What have I gotten myself into?!

[silver]

I remember on one of my first triathlon training rides, feeling like i needed to puke but didn't want to stop. I had to think in detail how to puke and keep riding and get as little puke as possible on the bike and myself.

But the thinking about all the technical aspects must have distracted me enough to keep me from puking.

well, this is really a running story, but I think it applies. I went from couch potato to exercise by running (went on the cycling later). I started with what I call the "Mail Box Plan" this means that the first day I ran from my house to the mail box. (I live in a little neighborhood with one quarter acre lots), rested a day and then ran from my house to the neighbors mailbox. I added mailboxes til I got to a mile and then kept adding from there. after 2 miles it got easier, cause I was in better shape.

the moral is to just keep plodding onward. try to add a little each time, even if it's just 2 or 3 minutes more than your last outing. try to go out at least every other day.

Do take the bike to the shop for a little tune up.

Good luck!!

[Flybye]

Congrats on making the decision to get out and get some exercise and have fun. This is an incredible forum full of great and encouraging folks.

I am a 35 year old mother of 3 great kids (who, ironically enough can drive me SOOO crazy sometimes ) I, too, decided that I needed to get out and get some exercise. I had recently dropped 40#'s. This was the next step in the right direction. Side note- Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are to blame. Entirely

I started riding my husbands mountain bike when I was 34 and hurt my foot. I wanted a way to exercise and walking was out of the question. I remember my first ride- it was to the chiropracter's office. I was estatic that I had made a 3 mile round trip journey (with a glorious massage at the halfway point).

I commented on this ride to the lady who was my weight loss counselor. She said - "That's great. My husband and I ride the Jensen's Grove loop all of the time." She still has about 75#'s to lose. And she rode with her son in the bike trailer. Jensen's Grove Loop is 18 miles. And I rode 3. Hmmm.

I suddenly didn't feel so great about 3 miles and thus, had my first milestone - 18 miles - much like your hill. Go and get it baby - for it is a sweet victory.

My bike rides became a way to catch a little freedom. I quit working (Social Worker) when I started having kids. I don't regret that decision, but after being home for 11 years, I got the itch to have some freedom. I could leave everyone at home - "Sorry, mommy can't take you with her on the bike ride today because she is going to ride 5 miles and go really fast, you couldn't keep up!"

5 miles became 10 and 10 miles became 15. Around the 18 mile mark , my husband decided that he wanted his mountain bike back and so I began to look for my bike. I was talked out of a mountain bike and into a road bike. I am so glad for the advice that I got on this forum, on cyclingforums.com, and from the guys at the local bike shop. With my new bike, everything changed and my distances kept increasing. I also developed self confidence that I had lost while staying home and wiping noses - I began to re-discover myself as an individual. There have been so many secondary benefits from riding.

I rode my first metric century ride this spring 64-some-odd miles. It was such a self satisfying feeling - something that I will always cherish. I have put about 550 miles on my bike since March. I upgraded to a new second road bike just this week.

I can't wait to hear from you that you conquered this hill. The advice to learn use your gears is great advice. It is also okay to ride a portion of the hill and turn around. Try to climb higher the next time, increasing your climb until you are at the top. Also, lube your bike chain if it hasn't been lubed for awhile.

Have fun!! PM me when you make it to the top.

In answer to your question, what you have gotten yourself into is a wonderful new freedom and a whole lot of fun!!!!!

Congrats, you animal!!