Question: I frequently start rides within 30-60 minutes of waking up. Often this means I’m on the road at 5 a.m. My heart rate stays low for about 25 miles, but after that it reaches normal levels. Why? — Phil H. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: I suspect that getting up and out so early means your…
Question: I’m 40 and have been training for about two years, four or five times a week, 30-40 miles per ride with a 50-miler on weekends. This year I completed the Hotter’n Hell Hundred in Texas in just over five hours. Now, after many years away from Tae Kwon Do, I started classes for cross-training….
Question: I ride six days per week, totaling about 120 miles. I also love to run on my easy cycling days, doing 30 minutes three times per week. This combination has helped me shed 70 pounds. When I run, I push my heart rate past my lactate threshold. Will running at this intensity plus cycling…
Question: My wife and I just did our first tandem ride. She doesn’t normally ride, so I presume most of the wattage came from my legs. The climbs were tough and my heart rate reached over 85% of max. I slowed my cadence to 80 rpm to make it more comfortable for her. She had fun…
Question: The gym in my office building has a stationary recumbent. Does using it provide the same benefits as riding outside on my road bike? — Jim N. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Many riders who switch between a recumbent and an upright bike say there is a noticeable difference to their pedaling muscles. The respective riding…
