Returning to cycling after long hiatus

[yorkshiregoth]

Been given a tentative all clear from the hospital, so I have started a wee bit of cycling after about 18 months off. Did about 20 miles today and I am shattered. Any tips for anyone who has been in a similar situation? Prior to my cycling absence I was doing about 35 miles a day.

 

[ianrauk]

Good to hear you are back on the bike.
Only advice I can give is to just keep cycling.
It won't take long for you to regain your fitness.


ps. Have you a pic of you up a tree by any chance?

 

[ColinJ]

Oh, that's good news!

The most obvious advice is to listen to your body, and build your strength back up slowly. I'm also recovering from ill health, but am probably 6 months behind you but when the time comes, I'll have to try and take my own advice!

 

[Biker Joe]

I would suggest that 20 miles is a bit too much to start off with.
I also have just come back after a long layoff.
I started at 5miles for a few days taking it slow and easy and then extended that to 10 miles for a few rides still peddling nice and easy keeping in the lower gears. After a few weeks I am now up to 20 miles and still keeping it easy with just small bursts of extra effort now and again.
It takes time on your bike not mileage to get your muscles going again
An hour at first is adequate with a day off in between and then gradually extend the time towards two or so hours.
You must remember to give yourself adequate time to recover between sessions to give your body the chance to repair itself.
I know it can be frustrating at first but, believe me, you will benefit in the long run.
Good luck on your recovery and take care.

 

[Rob3rt]

I would suggest that 20 miles is a bit too much to start off with.
I also have just come back after a long layoff.
I started at 5miles for a few days taking it slow and easy and then extended that to 10 miles for a few rides still peddling nice and easy keeping in the lower gears. After a few weeks I am now up to 20 miles and still keeping it easy with just small bursts of extra effort now and again.
It takes time on your bike not mileage to get your muscles going again
An hour at first is adequate with a day off in between and then gradually extend the time towards two or so hours.
You must remember to give yourself adequate time to recover between sessions to give your body the chance to repair itself.
I know it can be frustrating at first but, believe me, you will benefit in the long run.
Good luck on your recovery and take care.

I wouldn't.

 

[Biker Joe]

I wouldn't.

OK. Whatever suits you.

 

[yorkshiregoth]

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately I am on nights this week so not the best time to get back into cycling

 

[Crackle]

Glad to hear you've been given the all clear. After what you've been through, it's hard to say. Listen to your body, keep the effort down and ease back in. Don't think about where you used to be and how you used to ride, go back to basics and build from there.