Returning to cycling after 10 year absence

[Banditandy]

Hi I recently decided, after hitting 17 stone (at 5'8" not good!) to start exercising again. I chose cycling as I used to love it, and my knees wouldn't take jogging! However I did a short 6 mile ride today, nothing too strenuous as on the local greenway. For about 2hours after my breathing was very wheezy. Is this normal or something I should talk to my doctor about? I haven't smoked for over 9 years, but have type 2 diabetes. Thanks for any ideas

 

[biggs682]

well done for getting out today thats more than i did , just take your time and just enjoy it

 

[night cycler]

The first step in whatever we try is invariably the hardest, so well done for that. The good news is that if you continue it will become easier. You will start to lose weight and become fitter. But, take it easy. It does not matter how far, or how fast as long as you are doing it. If you only go out for a ten minute ride, it`s better than not going out at all.

Regarding talking to your doc, there is no harm in running it by him and getting a quick check-up. I’m sure he will be pleased that you have demonstrated the ability to take action in changing a lifestyle.

 

[Shaun]

Hi I recently decided, after hitting 17 stone (at 5'8" not good!) to start exercising again. I chose cycling as I used to love it, and my knees wouldn't take jogging! However I did a short 6 mile ride today, nothing too strenuous as on the local greenway. For about 2hours after my breathing was very wheezy. Is this normal or something I should talk to my doctor about? I haven't smoked for over 9 years, but have type 2 diabetes. Thanks for any ideas

6 miles is plenty if you're not used to exercise and have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. You can expect to feel a bit puffed-out for a short while afterwards, and if you don't have any breathing difficulties normally, I wouldn't worry too much. The crisp cold air can catch your lungs a bit too, but should only be temporary and you should feel better later on.

Are you feeling okay now - breathing wise?

 

[mjr]

Exertion in cold air often puts my asthma on edge. As long as your breathing returns to normal eventually, I'd not worry, see the doctor when you can and cycle more gently until then.

 

[DCLane]

@Banditandy - yes. On my first few rides (6 miles with a small hill) I was red-faced and needed to stop a lot. It took 20+ minutes to recover.

After a couple of weeks it got much easier, when I extended the route to 11, then 19 and finally 35 miles. A bit later I joined a local club which helped find new routes.

And now I can ride 200+ miles a day without any issues.

Basically ... well done for starting. And keep going.

 

[Banditandy]

6 miles is plenty if you're not used to exercise and have a relatively sedentary lifestyle. You can expect to feel a bit puffed-out for a short while afterwards, and if you don't have any breathing difficulties normally, I wouldn't worry too much. The crisp cold air can catch your lungs a bit too, but should only be temporary and you should feel better later on.

Are you feeling okay now - breathing wise?

Oh yes I feel ok now. Thanks

 

[Banditandy]

I just want to get healthier, small steps to start etc. Thanks for all the positive comments :-)

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

Wouldn't hurt to see your doctor, maybe to put your mind at ease. Short rides as often as you can is the way to go, don't worry about distance or speed, don't push too hard and knacker yourself out too soon, that'll put you right off going out again. Well done for getting out and making the effort; that's often the hardest part of all.

 

[grumpyoldwoman]

I'm also too short for my weight and when I started cycling regulary again,I found my breathing became very wheezy and sometimes difficult. Now 6 months+ in,it's fine,I don't have a problem.

 

[GuyBoden]

Well done, take it easy the first few days/weeks, you can always enter the Tour de France next year..............

 

[Katherine]

I just want to get healthier, small steps to start etc. Thanks for all the positive comments :-)

Well done, just build up the miles and the time on the bike gradually. Have fun. Good luck and keep posting!

 

[Apollonius]

Well done for your choice. Keep it up and the kilos will fly off - as long as you cut down on the food and drink a bit too. Six miles (10km) is a lot for first go after a long lay-off. Your mind recalls doing such things easily, but your body simply isn't used to it. Little and often, would be my advice, and it will quickly become easier. And don't forget to put a bit extra in your tyres for the increased weight.

 

[Tin Pot]

Hi I recently decided, after hitting 17 stone (at 5'8" not good!) to start exercising again. I chose cycling as I used to love it, and my knees wouldn't take jogging! However I did a short 6 mile ride today, nothing too strenuous as on the local greenway. For about 2hours after my breathing was very wheezy. Is this normal or something I should talk to my doctor about? I haven't smoked for over 9 years, but have type 2 diabetes. Thanks for any ideas

Nice one.

I had a ten year break too.

Little and often - soon that local mountain will seem like a molehill.

 

[Kajjal]

You'll be fine, just take it easy and keep going. My first time on a bike lasted two miles and i collapsed in a heap afterwards. Now i can go for hours.

If you cut out most snacks and junk food your weight will drop rapidly making you alot faster and fitter on the bike.