Sad, feeling stupid, need encouragement

[Bruised&Happy]

Definitely find someone that you enjoy riding with! I know I wouldn't have ever started riding on my own. The traffic scares me to death... my heart monitor goes bonkers everytime I enter an intersection. And the heat... well, I'm starting to adjust, but I've noticed that I do soooo much better when it's cooler... it's hot as hell here in Arizona and I can't believe I started riding in July! Can't wait til it cools off so I can really crank it up.

Hang in there!

[2WheelsNMe]

At the end of the 3.5 mile ride going up a very very very slight incline through a neighborhood and up the last 2 blocks to my house I feel like I am just exhausted. This "hill" isn't even a hill, meaning you can detect the incline on a bike, but you probably wouldn't notice in a car. My bike was fit, I just have no cardiovascular conditioning whatsoever but I am not having any actual pain. I'm sure it will get better but I'm still surprised that for the last half mile I find myself going 6-9 mph and I feel like I'm going up a steep mountain :-( I have good components and know how to shift, I'm just physically not there. It's embarrasing. My DH was with me and he must be bored out of his mind. This past summer he rode up most of the challening mountain stages on the Tour de France routes.

I am anticipating the same...My hubby is an avid cyclist, races, and rode professionally back in the day. I am waiting for my bike to come in (hopefully Friday!), and know how clear the line will be between he and I.

He said he'd ride with me once I'm more comfy on the bike. He's a smart man...he knows my misery becomes his torture!

I have found the posts here to be inspiring and encouraging! I could so easily cancel my bike order, and settle into a fat, middle-age existence. But I vowed not to let that happen. No matter what.

I expect to be embarrased, frustrated, and miserable. I expect to cry at the side of the road when I can't make it up the hill.

When I feel that way, I will picture in my mind the catalyst for my return to the road. I was at the wrap up of a charity ride, and a woman in her 50's rode by on her bike. She was missing her left leg from the knee down.

[blackhillsbiker]

We live at the top of a nasty hill. I thought I'd never actually be able to ride up it. I just noticed the other day that I don't even shift all the way down anymore. The change in my fitness level has been gradual and steady. I hate exercise for exercise's sake. Biking is somehow much more fun. Scenery, sun, the feeling of freedom... try to enjoy the journey even when it entails what my hubby likes to call "hike-a-bike." You'll be glad you did.

Deb