unfit and no stamina

[Bobtoo]

You can use Where's the Path http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm or the Measure tool on Google Earth to see how long a proposed route is, or to check the distance given by your bike computer. It's handy when you're trying to extend your route a bit, you can find out exactly how much distance your detour will add.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I was similar to you a year or so ago, had done very little exercise for quite a while. It takes some effort to overcome that inertia so well done for getting this far.

I reckon the best advice is:

1 - Don't give up, it will get easier, it will get more enjoyable and it's worth the effort.

2 - Don't overdo it, getting an injury isn't going to make you any fitter. Do what you can and increase in small increments.

3 - Mix it up, for general fitness improvements try to do a range of activities - walking, jogging, cycling, press-ups, basic weights - it'll be more interesting and exercising in different ways will be better for overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.

4 - Set realistic but challenging targets and track your progress towards them with achievable milestones - helps to maintain motivation

5 - Don't compare yourself to others, their circumstances will be different, record your performance and use it to gauge your improvement


In your case I'd start by riding a little further each time on the flat and not worrying too much about the hill, this will help build some general stamina. See how far you get up the hill but don't be afraid to walk.

When you're doing four or five miles regularly on the flat leave keep going the same distance and work on going further up the hill each time.

It worked for me.

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[oldfatfool]

If you live at the top of the hill, pop the bike in the car and drive to the bottom of a long moderate slope. Cycle up it as far as you can, turn round and freewheel back to your car, go home. As the days progress you will find yourself climbing further and further up the hill 'till you no longer need the car. I was lucky I lived at the bottom of a hill

 

[2wd]

Some great advice,thanks very much

 

[Archie_tect]

2wd- when I started riding my bike again 3 years ago at 49 I started off just as you have. Within 3 months I was doing 25 miles so keep at it- it even becomes fun.
After a month I went out with my son and rode up the hill from my house, he thought because he was a fit footballer he'd be OK but at the top he had to get off and lie down feeling queasy.

Two years ago I did the Whitehaven to tynemouth Coast to Coast going over Whinlater Pass.
This year I did the 67 mile Northern Rock Cyclone, riding the 8 miles to get to the start and then home after!

... let us know how you get on- keep going- fantastic!

 

[DTD]

Took me a year and a half to get from being knackered after a mile or two, to riding my first century.
Agree with the comments about seat height, pedalling in a lower gear, keeping at it. Taking up cycling was one of the best things I've ever done, so good luck and enjoy it.

 

[slowmotion]

2wd, I was pretty much in the same boat as you two and a half years ago.....except I was older. My only advice is that you should make riding a bike seem like fun. If that means visits to the pub, that's good. Pick a pub a bit further away on your next ride. The last thing you want to do is make your time in the saddle seem like a duty or a chore. Get on the bike and explore the little alleys and lanes that you never noticed as a motorist, or on foot. If it becomes fun, you will do it because you want to, and when that happens, there really is no way back....

 

[2wd]

When I went out on day 3 (yesterday) I loved it

Mainly on the flat but really enjoyed the 2.8 miles out of 3 (last 0.2 mile hill not enjoyable but much easier than day 1and 2)

No cycling Saturday as I'm at Chester races (lots of beer ) but cant wait for Sunday now

Very addictive and feel tons better for getting out and doing something.

Really appreciate all the encouraging comments

Thanks

 

[Becs]

Good on you! I agree with the post that mentioned making sure you're in the right gear. My friend was really struggling until she realised what her granny ring was for! Maybe putting the bike in the car and finding a nice flat loop would be a good idea before you start tackling too many hills? then you could increase your distance quite quickly which will be very motivating. The other thing to bear in mind (particularly if you are in a hard gear) is that your legs may ache until you are properly warmed up - which for me takes a good few miles!

Keep us updated!

 

[2wd]

^^^
Just been out again for another couple of miles but its blowing a gale up in these hills, so it felt like riding uphill anyway

I did tackle "my hill" though at the end of the ride,I wouldnt say I sailed up it but I got to to the top pretty much still in breath and still alive

It all about determination and perseverance

 

[gypsy]

^^^
Just been out again for another couple of miles but its blowing a gale up in these hills, so it felt like riding uphill anyway

I did tackle "my hill" though at the end of the ride,I wouldnt say I sailed up it but I got to to the top pretty much still in breath and still alive

It all about determination and perseverance

with that kind of determination you"ll be doing 10miles + in no time good look.
(dont forget to warm up and warm down after)

 

[Banjo]

Keep at it and your fitness will improve quickly.

You definitely need rest days.Rest is as important as exercise. I would go for riding every second day now and increasing to riding 5 days of 7 as you get fitter. Good Luck

 

[Fab Foodie]

I'd echo all the good advice above.

The nice thing about the bicycle is that it's a very efficient machine and will rapidly repay your efforts.
The important thing is to take it easy, use the gears, don't force the pace and enjoy the scenery.

'Cyclecraft' by Franklin is the Bible for staying alive on the road if you're new to 2 wheels, great advice on road positioning etc.

August 2010, I do a night ride from Oxford to London, about 65 miles, I meet a lady participant by the name of 'Feline', she'd been cycling a few months on a nice hybrid and this was going to be her longest ride - and she did great! A couple of weeks ago on a Custom made Titanium Audax bike she completed Paris-Brest-Paris, 1200km in under 90hrs. She's only just 8 years younger than you. Makes you think, eh?

 

[BirdOnnaBike]

I'm 49 and a year ago, returned to cycling after a couple of decades off. First time out, a couple of miles and I was knackered. I reckoned I'd be able to do 35 miles or so (to town and back) in a couple of months, but was doing it easily within a couple of weeks. You might surprise yourself! It's amazing how quickly the body adapts. I go at my own pace and if my teenage sons want to go at their's, I let them! Just catch them up later on. At first I was overtaken on our cycle track by pensioners. Now, I'm overtaking people younger than me on bikes twice the price of mine. I started last year with a heavy, steel bike and just got a Cannondale Quick CX for my upcoming 50th! I'm more excited about that than I would be about anything else I could get, for a present. It's probably half the weight of my other bike and I realise I did myself a bit of a favour, with the steel bike as unintentionally gave myself a good workout.

The only advice I can add to the brilliant advice the others have given you is... as you go a bit longer, if anything causes you discomfort - adjust it til you get it right! (You sometimes need to do a few miles to find what aches, or chafes, or is uncomfortable for you!) Don't be afraid to change out a saddle, or adjust it, or think analytically about what it is that causes you discomfort (if anything does) - that way you'll nip problems in the bud and are likely to put in more miles.

 

[montage]

^^^
Just been out again for another couple of miles but its blowing a gale up in these hills, so it felt like riding uphill anyway

I did tackle "my hill" though at the end of the ride,I wouldnt say I sailed up it but I got to to the top pretty much still in breath and still alive

It all about determination and perseverance

..and enjoying it