By Coach John Hughes Question: “I understand that interval training of one type or another is the best method to improve performance. However, I am coming off an extended six month period of minimal riding. Is there some level of base miles I should do before I start doing intervals?” RBR Reader Richard Z. … [Read more...] about How Many Base Miles Before Intensity Training?
1Training & Health
Why Might a Cyclist Pass Out?
by Richard Ellin, MD, FACP Question: I am an experienced rider, have ridden all my life and am 68 now. Nearly a year ago I had a crash on the second day of a 600 km Audax brevet, after riding 475 km. Because of head injuries I have no memory of the crash, but a witness said no other vehicle was involved. He just saw me sailing over the handlebars. [I unfortunately happened … [Read more...] about Why Might a Cyclist Pass Out?
Can You Regenerate Knee Cartilage?
by Dennis P. Devito, M.D. Question: I've heard varying opinions on whether it's possible to actually regenerate knee cartilage. I'm a 55-year-old male, I have osteoarthritis in my knees, and after a crash last year that resulted in a broken shoulder blade, and a subsequent illness, I lost a lot of weight and a lot of muscle mass in my legs (and elsewhere) due to … [Read more...] about Can You Regenerate Knee Cartilage?
Head Injuries Increase Risk for Impotence
By Gabe Mirkin, M.D. A study of more than 3,400 former National Football League players, average age 52, found that those who had had a concussion were at increased risk for low testosterone and erectile dysfunction, regardless how young or old they were (JAMA Neurology, Aug 26, 2019). Previous studies have found the same results in boxers and soldiers (J Clin Med, … [Read more...] about Head Injuries Increase Risk for Impotence
Dealing With Chest Tightness During Exercise
by Richard Ellin, MD, FACP Question: I am a 69-year-old mainly weekend road cyclist. This year I started getting tightness of the chest during rides. It wears off by end of a ride. I’ve been checked out and had a treadmill test by my general practitioner and told my heart is OK. Now I’m told it is my chest muscles that are giving me problems. Do you agree? What … [Read more...] about Dealing With Chest Tightness During Exercise