Introducing myself

[dobielover1]

Hello everyone. From what I've read, I'm in a situation similar to a lot of you. I was very athletic in my 20's, then a skiing injury sidelined me and the weight just piled on. I'm going to be 40 in a couple of weeks, and I've made the commitment to get back into shape.
I've always loved to ride, and with my fiancee's guidance bought a new bike...here's the link, I really love it.
http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mId=m19&layout=viewproduct&taxId=243

I could use some advice. Jim has been a biking fanatic for 30 years. His passion is training for the Mt. Washington ride every year. I just can't keep up with him.
He's tried to point me in the right direction regarding how many times a week to ride and distances etc....but we both end of frustrated because it ends up being to much. I'm the type of person who does best when I have set goals to reach. There is a nearby bikepath that we do on Sunday mornings that's 24 miles...that I do fairly easily...but it's flat and it just feels different then the road. Can anyone give suggestions on how I can go about finding a workout schedule that will push me a little but not be overwhelming? I also feel like I'm the slowest bikerider in the world which doesn't help my motivation.

I appreciate any help!

[mimitabby]

Well, brava! you are already doing 24 mile rides! not shabby at all.
first of all; you can't expect to start and be able to ride with the DH and keep up with him. In fact, you might never.
Sit down and read 100+ posts on TE (here) most of us have to have our
OWN schedules and rides, not what hubby thinks we should be doing
You are already off to a great start. good luck and keep reading and keep biking!

[WrensMom]

I'm just going to LAD Mimi--you are doing well already, and will certainly improve. Nice bike, BTW:cool:

[dobielover1]

Thanks....I've started reading through the old posts and it's giving me a staring point!

[Diggles]

hey dobie...

first, i'm in awe that you were able to just pick right up & do 24 miles! bravo!!!

you've most certainly retained your muscle memory so don't get discouraged. go at your own pace, you'll get where you want to be in no time at all. don't compare yourself to those around you...hard lesson to learn i know...i'm guilty of it as well.

this is YOUR journey. enjoy it.

[Pascale]

I'm brand new to the boards as well, rode a bike everywhere as a teen but was never EVER athletic (you know the type, smallest one in class, was afraid of the ball... etc). I'm 41 now and am starting to try to do more physically than I've ever done (trying to learn to play tennis as well).

I just started riding several weeks ago again - I have a hybrid bike and ride a paved trail on an old railroad track here in Minnesota (scared to death to ride on the road routes). I've been doing 20 miles 3 times a week and 40 once a week, hoping at some point my butt gets used to it - I could bike all day if it weren't for the pain in the you-know-what!

I'm glad to see other new people, such as dobie, here - I'm already starting to learn a lot from all of you, experienced AND non! Thanks to everyone who contributes to this board.

[Kano]

Pascale -- what a lovely mistress you have! That Borzoi is beautiful!

Butt: Get a new seat!!!!!

Curiosity has me going nuts: where's your bike path????

Sounds like a nice place to ride -- and nice distances! What a great start you're off to!

I'm pretty new too, and have been LOVING reading all of Pooks' questions: she's been around just a wee bit longer than I have, and has the PERFECT questions almost every day!

Karen in Boise

[dobielover1]

The bike path that we do is in East Bay Bike path in Rhode Island...really pretty, follows the ocean for a good portion of it. It's completely flat, so when I get on anything with even a little hill, I start to struggle....need to work on that.

[Pascale]

The bike path I ride is a 19.5 mile path that runs along the Cannon River from Cannon Falls to Red Wing, MN - it's nice because it is almost entirely wooded (and shaded!), although one stretch is very buggy. At mile 10 is the town of Welch, MN, which is where I turn around and go back if I just want to do a total of 20; for a 40 mile ride I ride to Red Wing and back. The river is gorgeous, and it requires a paid Wheel Pass, so it is very well maintained with the rider/rollerblader fees.

Thanks for the kind words on my Diva :p

[Kano]

Oh, Pascale, I think that must be almost the prettiest part of Minnesota! Yes, lots of bugs though, so you'd probably need lots of critter repellant, lest the skeeters carry you away and poor Diva is left human-less!

I lived in Lake City for nearly ten years, after being transplanted from the Roseville/St. Paul area! It's been another ten since we moved to Idaho -- once in a while, I miss that area, but not too often, since we don't have bugs or humidity here!

Karen in Boise