trying to start all over again

[DDH]

I read the post from momtohanna and I thought, WOW how exciting. I remember how exciting it was as you added miles and really started feeling good about riding and just wanted to do it more and more.

As I read the post and thought about my first 10 miles, and then 20 and then 30 but never could get past the 30's mark, worked so hard at it and seemed to have a mind block to it. Tried to do a 50 twice at two different organized rides and failed after about 32 or 34.
Now I have had health problems for the last year and haven't gotten back on my bike since last August, but I gurantee you that the first 10 is going to be just as hard this time as it was the first time. Maybe harder since I have gained a LOT of weight on top of the health issues.
I have my bike in the living room and it calls to me daily. I get on here and read and lurk, and it makes me want to get back out there, but now, I seem to have a mental block for getting out the door.
I have started exercising again now that I am finally feeling better after 2 suregeries and a half dozen cases of hive break outs in the past year.
I have been using my WII and getting on my treadmill but haven't been able to talk myself into getting back on my bike yet.
I want to so badly and I don't know what stops me.

Anyway, whine, whine, whine, that's not getting it done either.
I just need to kick myself in the butt!!!
I miss my bike, maybe it's a body image problem. I've been heavy for about 13 years now and fight constantly to lose, but this is the heaviest I've ever been and I'm tired of fighting I guess.

Anyway, I do appreciate all the inspiration and still love to come here and read, and catch up. I don't post much since I'm not riding, but I do get on here and continue to try to get inspired enought to get going again.

You girls really do have great stories as well as interesting things happening and some of the funny stuff you find. I love it.

[maryellen]

Donna, it can be hard to get back on the bike after a layoff. I had a hard time getting back to riding after an accident in 2006. How about just going for a short ride? Don't think about mileage, just fun. Just a mile or two or three.

....(impatiently waiting for the wind gods to dry the roads a bit)......

[Tri Girl]

Donna- so good to see you back around.

Now get out there and ride your bike!

Ok, in all seriousness- you've been through some serious issues and you'll get back on when you're ready. I agree with MaryEllen- try going out for a 5 minute ride, then 10 minutes, then more as you feel up to it. Maybe what's keeping you from getting back on is just plain old fear. Once you get back on you might just remember how fun it is (I had a similar experience after a bad mtn bike crash- getting back on was scary but I did it the next week just to not let the fear keep lingering).

Give it another shot. I know you miss your bike and I'm certain it misses you. Don't be too hard on yourself, just try to have some fun. Big hugs to you.

[jobob]

Small steps, grasshopper.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Donna-
the good news is that your bike is 'calling' to you- that means you want to ride it....that's great!
The other good news is that yes you certainly can start all over again, and why the heck shouldn't you? Forget about 30 and 50 mile rides for now- thinking about them only makes you feel bad...and the hell with that!
Get on your bike and do a 2 or 3 mile ride, and you will feel GOOD. Then do it again a couple days later. Just do what makes you feel happy.
Trying to ride too much does not make you feel happy, and not riding at all does not make you feel happy.
You need to make riding something you enjoy again- not some ordeal or dread/guilt thing or punishment.

Go for a quicky little ride and feel good about it!

[redrhodie]

Donna-
the good news is that your bike is 'calling' to you- that means you want to ride it....that's great!
The other good news is that yes you certainly can start all over again, and why the heck shouldn't you? Forget about 30 and 50 mile rides for now- thinking about them only makes you feel bad...and the hell with that!
Get on your bike and do a 2 or 3 mile ride, and you will feel GOOD. Then do it again a couple days later. Just do what makes you feel happy.
Trying to ride too much does not make you feel happy, and not riding at all does not make you feel happy.
You need to make riding something you enjoy again- not some ordeal or dread/guilt thing or punishment.

Go for a quicky little ride and feel good about it!

+1. Very well said.

I have discovered over the years that my favorite length ride is around 20 miles. I feel like I've gotten a workout, but the bike hasn't taken over my life.

[momtohanna]

Hey Donna ~

I agree with everyone else ~ just go for a quick ride. That's how it all starts. If your enjoyment stays at short rides ~ cool ~ at least you're on your bike and moving. No one says you have to be doing 30 mile rides.

Can't wait to hear about your bike reunion. You can and WILL do it, when it's right for you. Be patient and kind to yourself.