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Overtraining Bike Riding

Question: I'm 60 years old, 5'8", 160 lbs.,and have become infatuated with my bicycle. I ride 25 miles as hard as I can every day, and my time for this ride is rounding out at 2 hours. I'm not sure abut my heart rate during the ride, I'd guess around 180. My resting rate is 55-60. What do you think? Am I over exercising? ivanc

Answer: Dear ivanc, I'm impressed with your endurance! Not many 20-year-olds could ride that much, not to mention 60-year-olds. You should do less though. Every other day, you should slow it down, ride for less time and take at least one day off per week. I don't know how long you've been going so hard and long, but without time for your body to repair itself, you run the risk of overtraining, which invariably leads to injury and burnout. Since you love riding so much, protect your sport by spreading your infatuation out with running, hiking, swimming or something else so you don't over-work your hip flexor muscles and hamstrings. If you haven't already, start a consistent stretching program. That'll also keep you from injury. You're definitely one who would benefit from heart rate monitor training. Then you would know your exact intensity so that you can be more precise in your hard day/easy day training. My Articles section also has lots of great information about how to use your monitor for maximum benefits. Keep up the great work!

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