so i can run for an hour straight, but after my 2:10 program, i'm huffin and puffin. i thought running was the best way to gain endurance, but it doesn't seem to be helping. any tips?
I'm no expert, but 1 hour and 2 minutes and 10 seconds don't have the same type of endurance. The running (especially if you don't run uphill) probably doesn't use much strength. Some figure skating uses a lot. And the specific muscles used are probably different.
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I've been fighting through bicycling again. I get very sore, very fast, even going no further than I can run.
The guy at the (REI) store said my bike was too large (2" too tall for my inseam height).
Before I consider buying another bike, I decided to try to understand what is going on.
It hurts to stretch my legs enough to stand still with my feet touching, so instead I lean to one side. I could lower the seat, but I already feel like I don't stretch my legs enough when pedaling. (My knees are bent between 10 and 15 degrees at the bottom of the stroke - within the range various Youtube videos advocate. If I lowered the seat, they would be more bent.)
My thighs and hips felt like they were over-stretching at the top of the stroke. Maybe the pedal arms are too long? Also, curling my back forwards hurts. Maybe the handlebars are too low, but they are at the top of the safe adjustment range. I tried inverting the handlebars, so they aren't drop-downs any more (a lot of work). That fixed both problems, at least for the first few minutes.
It also let me set the seat more level, which felt better.
But by the end of the ride, the legs are still sore, at the knees and thighs. (Not tired, just sore.) The knees I understand, because I want them to extend more straight. The thighs I'm not sure about.
I don't see how a smaller frame bike would help. That wouldn't straighten my legs more. I don't see how it would fix the thigh problem - but I don't really understand why it is there.
Maybe if the seat could adjust further back? I'm not really sure what that would do...
People in various stores that help you with that sort of thing charge upwards of $200! Shouldn't be needed, but I'm missing basic info.