[matt2991]

So I have a problem...

My legs have been REALLY sore the last two days. I went riding today with my team, and I felt like my legs were just done. I was getting passed by little kids lol. I didn't feel tired at all, but my legs just didn't have anything left. I have a race Saturday, and need my legs to recover by then. I have been loading up on protein to try to recover the muscles. Anyone have any tips on how to recover REALLY sore quads and calves????

P.S. I tried easy spinning with my resistance today and my legs could barely do that. My legs definitely aren't hurt, just really sore.


Thanks

 

[chic06]

take an ice bath. I always used clean garbage cans, but the tub will do. Just put like 4 or 5 bags of ice in a bath of the coldest water that will come out of the faucet and submerge your legs in it for like 10-15 mins. The blood going to your legs will help them recover. That has always helped me.

 

[matt2991]

Ya I heard ice baths help a lot. Seems painful... can you get frostbite? Also does heating the legs work?

 

[James]

So I have a problem...

My legs have been REALLY sore the last two days. I went riding today with my team, and I felt like my legs were just done. I was getting passed by little kids lol. I didn't feel tired at all, but my legs just didn't have anything left. I have a race Saturday, and need my legs to recover by then. I have been loading up on protein to try to recover the muscles. Anyone have any tips on how to recover REALLY sore quads and calves????

P.S. I tried easy spinning with my resistance today and my legs could barely do that. My legs definitely aren't hurt, just really sore.


Thanks

It won't help for this go-round, but the absolute BEST recovery stuff I've ever come across is Enervit's R2: http://enervitusa.com/recovery.html
Disclaimers:
1. I used to work for Veltec (US distro), but I am a huge fan of Enervit stuff. It does cost a bit more than the Clifs/Powerbars, but it just works so much better.
2. It kind of tastes horrible. Like bad, yuck, I HATE it, but the ends justifies the means. Drink it quick is my advice.

Second the ice baths too, just don't overdo it...

 

[-dustin]

since popping Sport Legs, FRS, and Elete during rides, my legs have been recovering quite nicely.

 

[matt2991]

I have been icing my legs a bunch, taking hot mineral baths, and eating lots of protein and drinking lots of water. Why is an ice bath better/more effective than just icing my legs with an ice pack????

 

[Wumpus]

Overtraining?

Common warning signs of overtraining include:

* Washed-out feeling, tired, drained, lack of energy
* Mild leg soreness, general aches and pains
* Pain in muscles and joints
* Sudden drop in performance
* Insomnia
* Headaches
* Decreased immunity (increased number of colds, and sore throats)
* Decrease in training capacity / intensity
* Moodiness and irritability
* Depression
* Loss of enthusiasm for the sport
* Decreased appetite
* Increased incidence of injuries.
* A compulsive need to exercise

 

[matt2991]

Ya I maybe overtrained 4 days in a row of hills and sprints. I am thinking an ice bath. Massage would be good but I can't afford it. I am just going to stay off the bike until Sunday (race day). Any other tips our home remedies/tricks would be great!!!

Does Ibuprofin help?????

 

[Wumpus]

Does Ibuprofin help?????

There are some studies that suggest that it slows healing. I don't know how that would relate to sore muscles -- exercise does tear muscle and the rebuilding is what makes them stronger.


btw -- I'm not a racer, but you should probably at least do a little riding Fri or Sat for a Sunday race.



.

 

[ire]

proper fueling prior, during, and after the workout is part of the key. If you don't give your body the necessary fuel to recover it will cause you problems. Read

book....and like Wumpus said, you might be over trained.