Will I ever get there?

[j1200k]

Just returned to start cycling after 2 years of serious illness. Managed 1st ride of 8 miles and then progressed to 15.7 miles for the past week 3 times.
Taking my time and doing it at my pace takes about 1 hour 30 mins. After reading a couple of the threads wondered if i will ever get back to fitness again?

Time is limited as we run a large guest house so go out cycling after working for 12 hours, the only time i have.

Am i best to go on my own or try again to find a cycling buddy?

Husband is a keen odeax cyclist and is very encouraging, but i feel a little intimidated.

[Tri Girl]

Welcome to TE! :D
Don't worry, you'll get there. I'm impressed that you're cycling again after 2 years of serious illness. Your body is healing and it will take time, so just enjoy the progress of your body getting on the bike and take it easy on yourself.

I know we like to see progress fast, but be patient with yourself. If you can find a buddy, that would be wonderful for companionship and accountability, but if not- just enjoy those miles on your own. :)

[lph]

2 years of illness is a long time! If you can, ignore the miles and enjoy the time spent using your body the way it was meant to be used, not being ill. The miles will increase in fits and spurts, but the hours are always well spent.

And welcome to TE :)

[j1200k]

2 years of illness is a long time! If you can, ignore the miles and enjoy the time spent using your body the way it was meant to be used, not being ill. The miles will increase in fits and spurts, but the hours are always well spent.

And welcome to TE :)

Thank you for the welcome.

Yes it is good to get out there again. At 53 it is not easy, but never a quitter me is not.

Yes time in the fresh air and countryside is worth more than gold!!!!!!

Have fun and enjoy life folks

[Gowest]

I took a year off from illness and am still ramping back up toward peak fitness - notice I say toward - as I have no idea if I will ever return to race form - and if I don't that is ok too.

I have found that with limited time - quality riding is more important than quantity - I do intervals alone and this works best for me - when I want to socialize I ride with others without any agenda or goals - this gives a nice balance. I believe your body chemistry changes after a prolonged illness - especially if you had to take a lots of meds like I did - and patience is key. The way I feel after finishing a ride is priceless - fast, slow, long or short.

You have done the hardest part by getting back on - now "enjoy the ride" It really is all about the journey.

:D

[marni]

ride intervals and train on your own for strength and then do some local group rides for charity for motivation and to feel good about it all. It's a combination that seems to have worked for me well when recovering from injuries. I do enjoy local charity rides or rides for a cause since they are generally so relaxed and eveybody is much friendlier and non competitive.

However you do it, as long as it feels good, is good for you. Ride on!

marni