Originally Posted by
pepperbelly
I have been riding between 12 and 15 miles at a time. I am usually struggling near the end.
I may be doing it wrong. I try to ride for the fastest average speed and try to get that higher.
Should I be going slower instead and working on the distance and let the speed come on it’s own?
Going hard on every ride is a prescription for burn out. You need to vary it.
Some days, go as hard as you can for that 12 miles. Other times, take it easy and enjoy the day. You might not be completely exhausted, but you are still gaining fitness and enjoying our sport. Way too much to read here on Zone 2 training, but that will give you an idea. For me, a once a week sufferfest is plenty. Then another couple of days of just loving being outside.