getting RE started

[elk]

Since I battled that crummo virus for so long this winter I have not ridden my bike...rides became fewer and farther between and now it's been 2 months....

my aurora is right next to the front door and i can't seem to get her out and get back on...i know it's a psyche problem...and fear about how much strength i lost, ground that i gained after years of hardly any excercise... lost.. sigh...

simple weeniedom???

any suggestions to get it going again???

[OakLeaf]

hugs - it can be so tough to get back into a routine!

Does your bike fit in your car? Maybe take it someplace special for your re-inaugural ride - a park or whatever - but most importantly someplace that you didn't ride often before. I have an awful time comparing my performance to what I used to be able to do, and it can really make me not want to do the activity at all. So if you go someplace where you don't automatically think you "should" be in this gear going up that hill, or you "should" be going this fast, maybe it would help?

[alpinerabbit]

Or just go for an ice cream run.

[redrhodie]

What Oakleaf says sounds like good advice. To compare is to despair. Also, maybe take off your computer, if you have one, for the first few rides until you feel stronger. Ignorance is bliss.

[ibcycling]

Hi Elk!

I did the same thing over the winter and didn't get out much at all. Honestly it was rough the first time I went back out. Then I realized that even though I hadn't ridden in a couple months I was is MUCH better shape than I was a year ago! Heck, a year ago I was just barely riding 10 miles and boy was I SLOW. LOL! It's not about being perfect, just making progress!! It came back quickly though and now I'm doing a century tomorrow.

You need to plan a trip over here and we can bike to the wineries. That's motivational for me.

[chutch]

I too had an unfortunate hiatus from cycling due to illness followed by a hectic work schedule. I was feeling sorry for myself and finally had time after work to ride the other day and told myself I just had to do half my usual route and no other goals other than that. I felt so good just getting out that I ended up going farther than planned and had one of my best average speeds of the season.

Just go out for fun, without any pressure.

[elk]

Hi Elk!

I did the same thing over the winter and didn't get out much at all. Honestly it was rough the first time I went back out. Then I realized that even though I hadn't ridden in a couple months I was is MUCH better shape than I was a year ago!

I'm hoping that's true for me too!!!!

It's true, my neighborhood is actually made of the more difficult hills..so perhaps the first step would be to strap the bike rack on the Forester....

and go to my favorite trail on a weekday....;-) thanks for not callin me a weenie...

[VeloVT]

hi elk,
somebody else recently posted that they will say, "I'm just going to go out for 15 minutes and then I can come home if I want." I do this with both running and biking sometimes when I'm having trouble getting motivated.

Usually by the time I"ve reached the mandatory number of minutes/miles, I have already started to get into my run or ride and am enjoying it... I don't think I've ever actually turned around. Sometimes it's helpful to give yourself permission to go really easy too, even to tell yourself you HAVE to go really easy.

Getting out the door is the biggest obstacle...

Good luck!

[spokewench]

hi elk,
somebody else recently posted that they will say, "I'm just going to go out for 15 minutes and then I can come home if I want." I do this with both running and biking sometimes when I'm having trouble getting motivated.

Usually by the time I"ve reached the mandatory number of minutes/miles, I have already started to get into my run or ride and am enjoying it... I don't think I've ever actually turned around. Sometimes it's helpful to give yourself permission to go really easy too, even to tell yourself you HAVE to go really easy.

Getting out the door is the biggest obstacle...

Good luck!

+1 - that was me. get out for 15 minutes and you will be set to go

[elk]

I went....and it was a DISASTER!! I could barely get down the street and back. Maybe I needed to eat first, and maybe my tire needs some air...so I'm not giving up (weenie) but it was harder than it has EVER been in my life...
This was on the Globe...

If it doesn't rain ..I'm taking the Aurora out today...and eating some carbs first!!!

[LBTC]

Sorry the first attempt was a disappointment, but I'm so glad to hear that you're getting set to try again!!

All of the other advice here was good, just add to that a happy swarm of butterflies keeping your mind cheery, your legs light, and your wheels speedy. You'll be amazed at how much that aura of butterflies can do for your ride!! I'm sending lots to ya!

Hugs, too

~T~

Me, I seem to have a virus and am unsure of whether I should ride or not.....I hope this doesn't last long!!

[elk]

that's SO sweet LBTC....you know 3 of my dogs (including the one in my avatar) are Papillons... and they certainly make my heart sing!!!

(can you see it in the ears???!!)

[LBTC]

Elk, Papillons are adorable! And I *love* their ears!

H&B
~T~

[sundial]

Elk, get that gorgeous Aurora out in the sunshine and take her on a quiet back road. I'll be thinking of you as I head out to my favorite trail and I'll ride an extra loop for you. Hope you get to feeling better and I look forward to seeing more of your posts. I missed hearing from you.

[redrhodie]

Good. Now that you have the first ride over with, the next will be better. No ride will ever be as hard as that one was. That's the law.