Getting the bike out again

[Keeno]

Lo all

Must be nearly a year since I posted on this site or been out on my bike Shame on me I know.

I actually got to a point last year when my fitness seemed to be really improving, then the the dark nights came in I got back into the usual rut of not doing any exercise at all. I really want to get out again but im dreading it tbh, all the fitness I gained last year is totally gone and im going to be back to walking up hills and near collapse after a few miles


Bit of a pointless post but im sure others have been in my position. How did you get through it?

 

[Bigtwin]

Been there after injury in the past.

You just have to get on and do it, simple as. The nice thing is that your improvement is radical quickly, so it's quite heartening.

Keep a log of what you do too - it's good to see it all adding up.

 

[accountantpete]

I'm just getting back into it after 5 years off and it is a struggle. I decided that instead of nackering myself out on long rides and then having a day or two off,I would get into the rhythm of going out every day even if it is a quick 30min spin round the town.

The buttocks and thighs are firming up nicely and if I feel a bit cream crackered I avoid the odd hill that I don't fancy.

In short would recommend little and often to gradually build up the general fitness.

 

[Garz]

I too stopped cycling when the darker days hit last year, I did redeem myself somewhat by joining the local running club up until xmas which got me back up to fitness. After new year I slacked big though and until spring hit got back into cycling I done nothing.

Am definitely making more effort this time round to stay more active on the bike over winter!

 

[peanut]

same here. I lack motivation and to be honest an hour sitting in the warm with a cuppa tea in front of the PC seems a lot better than an hour slog up hills in the cold and rain.
Once I'm out it feels great. I enjoy almost all of my rides even the painful bits are soon over. When I get back I log my ride on a simple Excel spreadsheet which helps motivate.

Something I found helpful was to plan half a dozen local loops on bikehike
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php and number them 1-6 then minutes before setting off simply roll a dice to decide which route I would ride . It adds an element of surprise and rings the changes.

start with 5-8 mile rides approx 30 minutes so you don't end up dreading going out . It will soon build up.

Going out with another cyclist also helps with motivation and can make a pleasant change to going out on your own

 

[fossyant]

The hardest bit is always going out of the door..........

 

[jimboalee]

same here. I lack motivation and to be honest an hour sitting in the warm with a cuppa tea in front of the PC seems a lot better than an hour slog up hills in the cold and rain.
Once I'm out it feels great. I enjoy almost all of my rides even the painful bits are soon over. When I get back I log my ride on a simple Excel spreadsheet which helps motivate.

Something I found helpful was to plan half a dozen local loops on bikehike
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php and number them 1-6 then minutes before setting off simply roll a dice to decide which route I would ride . It adds an element of surprize and rings the changes.

start with 5-8 mile rides approx 30 minutes so you don't end up dreading going out . It will soon build up.

Going out with another cyclist also helps with motivation and can make a pleasant change to going out on your own

I worked in the centre of Birmingham for many years. I had the OS Landranger pinned to my noticeboard. I would throw a dart at it from my desk to identify that afternoon's turn point.

The I got a PC. This made it a lot easier and removed 'Human error' by using the random number generator in Lotus 1-2-3.

 

[jimboalee]

I worked in the centre of Birmingham for many years. I had the OS Landranger pinned to my noticeboard. I would throw a dart at it from my desk to identify that afternoon's turn point.

The I got a PC. This made it a lot easier and removed 'Human error' by using the random number generator in Lotus 1-2-3.

Wow, hasn't 25 years gone quick????? :?:

 

[Randochap]

Motivation can only come from within. That might seem like an obvious statement, but it's true.

Forums like this and, obviously I hope, my VeloWeb site can be inspirational -- a virtual coach, if you will -- but in the end it's just you and the bike, out on the lonely road.

And, strange as it may seem, though I enjoy rides with friends and my club, riding out into the countryside alone is a solitary joy I can't live happily without. It's what helps me sort out my thoughts and keep life in perspective.

It's brought me back from 2 bouts of cancer.

When I lose that, I lose a lot more than fitness (though it goes arm-in-arm).

Sure, winter riding can be a challenge, but it can actually be a real pick-me-up too. Get the right gear and you can enjoy it as much as any other time.

So, what I'm saying is it's all up to you in the end. However, I'll give you the exact advice my old PE teacher in UK gave me, that has stood me in such good stead and inspired under duress, for 45 years now:

"Boy, get off your arse and move it!"

 

[scots_lass]

I agree that little and often is the best way to go. Don't do anything that would put you off doing it again. You will be surprised how quickly you can get back into gear, as it were. And enjoy - that's the key!

 

[Keeno]

Thanks for all the replies guys and girls.

I really like the idea of having 6 different circuits and rolling a dice, ill get that set up asap. Made my mind up, going to head out tomorrow morning for a run come rain or come shine. Have to get off my arse.

Ill let you all know how it goes :?:

 

[Keeno]

This is the route im planning. Its a 20 mile run but no realy hills to contend with so I should be ok. + Its a really nice run with the scenery.

www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=

 

[Randochap]

Ill let you all know how it goes :?:

We're rootin' for ya!

Keep us posted ... and remember: steady as she goes.

 

[HJ]

Lo all

Must be nearly a year since I posted on this site or been out on my bike Shame on me I know.

I actually got to a point last year when my fitness seemed to be really improving, then the the dark nights came in I got back into the usual rut of not doing any exercise at all. I really want to get out again but im dreading it tbh, all the fitness I gained last year is totally gone and im going to be back to walking up hills and near collapse after a few miles
:?:

Bit of a pointless post but im sure others have been in my position. How did you get through it?

Me thinks you should get a set of decent lights...

 

[Randochap]

Me thinks you should get a set of decent lights...

Yes, indeed.