Aching legs

[RodT]

My legs have started to ache at the start of a ride. I would expect this to happen after 30-40 miles, but now it happens in a mile or two and doesn’t stop. I can still do the 30 miles without loss of energy or breath. It’s just not so much fun when your legs ache all the time. I’m 73. Should I just accept this? It’s only started to happen this summer. Any ideas, anyone?
Thanks, Rod.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I had the same thing happen me for several months, medication?
I am only 60.
When i am 70 I think it will be even more difficult to work it out.
Frustrating, and I wish you luck.

[mjr]

I'd ask doctors. Might be a symptom.

[ANTONISH]

A couple of weeks ago I rode a hilly 100k audax - my legs ached all the way such that I had to stop on a couple of hills to allow the ache to subside.
Yesterday I did a 92k hilly ride and my legs felt ok.
I've often ridden audax where my legs ached for 50k or so and then stopped aching.
I just put it down to having good days and bad days.
I'm 78.
How do you feel after the ride ?

[Mick F]

What part of the legs?

The front of my thighs ache sometimes, especially if I've done a hard ride after a lay-off.
Not ridden for a fortnight.
Out tomorrow for a 40odd mile ride, so I expect to ache again.

I'll be 67 in November.

[RodT]

Thanks for replies. Antonish, I feel pretty good an hour or two after a ride, and I’m usually good to go again the next day. I just don’t expect the old legs to start aching, mostly in the thighs, so soon after starting.
You’re probably right. Good days and bad days. I’m impressed by the 100k audax.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
What's your medication list?
Statins, PP meds, etc.

[horizon]

I’m impressed by the 100k audax.

+1

[John100]

Likeliest cause of any significance would be due to circulation problems to your legs (pain worse on exercise easing on resting). Back problems can sometimes give this picture. After that there are rarer causes. If you haven't already run it past your doc.

[cotterpins]

Rod, if you are any medication, a change in dosage might well be a valid reason for sudden change. I am talking from personal experience. Aslight drop in dosage has helped me, but hasn't got rid of the problem, I'd been on the same dosage [with occasional brand change] for twenty years, without any problems at all. An increase in dosage when I was 84 and the pains started! a reduction in metformin has helped to when my glucose count was rather low!

[Audax67]

@Rod, having started beta-blockers 10 days ago I'm now getting the same symptoms as you. BBs => diminished blood supply to exercising muscles => anaerobic metabolism in same => pain on hills => desire to throttle cardiologist. Am currently preparing my arguments for discontinuing.

@cotterpins, my GP agreed with the argument that since metformin mimics the effect of exercise, on days when I'm riding I don't need it.

[RodT]

Thanks for all helpful and interesting comments. Fortunately, and hoping I’m not speaking too soon, I don’t have any health issues and I’m not on any medication. Neither is my mother, and she’s 94!
A recent check-up gave me the all-clear. No back problems. Knee replacement 4 years ago, no problems since.
Maybe I should consider myself lucky and just get on with it. I’m planning the France en Velo trip at the end of June.
A long shot, but I wonder if the traumatic relationship break-up I went through exactly one year ago might be the cause? Everybody knows emotions can have physical consequences.
Thanks again all.

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
I believe that beta-blockers can be used for things Other than blood pressure control.
I was on them about 20 odd years ago, your legs ache just walking up stairs.

[Mick F]

The front of my thighs ache sometimes, especially if I've done a hard ride after a lay-off.
Not ridden for a fortnight.
Out tomorrow for a 40odd mile ride, so I expect to ache again.

43miles done.

Within 20miles, my thighs ached.
By 30miles, my knees were aching as well.
By 40miles, I was tired but ache free.

Sitting here now, I'm just tired, but fine.

[Vorpal]

I'm with the others that a chat with the GP might be a good idea, especially if it continues.

That said, Have you tried just starting out a bit easier? Go in an easy gear & at a slower pace until you warm up a bit?

Other things: drink more water? try electrolytes? eat a banana every morning?

I certainly wouldn't accept it if I could figure out a solution!

Good luck