I celebrated my 44th birthday today with a 20-mile ride.

[sgtiger]

Welcome and congrats on your first twenty mile ride, channlluv! I'm sorry to hear about the dissolution of your marriage. Whether it was a long time coming or not, it's never an easy thing. I'm glad that you've decided to channel that energy into something positive like cycling. I hope that it will help you through any of the rough patches that may be coming. I'm, also, very happy for you that you are taking steps towards a healthier you.

Am I going too fast? Is 20 miles too much too soon?
CL

That all depends on how you feel. If your muscles are a bit sore and tired, well, that's to be expected. Take plenty of fluids and either take a short, slow ride or a walk tomorrow to help flush out your achy muscles. If you feel completely wiped out for the next few days and have almost flu-like symptoms then you may have overdone it and may want to back off a wee bit. If that happens then movement is necessary even though every cell in your body may scream at you not to. Just take it slow-as slow as you need to but keep moving a little bit throughout the day and remember to drink plenty of water.

At least that is what I did the times I over did it. I really noticed a difference on how quickly my body would recover from those times if I FORCED myself to take a walk or even do some light exercises. I find Tai-Chi to be an excellent exercise to help flush out lactic acid and well I couldn't move very fast if I wanted to anyway. YMMV

BTW, I think 12-15 mph starting out is very good. I started out doing 8 mph and had to work up to doing a 10 mile ride my first month. 'Course I didn't ride everyday like you.

The best of luck,

Soo
aka sg"pokey"tiger

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

BTW, I think 12-15 mph starting out is very good. I started out doing 8 mph and had to work up to doing a 10 mile my first month. 'Course I didn't ride everyday like you.

Hey you got nothin' on ME!- I started out at 8mph average and it's taken me TWO YEARS to get to a 10mph average!
I'm just happy to be alive and riding my bike- I'm so lucky!

Chanlluv- like you I have a very supportive bike-savvy husband who has been with me all the way on this. We love nothing better than to ride our bikes together. (he's perfectly happy to go a bit slower when riding with me)
How much better can it get?