Sad, feeling stupid, need encouragement

[deskrider]

I never rode a bike much in my life, but about 23 years ago (for about 6 years) I rode on paved bike trails with my family. I could ride 15-30 miles of easy pavement riding on weekends without any real problem. Then I didn't ride for the last 10-15 years and now I just got a new bike that's awesome, light, zippy, smooth and with great components and for the last 3 days a 3.5 mile bike ride on easy smooth paved trails is killing me. Good grief! I'm shocked I can't ride at least 10-15 on easy paved paths. How long is this gonna take???

[blackhillsbiker]

Probably less time than you would think. Don't concentrate on the distance or the speed. Just enjoy. You'll be surprised at how quickly your body gets used to increasing amounts of cycling.

Happy trails!

Deb

[DarcyInOregon]

Deb is right. It doesn't take long to get bike fit. And being a beginner again is really fun, so look forward to each ride for how great it makes you feel and enjoy the experience. Getting more fit and adding the miles is a great process, and one you don't get to experience too often, so enjoy yourself.

You are not the worse. You think 3 1/2 miles is really bad; you are wrong. Well once, years ago, I witnessed two couples, age 50s-60s, park at the state park, get out their bikes, tinkered with their bikes, finally got on the bikes, pedaled at most 1/4 mile and one of the females collapsed.

[PamNY]

Can you be more specific about what the problem is? I can't tell if you have a specific, solvable issue, or if you just need more time to build strength. If the latter, focus on having fun and don't worry about speed or distance.

Perhaps reading past threads in this forum will help.

[deskrider]

At the end of the 3.5 mile ride going up a very very very slight incline through a neighborhood and up the last 2 blocks to my house I feel like I am just exhausted. This "hill" isn't even a hill, meaning you can detect the incline on a bike, but you probably wouldn't notice in a car. My bike was fit, I just have no cardiovascular conditioning whatsoever but I am not having any actual pain. I'm sure it will get better but I'm still surprised that for the last half mile I find myself going 6-9 mph and I feel like I'm going up a steep mountain :-( I have good components and know how to shift, I'm just physically not there. It's embarrasing. My DH was with me and he must be bored out of his mind. This past summer he rode up most of the challening mountain stages on the Tour de France routes.

[redrhodie]

I remember that feeling! I remember my legs feeling like Jello after a really short ride. The good news, you'll be back in no time! Every ride will get a little easier. Just keep riding.

ETA: This feeling is no cause for embarrassment! You're doing it. Give yourself a break.

[2WheelsNMe]

At the end of the 3.5 mile ride going up a very very very slight incline through a neighborhood and up the last 2 blocks to my house I feel like I am just exhausted. This "hill" isn't even a hill, meaning you can detect the incline on a bike, but you probably wouldn't notice in a car. My bike was fit, I just have no cardiovascular conditioning whatsoever but I am not having any actual pain. I'm sure it will get better but I'm still surprised that for the last half mile I find myself going 6-9 mph and I feel like I'm going up a steep mountain :-( I have good components and know how to shift, I'm just physically not there. It's embarrasing. My DH was with me and he must be bored out of his mind. This past summer he rode up most of the challening mountain stages on the Tour de France routes.

I am anticipating the same...My hubby is an avid cyclist, races, and rode professionally back in the day. I am waiting for my bike to come in (hopefully Friday!), and know how clear the line will be between he and I.

He said he'd ride with me once I'm more comfy on the bike. He's a smart man...he knows my misery becomes his torture!

I have found the posts here to be inspiring and encouraging! I could so easily cancel my bike order, and settle into a fat, middle-age existence. But I vowed not to let that happen. No matter what.

I expect to be embarrased, frustrated, and miserable. I expect to cry at the side of the road when I can't make it up the hill.

When I feel that way, I will picture in my mind the catalyst for my return to the road. I was at the wrap up of a charity ride, and a woman in her 50's rode by on her bike. She was missing her left leg from the knee down.

[VeloMel]

This is not the first time you will feel sad and stupid. I just started riding not too long ago and I've had that feeling plenty of times for different reasons.Luckily the only thing that makes me feel better is going for a ride on my bike!

[deskrider]

I found today that although I went on the exact same route for the exact same pathetic 3.5 miles I was not tired and sweaty and exhausted and miserable. It was because the temp was about 8-10 degrees less. I have always been adversely affected by heat. Now that doesn't mean I could have ridden further than 3.5 miles today, but at least it was more comfortable. I'll keep plugging away, and I really do appreciate the tips and encouragement. Somehow I don't think I'll ever be that successful in temps > 82 degrees

I wish I had a compatible riding partner. The DH is being nice but deep down inside he is impatient and very stressful to ride with.

[Bruised&Happy]

Definitely find someone that you enjoy riding with! I know I wouldn't have ever started riding on my own. The traffic scares me to death... my heart monitor goes bonkers everytime I enter an intersection. And the heat... well, I'm starting to adjust, but I've noticed that I do soooo much better when it's cooler... it's hot as hell here in Arizona and I can't believe I started riding in July! Can't wait til it cools off so I can really crank it up.

Hang in there!