nui]

I heard once that the rule of thumb for warm ups is that you should warm up 1 minute for every year of your age. Seems to be about right for me...somewhere between 30-40 minutes, I finally start feeling like I'll be ok.

Wow...that sure makes sense. I thought maybe I was at some sort of permanent plateau, just not working hard enough, lazy, etc. One-minute-per-year warmup time is almost exactly right for me too. After about 45 minutes of wheezing and aching, something "clicks" inside and I can ride for hours on end. Assuming I make it thru that first 45 minutes! Some days it's iffy...
~S.

[CR400]

I have a similare problem except mine is no matter how long I warm up I can't hammer unless I have had my heart rate in zone 4 and a little in 5 for 20 min. After that look out, then I can hang and go fast for a long time in a big gear. Your body may be that of a time trialist which means the longer the ride the stronger you are over time.