Too much, too soon

[Velocivixen]

First off, congratulations on getting out there and doing something. I had been sedentary and overweight for years, and one thing I am reminded of is that I didn't get that way overnight, so I can't expect to lose weight and get fit overnight (I've lost over 100 lbs through eating less/better and moving more). So Rome wasn't built in a day.
My yoga instructor often reminded us to respect our bodies and recognize and accept that they are not the same each and every day. Our energy levels are different, or balance is different, etc. So recognize it, embrace it, be thankful for what your body is able to do today and don't compare to yesterday or tomorrow. Love yourself in the state you are in at this moment.
Hang in there and keep up the inspiring work.

[Bike Chick]

Hang in there, goldfinch, you are doing great. I'm 3 years younger than you, 10 pounds overweight, and have been riding about 6 years. The first ride I went on, DH got me 3 miles from home and I was freaking out because I didn't think I could make it back. We got home and crashed our exhausted bodies on the couch. Three years later, I started running and swimming and did my first triathlon.

I did my first time trial and road races two weeks ago in the Senior Olympics and it was a blast. I got beat in one time trial by a 74 year old! She was very strong, very fast and the same age as my mother (who is sedentary and failing terribly). There were a lot of us over 50's out there who are just getting started so don't let that stop you. It sure beats letting roots grow out your rear because you are sitting around so much!

I would agree that you need a bike fitting and maybe a new saddle. It might be the way the bike is set up and not you or you may even be riding the wrong size bike! Keep plugging along and stay with it.

[goldfinch]

Thanks all! I found a bike shop in Burlington Iowa that does fittings (according to the Internet). I'll call them this morning and see if I can get it and get some help. I am pretty sure that my bike is the right size. I did get help buying the right size bike from bike shops in Minneapolis and I have an extra small, 26 inch wheel, Quick 4. But I did not pay for the fancy bike fit process when I bought the bike.