Breaking in a new rider

[enitharmon]

Some years ago I took to running from being an unfit lump. Somebody recommended a start-up regime that began very gently and worked up to the point that before a year was up I'd run a 10k and two half-marathons. I've lapsed into unfitness again since but the three medals still hang from my bedpost to remnd me of what once was (my cat jingles them when she wants attention in the middle of the night, it beats having my toes nibbled).

Is anyone here able to recommend a similar regime that will encourage me to get up those hills and not feel that a ride is an act of self-flagellation?

 

[Chutzpah]

Here's how I did it: just ride to a comfort level. If you need to push up a hill, fine. There's no shame in it.

The trick with hills is just note how far you got up it before having to push. If you're cycling regularly you are almost guaranteed to notice that you went slightly further than the last time. Eventually you'll get all the way up it in one go and you'll have a huge smile on your face.

Another thing I did was small personal victories. I remember one of my first cycle rides was four miles along a cycle path and back to my house. I did it and it felt like I'd conquered the world. Then I went further down, all the way to the end, about eight miles in total.

Then I thought "I wonder if I can reach x local village?" I found I could, and then a few days later wondered if I could reach a village slightly further along.

Before I knew it I was attempting a 28 mile charity ride, and a couple of months later 50 miles.

So in my humble opinion, just do small personal goals, no matter how small they seem to you right now. I wouldn't read books or anything like that.

And the noticing that you're slowly getting further up hills is something I've heard from numerous people.

 

[BrumJim]

Within the last few years I've started cycling seriously (as in more than 10 miles), and in the last few months, started running.

My tip would be to get the fun. I prefer cycling as I get to meet and chat with more people. I love getting out and seeing places on my bike that I wouldn't get to on foot, or would just sail through in my car. I love the stopping for a cake or bacon butty element. I love reaching the top of a killer hill, and looking down at where I have come from.

In summary, do something that you enjoy, and can continue to enjoy. I'm giving up running after I've completed my 1/2 marathon. I'm having trouble finding times and reasons to run. Runners don't need reasons, they just go out and then think of excuses.

 

[enitharmon]

Thanks for that – feeling free to get off and push is a big morale booster and I'm glad I'm not the only one!

 

[Spinney]

Thanks for that – feeling free to get off and push is a big morale booster and I'm glad I'm not the only one!

+1 on that!

I've got some nice little hills near me that I always had to push up. But I used to get to the point at which I felt like getting off, then set a target a few yards ahead and made it to there before getting off. Now I get up them no problems! As has been said, the main thing is to enjoy it, not flog yourself.

 

[Hip Priest]

When I started cycling, about six months ago, I asked for similar advice on here. The consensus was - just get out and ride, you'll be amazed how quickly your distances increase. They were right!

Get on yer bike!

 

[Paulus]

Go up your chosen hills in a nice easy gear, when you can get to the top relatively easily, change up a gear and try going up the hill in that gear. When you can do that with some ease repeat as neccesary.

 

[Tyke]

If you want to ride all the way up the hill but can't, just stop for a short rest, and then ride on. It can be more fun pushing the bike.

 

[snorri]

way up the hill but can't, just stop for a short rest,

I don't stop to rest on the way up hills, but I do stop to eat the berries growing at the roadside.

There seems to be more berries on the slopes than on the flats.

 

[enitharmon]

Go up your chosen hills in a nice easy gear

I don't choose the hills, they're just there, in the way!

 

[enitharmon]

Ok, after a day off yesterday to let my thighs sort themselves out (and I didn't have any cramps in bed last night) I did a nice gentle 3 km round. I didn't stop for breath although I did stop to allow another cyclist to clear a narrow footbridge (a sign said "Cyclists Dismount" but he didn't so neither did I), at a couple of give way lines to allow priority traffic to pass, and would you believe at a red light where I was able to practice positioning myself sensibly at the advance stop line.

I arrived home puffed but pleased to have achieved the target without much difficulty. At least I know I can get to Tesco and back without problems!

 

[Melonfish]

- and not feel that a ride is an act of self-flagellation?

But surely that's its appeal?



just me then?



i'll get me coat...





na, just ride to your comfort level, that said make sure the end of your comfort level is not 15 miles from home

 

[Paulus]

I don't choose the hills, they're just there, in the way!

I think you are playing with me there

 

[raindog]

Is anyone here able to recommend a similar regime that will encourage me to get up those hills and not feel that a ride is an act of self-flagellation?

Riding up hills is always an act of self-flagellation, that never really changes - if you're fit it just means you ride up a bit faster, that's all.

 

[danger mouse]

Pain is the pleasure

For some reason Ive always enjoyed hill work.

Started with cross country and now cycling.

Not that Im any good, just do enjoy the burning thighs. Oooh err missus