Hi all, just wanted to say a big thanks to all who've helped me out so far with advice, especially about gearshifting and braking techniques, i'm really enjoying my cycling a lot more now that I am more confident in what I am doing.
My main concern now is my breathing technique. I feel that the reason I struggle so hard on hills is not really due to lack of power in my legs, but the inability to get the oxygen into my lungs quick enough.
I have to admit I was a long term smoker, and my lung capacity is pathetic, and I am overweight, but I am not going to give up improving my health. I quit smoking 4 years ago, and never looked back. I am losing weight steadily, over a 15lbs so far. What I am hoping for is maybe a better way of controlling my breathing so I don't get to the top of a hill and have to stop and go into panic/asthma mode because I cannot get the air in quick enough or in enough volume. The doctor said I may have exercise induced asthma , and gave me a pump in case of difficulties, but i'd rather avoid that if possible, only as a last resort.
When doing a climb, how do you regulate your breathing properly ? Most climbs on my routes are not elongated, they are quite short, but quite steep. I hate having to get off the bike and walk it up, but when my lungs feel like bursting, I have no choice ! lol
Anyway, thanks for any advice given, it will improve with time, I know that, it's a case of keeping going or plodding along lol
My main concern now is my breathing technique. I feel that the reason I struggle so hard on hills is not really due to lack of power in my legs, but the inability to get the oxygen into my lungs quick enough.
I have to admit I was a long term smoker, and my lung capacity is pathetic, and I am overweight, but I am not going to give up improving my health. I quit smoking 4 years ago, and never looked back. I am losing weight steadily, over a 15lbs so far. What I am hoping for is maybe a better way of controlling my breathing so I don't get to the top of a hill and have to stop and go into panic/asthma mode because I cannot get the air in quick enough or in enough volume. The doctor said I may have exercise induced asthma , and gave me a pump in case of difficulties, but i'd rather avoid that if possible, only as a last resort.
When doing a climb, how do you regulate your breathing properly ? Most climbs on my routes are not elongated, they are quite short, but quite steep. I hate having to get off the bike and walk it up, but when my lungs feel like bursting, I have no choice ! lol
Anyway, thanks for any advice given, it will improve with time, I know that, it's a case of keeping going or plodding along lol