I Did It I Did It

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I remember doing 2 miles at first too, and being wiped out by it. It was only about 2 years ago, and still seems like yesterday. After a couple more months, I was doing 10-15 mile rides. A year later I could do MUCH longer and harder rides. I'm 54, and was out of shape when I started.
The important thing is that you are having FUN riding, because that makes you want to ride often. The more you ride the more fit you get.
Don't expect to lose weight too quickly- some of the changes will be that you will lose some fat but GAIN some new muscle- thus it may seem like you are the weight yet your shape will be changing slowly and you'll be looking better and your clothes will fit better after a while.
But mostly- have FUN riding!

[Flybye]

I remember doing 2 miles at first too, and being wiped out by it. It was only about 2 years ago, and still seems like yesterday. After a couple more months, I was doing 10-15 mile rides. A year later I could do MUCH longer and harder rides. I'm 54, and was out of shape when I started.
The important thing is that you are having FUN riding, because that makes you want to ride often. The more you ride the more fit you get.
Don't expect to lose weight too quickly- some of the changes will be that you will lose some fat but GAIN some new muscle- thus it may seem like you are the weight yet your shape will be changing slowly and you'll be looking better and your clothes will fit better after a while.
But mostly- have FUN riding!

Lisa - I just wanted to comment on something that I have thought about you for a long time - you have such a gift of encouragement - it really shows in your posts. I am impressed by that - my helmet is off to you! Encouragement is such a gift in a world that picks things apart and grouches about them on a daily basis.

Not at all sorry for the thread drift.


chickiepoo - WAY to go!! 2 miles is a whole lot more than most people can brag about or even begin to imagine doing! You really will amaze yourself this summer. Welcome to the club!!!

[LoriO]

WHOOO HOOOO way to go!!! When I first started biking I think I made it about 3 miles and then collapsed. Give it time it just gets easier as you go.

I hear you about the asthma thing. I've never had a problem until this past year and lately have been having symptoms of excersice enduced asthma. Looks like one more thing I inherited from my Dad... Which reminds me I need to make an appointment with the DR about it!

Anyways, just have a blast with your bike and just take your time, every week you will find yourself going farthur and farthur!!

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your first ride! Hip hip hooray!!!
2 miles is a wonderful accomplishment! Pretty soon you'll be racking up the miles faster than you can keep up with.
My first "real" ride was on a brand new mtn bike a few years ago (looking back- it was sooo heavy I don't know if I could ride it now). I went around our lake (9 miles) and it took me almost 2 hours (not counting all the stops I made). I was so excited that I went all the way around the lake as it was always a goal of mine, and I felt so proud of myself.
So proud of you! Keep at it, and soon you'll be telling tales of those 20, 50, or 100 mile rides you went on. We're all cheering really loudly for you (can you hear it?).

[bikerHen]

I remember when two miles was a BIG ride. Then seven miles was whoo-hoo! I rode seven MILES! That was five years ago. Now I rides 25 miles or more everyday! It takes time. Just get out there and enjoy every new mile. You too will someday say "I remember when I could only ride 2 miles, but look at me now!" bikerHen

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations on your ride! You should see your doctor about your asthma, though. It's very common for asthmatics to use a puff or two of an albuterol (Rx) inhaler before a ride. Really helps open the airways. I use Advair twice a day as an asthma preventative and now almost never have to use albuterol. Asthma is not something you want to mess around with, so I do hope you'll talk to your doctor about this.

You can search this site on asthma, and you'll turn up a ton of posts on the subject.

Enjoy your new bike!

Emily