How not to collapse as a newbie

[rourkey34]

In my experience it's just about getting out regularly. The next ride will be slightly easier than the last and before you know it you'll be on for hours.

Take the hills steady and you will soon find the level you are comfortable with and you will gradually get faster.

First few weeks are the toughest but stick with it but as you see the weight drop and the rides get longer, you won't regret it!

 

[bonoeuf]

Pretty much what everyone else has said. I was riding 200 miles a week at age 45, I smoked, drank very little and got to the 200 mile per week stage by riding regularly; five times per week. I stopped riding for around five years and am starting again at age 59 and two heart attacks later. I managed 28 miles Saturday and am going out now for an hour ish. More days you can ride the better, keep the legs used to riding. You can build up the distance and time in saddle weekend bit by bit. I don't smoke anymore and can't drink due to medication; not going to sop me riding though.

 

[Sbudge]

Strava is fantastic and really keeps me interested. I am dog slow so only race myself but comparing your own efforts on various 'segments' is compulsive stuff.

I have to agree. I really like Strava as a way of challenging myself. I've no real interest in racing but it does give me a never ending series of new personal goals!

 

[Globalti]

My first ride as a "born again" cyclist was about five miles. I thought I was fit so I bought a cheap mountain bike and jumped on it to ride it home, tyres half inflated and seat at the wrong height. After three miles I was exhausted and I was so tired on reaching home that I stuck the bike out the back and didn't touch it for several months. But then it niggled me and I started thinking: "Hang on - people cycle for hundreds of miles, so you should be capable of better than this!"

I was 32 at that time. I'm in my 60th year now and fitter than ever because fitness and stamina go on building. Just remember that as your muscle strength increases you will be putting more stress on skeleton and joints so take it easy and allow the body to build up to meet the demands you place on it.

My advice to a cycling newbie? Take pride in your health and physique; give up smoking, cut down on beer, give up sugar, sugary drinks and sweets, give up margarine and switch to butter, exercise twice a week if you can and above all, allow the body time to recover because it's during the recovery time that you grow muscles.

One simple trick I use to prevent me from snacking in the evenings is to finish my evening meal then go upstairs, change, wash, and clean and floss my teeth. This gives me a psychological "barrier" which helps me to avoid the temptation of that late night biscuit or chocolate.