New, Out of Shape, Happy & Tired

[RoadRaven]

Sounds like you are focused and setting yourself realistic goals, Joy

I see you are calling your planned Wednesday ride a "lazy 10 mile..."

Riding at the pace you describe is called "active recovery" and if you are not wanting a day off the bike, but want to rest yourself after a hard ride or race, then a slow-paced ride is EXACTLY what you should do.

You are right about the most progress happening in the early stages, the first few months or the first year will see your greatest improvements - after that you need more and more power to achieve small improvements...

Great to hear your enthusiasm