this is part story and part question...as I never did get an answer out of this crazy lady!

I'm not recovering well from rides. Ex. Sunday we rode 14 hilly miles that were very hard for me - hot and hilly. I was hydrated and took snacks but it was still a hard ride. Monday I did a 4 mile ride that has nothing flat on it - but still nothing too steep. I kept having to get off the bike and rest. I'm not sore - my legs are tired and sluggish. Tues I knew to stay off the bike - but I have to climb stairs at work and my legs are too tired to get up them with any speed. I took a walk at lunch - just to get outside. I was strolling and talking on phone. It was soooo much effort to get those legs to go!!! I'm not sore at all - just have very heavy legs.

So I realize, I'm doing nothing to help recovery at all! In fact, we went out to eat after the ride Sun, and I had a salad and a beer (IMO the beer helps ) but no protein, no carbs! Not a smart recovery choice!! I realized I need to change my nutritional approach and eat to fuel what I'm doing - salads are great but there needs to be more protein and carbs going in to support the level of exercise I'm doing now and I definatly need something for recovery!!

So I went to my trusted Health food store, to get a recovery drink. I didn't see anything. I explained situation to a new sales lady (she says she is a cyclist) and she says she knows exactly what I'm talking about. She tells me I'm menopausal (I'm 35) and I need a massage. I'm a massage therapist. I tell her this and she tells me the same things again and how she went into menopause at 40. Asks if I'm having mood swings and hot flashes. I think it's normal to get hot a bike when it's 90 outside and you're exercising in the sun! I tell her I don't think either thing is the answer and I'm looking for a recovery drink and she starts telling me I need to rub my legs with rosemary oil. I realize the benefits of aromatherapy but again, does she have a recovery suggestion or not? She tells me I shouldn't be having issues like this from a SPIN CLASS!!!!! That's when I just left. I'm sure she thinks my mood was due to the menopause.

So, I went to LBS and got a clif shot recovery drink (they didn't have luna) and I'm taking more vit. C. Next I tackle my daily diet to make needed changes for this type of exercise.

Does this sound logical. smart? Am I over looking something obvious (like menopause?) haha!!