Fitness advice please? :)

[Enis Baysal]

Hi there!^^ Ive made a few posts in the 40 or so mins since I made an account on here.

I am looking for advice to improve my riding capabilities, I commute to work around 11 miles round 4-5 days a week.

I am eager to try and get my fitness up! Luckily ive always had a good metabolism and physique considering my extremely unhealthy clichè lifestyle of a 23 year old of drinking and partying.

Do I just set targets of places to see further and further away from home?
also what do you guys use to plan the best journeys?

Thanks^^

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

also what do you guys use to plan the best journeys?

I'll pick out somewhere on a map or have a rough idea of how far I want to go then plot a route on Garmin Connect. Chatting to others is a good way of discovering good roads to ride. Im currently planning a trip to Buxton way on after talking to a few mates about the Cat & Fiddle/Mam Tor etc.

 

[ianrauk]

Like Mr MBEyes above, I use a mapping site, usually Bike Hike, then plot a route from there. The first run of a route is a little trial and error but that's all part of the fun.

Advice as to improving your riding capabilities, well your commute is probably the best way to improve. As you have said on another thread you have an app that records your progress. A daily commute will soon help your stamina and fitness. So at the weekends, if you are not used to longer distances, then push the mileage to how far you think you are comfortable with. Plat a route circular route where the halfway pint is at a station so if needed you can get a train back. In your neck of the woods, you have some country lane cycling in Essex. head for Stock, Ingastone, Blackmore, Hanningfield etc

 

[smokeysmoo]

Plan a circular route where the halfway pint.......

That isn't going to help lol

 

[ianrauk]

That isn't going to help lol

oops..hic...

 

[up hill struggle]

That isn't going to help lol

may not help but sounds good to me!

 

[Diddon]

I cycle to work everyday 26 mile round trip wouldn't of dreamed of doing that this time last year I found 12 miles hard.

I have entered the Essex castle ride in July doing 50 miles theist I have done to date is 30. I have been adding a few extra miles on a ride on the way home a couple of times a week just to stretch myself a little more each time.

So I would say set yourself goals just small to start and then when you have achieved it set another one that's a little bit harder you will increase fitness over time,.

 

[BAtoo]

If your commute is 11 miles each way then you will soon get fairly fit on that; if it's 11 miles total then add in some detours on the way home and increase the distance.
One longer-distance training guide I looked at suggested 3 or 4 shortish rides a week with double the distance once a week and to gradually increase the distance by a few miles every 3 or 4 weeks IIRR.

For route planning I use BikeRouteToaster or Garmin - pluses and minuses for both.

 

[Enis Baysal]

If your commute is 11 miles each way then you will soon get fairly fit on that; if it's 11 miles total then add in some detours on the way home and increase the distance.
One longer-distance training guide I looked at suggested 3 or 4 shortish rides a week with double the distance once a week and to gradually increase the distance by a few miles every 3 or 4 weeks IIRR.

For route planning I use BikeRouteToaster or Garmin - pluses and minuses for both.

Thank you all for your responses, and BAtoo I didnt consider the idea of making a training programme for myself. Unfortunately it is only an 11 mile trip in total. I will be trying some detours home for sure, Thanks guys

 

[Coggy]

I cycle to work everyday 26 mile round trip wouldn't of dreamed of doing that this time last year I found 12 miles hard.

I have entered the Essex castle ride in July doing 50 miles theist I have done to date is 30. I have been adding a few extra miles on a ride on the way home a couple of times a week just to stretch myself a little more each time.

So I would say set yourself goals just small to start and then when you have achieved it set another one that's a little bit harder you will increase fitness over time,.

I started in March and am also doing the 50 mile Essex Castle Ride. Apparently the 50 is quite hilly I have been told in the last week !

My longest to date is 50. I have done a few 25-35's as well.

Whatever happens we (you and I) will complete it. It's a challenge but it's doable and will be an achievment.

Good luck !