Spasms, Weakness and Exercise

[Guitar_grrrl]

Y'all know I'm not diagnosed, yet, but I'm going through the steps of diagnosis, slowly but surely.  Here's my question:
I'm training for a cycling fundraiser (65miles).  My legs feel weak and rubbery after a 20 mile ride (no surprise), but now they're feeling weak and rubbery at rest.  Do I ride through it and "tough it out"?  How should I approach this?  Ongoing problems - nightly (and sometimes daily) leg spasms, paresthesias, urinary surprises...
TIA for any answers,
Guitar_grrrl

[Lulu54]

for anyone out there interested in the discussion about exercise that guitar grrrl mentions, it can be found at

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/788645

Grrrl, just be smart about this training and I bet you will be fine.

Lulu

[Guitar_grrrl]

Thanks for the heads-up.  Quix, too for her resposnse to "greenandchic".   I'll look into keeping cool with cooling vests, etc.  I did wind up riding today, but only 10 miles, gently rolling terrain.  Outside temp ~55 degrees F, N wind ~5 - 8 mph, fog and drizzle.  I dress lightly, and tend to run on the cool side anyway, and I'm usually cool after a ride until I get something to eat.  My feet are always asleep/numb for 2 - 3 hours after a ride as well.

Jensequitur, thanks for the concern with injury.  I purposely set my shoes/pedals on the loose side so I can unclip easily.

I'm going to keep doing this as long as I can.
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl

[Lulu54]

Guitar_grrl- you do know that getting your body overheated can and usually does cause your symptoms to act up, right?  It doesn't take but a slight increase - only one-half a degree to your body core temp can cause this problem.  

There are body cooling devices available commercially - you may have to buy something to help with this problem.

You're an inspiration for doing this bike thing - I'm not sure I would make it up the first hill!!

Lulu

[jensequitur]

Hey, chica!  

Good for you for taking on such a challenge!

Well, exercise is good for you.  I've exercised when I felt bad, and not exercised when I felt bad, and there didn't seem to be any difference.  However, with leg weakness, what you have to worry about is injuring yourself.  I don't know what kind of injuries you can end up with on a cycle, but it's something to be aware of.