The "Wall"? Question for Runners/Bikers

People can experience the wall in different ways...I've heard people talking of pain, mental exhaustion, physical exhaustion and energy loss or a combinations of those. I think it's basically caused by your body switching to less readily available energy sources once the more easily available fuel is gone.

I think there is a mental challenge involved with all long distance running/cycling but you may be able to make it easier with consuming energy drinks and/or gels during your cycle.

This thread on the Runners World forum might be of help... http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?dt=4&utn=10262&last=1&V=1&SP=

Oblivious said:

So I'm getting serious this spring/summer regarding my bike rides. My goal is at least 50 miles of vigorous cycling a ride by the end of summer.

So I went out for a 22 mile ride the other day. About the last 2 miles I has absolutely spent - no energy at all. Cardiowise I was fine though. My husband (who used to be a serious rider) told me I hit the wall i.e. I ran out of "fuel" so to speak.

So I guess my question is what do I do about this? Is this just something you mentally just learn to get beyond? Obviously I'm using up I'm all my calories/fuel, but if I eat a bunch before I go for a ride I tend to get the lovely cramps.

Thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

Have you done longer rides in the past? If not... it's just a part of training. IT IS partly mental. You just have to push yourself to get that extra mile a day.

Also... be sure to load up on carbs the night before a ride.

Your body will get use to it... its all part of training

You have to get the training in. Just keep doing regular rides. (not neccessarily long ones.) But regular.

Also on a long ride, you have to refuel your body at some point. I did a 90 mile ride on the Katy trail last week. At about 60 miles, I just fell apart. I could hardly walk, nevermind ride. At the next town, I got a small sandwich and a energy bar. I was able to kick the last 30 out. You body can run out of 'stuff' to burn. When it does it'll start burning stuff you don't want it too.

If your hands and whole body we're shaking you probably needed nourishment. If not, just a few more regular rides will get you there.

I also find if you don't have a finish time it helps. If your focus is I have to be home by 5:00 for such and such. You stress yourself out and your focus is elsewhere.

Good Luck and keep on going.

All advice to this point are fitmom approved!
J

I need a bar and sport drink when I ride farther than 25 miles. It is a food issue for me. I keep a Clif Bar in my camelbak pocket and a sport drink in my cage for those 25+ rides.