Struggling a little

[Wetdog]

Thanks folks

I've managed 1.7 miles today in 2 stints. A mile then a couple of hours later the .7.
Legs are tired, mainly the quad. I'm also tired, as in need a sleep. So it's doing me good and I'm looking forward to outside and a fitter lifestyle

 

[Markymark]

Give your legs a break for a couple of days then go for a longer ride. Try not to think about distance or speed. Just ride.

 

[dan_bo]

Life's a struggle dude.

Keep at it. It will still be a struggle but you'll be going faster.

 

[welsh dragon]

Just have fun and enjoy the distande you do. Dont worry and obsess about distance. Fun is the name of the game. Disrance will come with improving fitness.

 

[dee.jay]

Yep keep doing what you're doing and you'll see the benefits.

Has to be better than sitting on our butts right? I work 12 hour shifts in IT - seen big difference already in my short time of exercising. Looking forward to a decent long ride tomorrow as I'm nights so got all day to trundle about. In fact, nights for the next 4 nights. And the weather hopefully will be nice.

 

[Gravity Aided]

You'll be doing fine right soon. The muscles hurt because they get little tears in them, which propagate more muscle fibers and make you a stronger rider. I used to have a difficult time climbing some hills near my house, now I don't really have to shift for them. Funny, they looked like the Alps when I started riding. Good luck on your riding and finances.

 

[fit447]

Just keep peddling....... I returned to cycling regularly just a few weeks ago, and have been amazed at how much easier it has got in that short time. I live at the top of a hill, so always have to cycle a mile uphill to get home.3 weeks ago, I could only manage it in the lowest gear, and was a wreck when I got to my house. Yesterday I managed it in a much higher gear, and hardly noticed the hill. Im also finding I have more energy for walking too. Remember that working 7 days a week will drain your energy, so make sure you have some rest days. I only manage one longer ride a week, and most of my cycling is just a mile or two to the shop, post a letter, or run an errand. Im trying to only use my car when essential, so saving money too. Good luck.

 

[Ganymede]

I agree you need to get outdoors - it's so much more of a pleasure than pedalling away inside, and pleasure is really important to exercise (and everything else!). What you breathe and see and react to outside creates a lot of enjoyment - and if you can only go out after dark, just get some good lights (needn't be expensive, invest in rechargeable batteries), put on a couple of warm layers (needn't be special cycle clothes) and discover the magic of evening riding.

I increased my mileage by using my bike for transport - having somewhere to go, even if it's just down the shops for a pint of milk, is very motivating. I think I saw on another thread that your commute is too far, or you have shifts, but perhaps you can make some shorter trips purely to get from A to B.

Good luck - you'll be fine!

 

[Wetdog]

Thank you one and all

I have noticed an improvement already. Found it tough doing a mile just a couple of days back. Just done 2 and a 1 mph speed increase. I'm now on 3 for the day and will probably leave it at that.
Your words and my small improvement have made my day

 

[dee.jay]

Thank you one and all

I have noticed an improvement already. Found it tough doing a mile just a couple of days back. Just done 2 and a 1 mph speed increase. I'm now on 3 for the day and will probably leave it at that.
Your words and my small improvement have made my day

That's the spirit! Keep it up.

 

[nappadang]

Go for it at whatever pace is good for you. Make your cycle enjoyable and it is a guarantee that weight will come off and fitness will improve.
Good luck mate and remember, hundreds of CC members (myself included) have been through it and will be only too happy to offer help, support and advice.

 

[boydj]

Use an easier gear for your cycling you'll be able to keep going for longer and work your heart/lungs a bit more. Sore quads suggests the gearing is too high for your leg strength.

 

[User16625]

It'll get easier eventually. My first ride last year was a one mile round the block pootle and I thought I was going to die!
After a few months I managed my first 100 miles. Then this Jan/Feb I cycled 1000 miles across SE Asia.
So the moral of the story is, take it easy, keep going, and you'll improve.

You call all that "taking it easy"!?

 

[si_c]

Glad you are seeing improvements, they'll keep you motivated As long as you are enjoying it that's the main thing

 

[Wetdog]

Yeah I'm enjoying it guys, less than a week in and today I saw another improvement by doing 2 miles non stop, and could have kept going. But work interrupted me

No doubt outside when I encounter hills it will be a different story lol, so I'll just keep building indoors for now