• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

How Can I Cure Chronic Achy Legs?

Question: I’m an avid 47-year-old cyclist who rides 90-120 miles per week and wants to improve. My performance has stagnated. My legs ache and feel weak. Is this just age, or is it overtraining or poor nutrition? — Craig K.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: It sounds like you’ve overdone your training, Craig, either in terms of intensity or insufficient time for recovery.

Another factor might be that you’re not eating enough carbohydrate to replenish glycogen (muscle fuel) between rides. Any of these factors can make your legs beg for life support.

To snap back, try an easy week. Cut your mileage and intensity by about a third. In addition, eat more carbohydrate and total calories.

A post-ride recovery drink such as Endurox might help, too. Your legs should feel better and your motivation should return as the rest week goes along.

If not, try a second easy week. If that doesn’t do it, you might want to consider a medical checkup to rule out anything else that could be causing your problems.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Monumental History of the Climb to Kaiser Bicycle Ride Published
  • Ornot Cycling Winter Gear Review Roundup
  • The Important Role of Carbohydrates
  • How far can you bike tour per day?

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1060

Newsletter Issue No. 1059

Newsletter Issue No. 1057

Newsletter Issue No. 1056

Newsletter Issue No. 1055

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in