What does going into the red mean in cycling?
"Going into the red" in cycling refers to the point when a rider's body starts to produce more lactic acid than it can remove. Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, which occurs when the body does not have enough oxygen to produce energy. As lactic acid builds up, it causes muscles to fatigue and become sore.
The red zone is typically defined as when a rider's heart rate is above 90% of their maximum heart rate. At this point, the body is no longer able to effectively remove lactic acid, and performance will start to decline.
Riders who go into the red too often can experience a number of negative consequences, including:
- Reduced performance
- Increased risk of injury
- Delayed recovery
It is important for cyclists to learn how to manage their effort levels and avoid going into the red too often. This can be done by:
- Warming up properly before a ride
- Pacing themselves during a ride
- Taking breaks when needed
- Cooling down properly after a ride
Related Questions
- What is the difference between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism?
- What are the symptoms of going into the red?
- How can I avoid going into the red?
- What are the consequences of going into the red too often?
- How can I recover from going into the red?
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