I find when I start avoiding longer rides, that doing short errand trips on my bike makes me feel good. Not a lot of preparation involved, no special biking clothes, but you get on the bike and you do something that helps the planet and your health, and it doesn't take too long....all pluses. It's just making your goals more do-able.
Lisa
My mountain dulcimer network...FOTMD.com...and my mountain dulcimer blog
My personal blog:My blog
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I know exactly what you are going through, I'm going through the same thoughts my self. I came upon these links from my LBS while looking for ideas for training for the MS 150. These really made me feel better and not become overwhelmed when thinking about how much I haven't been riding, and how much I have to do.
http://bikemart.com/page.cfm?pageID=828
http://bikemart.com/page.cfm?pageid=216
http://bikemart.com/page.cfm?pageid=220
and don't forget about your saddle.... it's important...
http://bikemart.com/page.cfm?pageid=219
also, look at your local lbs. mine has a spinning class where you got to be on your own bicycle. Plus, you could keep up with your buddies from riding season.
let me know how it goes!
Know that feeling so well.
For the last five weeks it has not been possible for me to go out on my bike.
Am totally out of my usual routine, am hoping next week I will be able to start fresh.
Thanks polly for the link to 'Top Fitness In 7 Hours A Week' By Fred Matheny it is excellent, I have bookmarked that.
Oh well, fingers crossed I stick to my new regime as of next week.
Clock
Clock
Orange Clockwork - Limited Edition 1998
‘Enjoy your victories of each day'
Do you have a riding buddy? In addition to my longer ride(s) on the weekend, I ride at least twice a week with a friend. Usually Tues/Thur. This is a BIG motivation. It gets me out of bed in the morning to ride on days I might not have. Riding with her is social and fun, plus we push each other to do our best. I try to challenge myself to stick with her on the hills (my nemesis) and sometimes I push her to ride faster on the flats and downhills. We are like minded in our riding goals and desire to get stronger and faster, and being about the same level, it's perfect. She also happens to be a super close friend of mine, so that helps, too.
For a long time I rode by myself and was perfectly content doing so. I was motivated (usually) and liked to just go when I wanted to go. Plus I wasn't as strong as my two closest cycling buddies and hated feeling like I was holding them back. That's the biggest thing that motivated me to get out there. I wanted so badly to be stronger and faster so I could be at the same level as them. Well, now I am ... woo hoo! My "other" close cycling buddy is a school teacher on a year round schedule, so we can only ride with her on weekends and when she is off track, which is November, so it's coming up.
The other thing that motivates me to ride is club rides on weekends and organized rides that I sign up for. I love the social aspect of cycling. Cyclists, for the most part, are very friendly, so it's usually pretty easy to chat with any of them. At least in my experience.
So, my number one suggestion is to find yourself a riding buddy and my number two suggestion is to do club rides, if you aren't already.
Oh oh! One more comment. I took a yoga class last night for the first time. I always hear how wonderful it is, particularly for cyclists, so I tried it and loved it. It's great for your core, as well as other things. It's a fun way to mix up the cycling, which is my number one physical activity.
GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!!!
2009 Cannondale Super Six High Modulus / SRAM Red / Selle San Marco Mantra