I am working on getting ready for my first full century at the LRRH June 3rd. As of this point, my longest ride has been 40 miles. However, my recovery time is terrible and my legs often feel like lead. I'm convinced part of the problem is that I'm still working on the strength to weight ratio - got about 6 more pounds to go - and I'm sure the food I'm eating is not enough/right for trying to increase mileage.

I'm thinking of going to a nutritionist (looking forward to hearing about your appt Denise) to see what I can do to get more 'bang' for my points (Weight Watchers). As an example - this morning I just grabbed some toast before taking the boys to school and started my ride. I had cytomax (sp?) in one of my bottles. I planned to do a 25 mile loop. So, my legs were dead for the first 6-8 miles and then I stopped to drink some water and then also had a gu. After a little while I started feeling much better and finished the rest of the ride strong and not really very 'spent' at the end; so I'm sure its a nutrition thing. I have a 40 miler to do on Wednesday and then I've got to bump up to 50 next week and do that mileage a couple of times before I do the Tour de Conejo (68 miler - 3k elevation gain) 5/13.

My question is this - are there any particular foods that work well (or better) for recovery? I am usually not sore, just fatigued for more time than I feel is appropriate for the effort I'm expending.

Sorry so long, I'm getting frustrated because I really wanted to have bumped up my long ride a little further and feel a little stronger by now. Although, maybe this is all normal given that I started from zero March 1st after having been off the bike for 7 years???? OR, maybe its just old age

Anyway, any suggestions, comments, info, rumours etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Tracy