first 5 miles

[tentonhammer]

Keep going it will get better.
Yesterday I went out for a ride with two mates, it was about 10-12 miles out and 10-12 back again. I had done this run once before about 4 years ago no problem. Problem was i hadnt been out on me bike for a proper ride, ie over 2 miles in maybe 2 years and boy did I struggle. After about 2-3 miles we started going up gradual inclines and I was feeling it, at one point, after maybe 8-9 miles and trying to get up a long drag at a crawl and thinking I was going to throw up I was about ready to throw in the towel but me mates were very considerate and we had a 10 minute break, they wouldnt let me plod on behind and gave me all the encouragement you could ask for. I got on and tried again and the rest of the route 'out' was a doddle by comparison. After a pint and some food we went back and that was mostly downhill for two thirds of the way which was what had made it so hard to begin with.
From what I remember you improve quickly so stick at it and do what feels comfortable without pushing it too hard, despite my daft effort, and before you know it you will crack off 25 miles before you know it.
I am hoping to get out on me own tomorrow for 10 miles, a decent chunk of it going up gentle ish stretches of uphill bits but thats me weakness so thats what I need to sort out. We are hoping to get another ride in soon and I want to be a bit better next time out.
Good luck.

 

[darkfibre72]

Well done !!

 

[nickp]

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone

 

[purplepolly]

July 2009 5 miles

July 2011 owns 6 bikes

tis a long and slippery slope

At the moment you're using muscles that never get exercised but they'll soon get used to it

 

[NormanD]

Well done Nick

Onwards and upwards

Norm

 

[13liverbird]

Hi there

I did the same today, wanted to do around 20 mile route and started out at a decent pace mainly on an incline, after a mile or two i strated to feel it and just after the 4 mile mark going out i had to stop and take a breather. Got back on and came home, in total just above an 8 mile trip. although i was a bit gutted that it wasnt as long as i wanted, ive just told myself that at least its a start and now i can build on it. Im hoping to add an extra mile or two each time i go out and hopefully soon i'll be going further than i first set out.

All the best

 

[TVC]

Nice one, that's the way to do it, don't add more than 10% each trip and allow rest days.
That century will be in front of you next spring.

 

[purplepolly]

I did the same today, wanted to do around 20 mile route

if that was you're first trip, then 8 miles is a fair way to go and you certainly shouldn't be disappointed.

 

[nosherduke996]

just keep it up, i was the same three months ago.14mph average,puffing and panting all the time.Now i try to ride every other day between 15 to 30+miles and my average is up to 17.8.Not bad for an old fart of 55

 

[Breedon]

Dont knock 5 miles, it wont be long before your doing your first 50 trust me.

We all got to start some where

 

[lukesdad]

using a hill when starting riding is probably not such a good idea. Using a flatter route would build your fitness steadily allowing you to control your time distance heart rate etc. importantly it would also shorten your recovery time youwouldnt feel so knackered.

 

[nickp]

No hills would be nice, but i live on top of one

 

[lukesdad]

completly understand I live on top of awelsh hill 900ft drop to a valley in all directions tough last climb home when youve been on along one.never mind .keep it up.just remember to warm down for afew minutes after youve ridden up the hill.yuo ll feel better for it.

 

[jay clock]

you are doing things right.... little and often. I was like that a few years back. Now I own six bikes....