Leg muscle/heart rate question?

01-13-2005, 06:31 PM

I am a newbie. Just got into cycling last summer (again) but did it when I
was younger (10 yrs. ago). I am trying to do at least 10 miles per day now.
I did more during the summer sometimes. Schedules are so hectic of course. I
ususally use a stationary cause of the crappy weather. I am riding a
comfort bike but would like to get a racer this spring. I used a cannondale
racer in my younger days when 50 mile rides were nothing. I lost a lot of
weight since summer which keeps me very interested and I feel great!
My first question is ... how long does it take to get some leg muscle
definition? My legs are not muscular, but they are skinny now. I try to use
a harder setting on the bike sometimes. Does this increase muscle faster?
Second question..... Can you overdo a workout by getting your heart rate up
too fast (ex: heart attack) ? Sometimes I push myself hard , I think almost
to the limit. I never get faint , but I think I get borderline dizzy
sometimes.

thanks a lot