When will...?

[helent]

...my leg strength on the bike start matching my CV strength???

I've only been cycling a year so I'm guessing it takes a while but I know that when I run my cardiovascular system is similarly matched to how much I can push my legs but this isn't the case with cycling. I've just bought a turbo & have started doing regular sessions but find that I feel I could give more if only my legs had the similar strength of my ox like heart!!!

Is it just a case of train, train & train a bit more and eventually they'll catch up or is this just one of those things with cycling???

[etruscantim]

helent said:

Is it just a case of train, train & train a bit more and eventually they'll catch up or is this just one of those things with cycling???

Short answer: yes.

Doing specific sessions can help:
big gear - low cadence (I prefer Z3 for these but that is particular to me)
hill reps with low cadence and a stable core
...
It appears I've forgotten the rest ...

[elastigirl]

I'm in the same position as you Helen. I've been doing Spinervals 'Big Gear Strength' in an attempt to build up leg strength.

Lots of work in the biggest gear, including one legged drills. It makes me weep, but it makes me stronger! ;D

[helent]

One legged drills make me wanna weep too, although I've got a weak muscle in my left leg and one legged drills appear to irritate it so I've had to lay off them for a while. Good to hear I'm not the only one with silly girls legs!!! Oh for the day when they're strongert than lead but don't feel as heavy!!!

[belaqua]

helent said:

...my leg strength on the bike start matching my CV strength???

I've only been cycling a year so I'm guessing it takes a while but I know that when I run my cardiovascular system is similarly matched to how much I can push my legs but this isn't the case with cycling. I've just bought a turbo & have started doing regular sessions but find that I feel I could give more if only my legs had the similar strength of my ox like heart!!!

Is it just a case of train, train & train a bit more and eventually they'll catch up or is this just one of those things with cycling???

Me too - you get there in the end though - it gradually comes to match.

[etruscantim]

admin said:

I'm in the same position as you Helen. I've been doing Spinervals 'Big Gear Strength' in an attempt to build up leg strength.

Lots of work in the biggest gear, including one legged drills. It makes me weep, but it makes me stronger! ;D

In my experience the more painful it is, the more effective this is. I've only done a handful of sessions since coming back but am already able to cycle at the same speeds with a lower HR.

[younggun]

Are you saying then that you just can't raise your HR like you can running? - Allowing for 5 to 10 beat drop for running vs. cycling?

Are you finding raising HR particularly a problem on the turbo? A lot of people find this - there is a long winded explanation I can give if you like.

If you've only just bought a turbo it could be you haven't done enough high intensity training yet.

On the other hand it could be you don't have a problem at all. Cycling and running just feel different. Cycling always feels more muscular.

Adam

[veganpower]

I find racing other cyclists up hills gets my heart rate and breathing going especially if i've had some rest, some caffiene, and a long time being beaten by the same people

[andys]

I found, during my fitness test on Monday, that my legs gave up before my CV system did. My muscles were getting tired and sore while Mark (the tester) was saying 'getting going now' and I'm thinking 'ready to stop now'. My guess is that we stress our CV system with all our sessions but only work the bike specific one's on the bike so it's not a surprise they play catch-up.

[helent]

younggun said:

Are you saying then that you just can't raise your HR like you can running? - Allowing for 5 to 10 beat drop for running vs. cycling?

Are you finding raising HR particularly a problem on the turbo? A lot of people find this - there is a long winded explanation I can give if you like.

If you've only just bought a turbo it could be you haven't done enough high intensity training yet.

On the other hand it could be you don't have a problem at all. Cycling and running just feel different. Cycling always feels more muscular.

Adam

I think it could be that cycling & running just feel different, oh & I'm not used to high intensity training yet

My legs always give in before my cv system though and I think you're right too AndyS, the bike is quite specific so I guess I have my answer... train harder and expect the difference in feel.

I'm not sure enjoying the sessions are the words I would use but the sessions are hard and varied so good and I'm sure I'll fit a fair few killer turbo sessions in before I throw myself into the void of Ironman for the first time next year in Austria

[explorerjc]

helent said:

younggun said:

Are you saying then that you just can't raise your HR like you can running? - Allowing for 5 to 10 beat drop for running vs. cycling?

If you've only just bought a turbo it could be you haven't done enough high intensity training yet.

On the other hand it could be you don't have a problem at all. Cycling and running just feel different. Cycling always feels more muscular.

Adam

I think it could be that cycling & running just feel different, oh & I'm not used to high intensity training yet

My legs always give in before my cv system though and I think you're right too AndyS, the bike is quite specific so I guess I have my answer... train harder and expect the difference in feel.

I'm not sure enjoying the sessions are the words I would use but the sessions are hard and varied so good and I'm sure I'll fit a fair few killer turbo sessions in before I throw myself into the void of Ironman for the first time next year in Austria

Sadly, cycling is all about time in the saddle. Most of us spend most of our lives walking/standing/running which develops specific muscles for specific functions. Unless you were born on a bike you will not have developed the muscle groups accordingly.

Because you are not carryng your body weight also will mean that your cv system is less challenged (5 - 10 bpm is the minimum herat rate should fall). Therefore, to achieve the same degree of stress...lots of hill reps and high intensity training...low cadence power sessions work also but only in conjunction with high cadence work - cycling (and running) fast needs high rpm

[helent]

Looks like I'll have to stop looking for excuses & just train my little legs off!

[mrsslacko]

helent said:

...my leg strength on the bike start matching my CV strength???

I've only been cycling a year so I'm guessing it takes a while but I know that when I run my cardiovascular system is similarly matched to how much I can push my legs but this isn't the case with cycling. I've just bought a turbo & have started doing regular sessions but find that I feel I could give more if only my legs had the similar strength of my ox like heart!!!

Is it just a case of train, train & train a bit more and eventually they'll catch up or is this just one of those things with cycling???

I have this exact same problem. My heart's willing, my legs just don't want to play ball (not at a rate in anycase which is going to zoom me along the 112 miles I need the to).

All that said, I have been doing hr specific training and the small gains in lower hr I've tried to use and pedal harder, it works to a degree and I've seen slow but continual increases in speed so maybe it is just a case of training.

I will be starting more speed/interval training in the next phase of training and hopefully this will bring some results too.

Weight training on the legs also - only done 4 sessions so far so yet to know if it will or won't help.

I do think it is a pain and gain scenario with biking!

[helent]

mrsslacko said:

helent said:

...my leg strength on the bike start matching my CV strength???

I've only been cycling a year so I'm guessing it takes a while but I know that when I run my cardiovascular system is similarly matched to how much I can push my legs but this isn't the case with cycling. I've just bought a turbo & have started doing regular sessions but find that I feel I could give more if only my legs had the similar strength of my ox like heart!!!

Is it just a case of train, train & train a bit more and eventually they'll catch up or is this just one of those things with cycling???

I have this exact same problem. My heart's willing, my legs just don't want to play ball (not at a rate in anycase which is going to zoom me along the 112 miles I need the to).

All that said, I have been doing hr specific training and the small gains in lower hr I've tried to use and pedal harder, it works to a degree and I've seen slow but continual increases in speed so maybe it is just a case of training.

I will be starting more speed/interval training in the next phase of training and hopefully this will bring some results too.

Weight training on the legs also - only done 4 sessions so far so yet to know if it will or won't help.

I do think it is a pain and gain scenario with biking!

Which IM are you doing? I've got a new coach & new turbo sessions so I'm hoping to see some improvement in the next few months.

I tend to ignore my legs when it comes to weight training which is silly really but I did squats with a bar the other week & spent the week after with the sorest legs in the world slowly, slowly catchy monkey an' all that, I did them without a bar this week ;D

[explorerjc]

Squats are good for the hamstrings.....qty 12 reps with a weight you can just achieve the 12 reps is optimum. Build up on weight and circuits but stick to 12 reps

[lizzy]

i am/was at the other end of the spectrum. cycling has always been fine but with running my legs would give up way before my lungs. i never used to run but always had been cycling in some form. now, 2 1/2 years later i sometimes feel sick when running before my legs say 'no more'.
so i guess the answer is to just get out there training more. see you at austria!

[craig7]

Helen, Hill reps on Langbar or Norwood ...You know it !

[mrsslacko]

helent said:

mrsslacko said:

I have this exact same problem. My heart's willing, my legs just don't want to play ball (not at a rate in anycase which is going to zoom me along the 112 miles I need the to).

All that said, I have been doing hr specific training and the small gains in lower hr I've tried to use and pedal harder, it works to a degree and I've seen slow but continual increases in speed so maybe it is just a case of training.

I will be starting more speed/interval training in the next phase of training and hopefully this will bring some results too.

Weight training on the legs also - only done 4 sessions so far so yet to know if it will or won't help.

I do think it is a pain and gain scenario with biking!

Which IM are you doing? I've got a new coach & new turbo sessions so I'm hoping to see some improvement in the next few months.

I tend to ignore my legs when it comes to weight training which is silly really but I did squats with a bar the other week & spent the week after with the sorest legs in the world slowly, slowly catchy monkey an' all that, I did them without a bar this week ;D

Wimbleball 1/2 in June and Sherborne Full IMUK in August - Must be nuts!!
Did 2 hr turbo yesterday and did have to push a harder gear to maintain heart - it wasn't easy, but it did show an improvement so we'll just have to stick at it and have some faith that the training programmes will do their job! I do find out on the road that my average speed is higher than on the turbo so that's a bit encouraging.