1K start to 100K goal ~ hilly~ ???

[tulip]

At the beginning, consistency is more important than distance. Get yourself out that door and on the bike on a regular basis (MORE than once a week!!). Just get out and ride for 15-30 minutes if that's all the time you have t spare. If you feel like doing more, then by all means go for it. Once a week is not going to do it though, IMO.

congratulations on making this important life change.

[jayjay]

I RODE TWELVE MILES ! I know this is a drop in the bucket compared to what I use to do, and what I will do again, but I have passed my first month's goal by 2miles and that is progress . Sore, but very, very Happy.

Tulip ~ I just wanted to take the first two or three weeks really no-threat, so I didn't burn out right away. But I'm psyched now, to go as often as I can. YAY !

[Geonz]

Many drops turn the mill Keep those drops a-comin'!

[kelownagirl]

Hi Jayjay, I haven't read the responses but I wanted to chime in with my own experience. I did increase by more than 10% on some weeks because I felt great. Take a look at my 2006 bikejournal if you want to see how I built up from being an absolute newbie to 100km in about 3 months (and that was on my mountain bike at the time.). Then I bought a road bike in July and rode even more! Now everyone is different so our miles may vary, and I was only 20 lbs overweight at the time so that could make a difference as well. BUT I was a complete couch potato who had done very little physical activity before I started.

Bikejournal for 2006

Good luck!

[jayjay]

Hi Jayjay, I haven't read the responses but I wanted to chime in with my own experience. I did increase by more than 10% on some weeks because I felt great. Take a look at my 2006 bikejournal if you want to see how I built up from being an absolute newbie to 100km in about 3 months (and that was on my mountain bike at the time.). Then I bought a road bike in July and rode even more! Now everyone is different so our miles may vary, and I was only 20 lbs overweight at the time so that could make a difference as well. BUT I was a complete couch potato who had done very little physical activity before I started.Good luck!

Thank you Kelownagirl ! It really helps to find women out there who are at a proud place from their personal ground zero. My ground zero may just be a little more... well... challenging... but still, I strongly believe I can "become what I once may have been" !

[tulip]

Jayjay, your attitude is great! So many people make excuses as to why they cannot get active instead of finding ways they can get active.

When I find myself making those excuses, I turn things around in my head, and then I'm usually out the door!

[Bushranger]

Hi JayJay - well done on the 12 miles! I am 42 and have taken up cycling due to my post-baby overweight body and bad bad health. I used to smoke, never exercised, suffered post partum thyroid dysfunction, hypertension and depression.

The pounds are coming off slowly, but the biggest effect of cycling so far is the effect on my mood. With every ride I feel lighter in spirit and more in control of my life. I am feeling calmer and more confident every day. Now I strap on my bike shoes, cram into my bike shorts and whip on my glasses and I am started to look as mean as all the others.

[jayjay]

Jayjay, your attitude is great! So many people make excuses as to why they cannot get active instead of finding ways they can get active.

When I find myself making those excuses, I turn things around in my head, and then I'm usually out the door!

Thanks Tulip, it isn't easy. It could get a lot better , and it could also get a lot worse... it's all up to me to decide which way I want it to be in a few years down the road.