Feels like slow painful progress

[Luked1980]

5 rides into my training for the Aberdeen to Portsmouth ride next year

1st ride 3.03 miles
2nd ride 3.30 miles
3rd ride 5.28 miles
4th ride (Tuesday) 8.8 miles
5th ride (today) 12.2 miles

Slow improvements but I just don't see how you guys do it. I feel like my legs are going to fall off. Almost fell down the stairs after my shower!!'

 

[jnrmczip]

Just keep going it gets easier

 

[ianrauk]

my first ride when I got back on the bike after many years was for a mile and a half... I had to lie down for half an hour to recover.
It ain't easy when starting out but it get's easier the more you cycle.

 

[Fab Foodie]

OK, what bike?
Other sports, weight, background?

Don't beat yourself up, in 5 rides you've quadrupled your distance. The great thing about cycling is that distance increases quite quickly.
Warm-up gently, take your time, ENJOY!
You'll certainly get there.

 

[Heigue'r]

Seems like a pretty decent jump in distance over 5 rides, when is the ride and how many miles?

 

[Luked1980]

On a road bike. A Carrera.

No other sports anymore. Shin splints put a stop to that. Currently just over 14 stone which we hope will decrease!!

Ride is 622 miles and will be June next year!!

 

[Luked1980]

Also, if anyone can help, my hands are killing me when I am riding. Anything I am doing wrong or set up wrong??

 

[MikeW-71]

5 rides into my training for the Aberdeen to Portsmouth ride next year

1st ride 3.03 miles
2nd ride 3.30 miles
3rd ride 5.28 miles
4th ride (Tuesday) 8.8 miles
5th ride (today) 12.2 miles

Slow improvements but I just don't see how you guys do it. I feel like my legs are going to fall off. Almost fell down the stairs after my shower!!'

You've done well! Distance improvements can come quite quickly, but at first it will feel really hard (same for me). It will get better.

For aching hands, don't hold the bars tight, relax. You my also be leaning on your hands a lot just now, that will also improve as your body muscles get stronger and will support you instead.

 

[flyingfish]

I found padded gloves helped me relax my grip
Pete

 

[moo]

The initial effort from poor fitness is hard. It's why so many give up trying. Just keep at it and in a couple of months your body will adjust.

 

[Luked1980]

The way I am feeling at the moment, I can't see my ever going past that distance!!

 

[dee.jay]

12 miles from 3 in 4 rides and you don't think that's good?

It's about the same as I've managed and I'm amazed! I'd be chuffed if I were you!!!!

Marathon, not a sprint

 

[Fab Foodie]

On a road bike. A Carrera.

No other sports anymore. Shin splints put a stop to that. Currently just over 14 stone which we hope will decrease!!

Ride is 622 miles and will be June next year!!

OK, make sure you start gently for the first 10 minutes and spin the pedals in a gentle gear rather than push hard. Don't worry about speed, spend enjoyable time on the bike and the miles and speed will come. Decent cycle shorts help too. You can always wear them under baggies.
Make sure the bike is set-up properly too, makes a huge difference:

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[Fab Foodie]

Also, if anyone can help, my hands are killing me when I am riding. Anything I am doing wrong or set up wrong??

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

You probably need to move your Saddle back to take the weight of your arms and hands.
Padded gloves help.
Core strength helps.
You should be able to ride with just your fingertips lightly on the bars, if you can't do this you're not properly balanced.

 

[Luked1980]

Wow. Thanks for that Fab. I knew that the saddle height was important but never knew the rest of it. Think a bike fitting might be on the Xmas list!!