Back in the game

Peanutt
Peanutt Posts: 229
edited May 2014 in Training, fitness and health
Hi,

I've been out of the cycle scene for a couple of years now for various reasons

1. My bike was stolen
2. I had a motorbike accident and damaged my knee
3. I have a demanding wife

As a result my weight has increased dramatically, I have a stationary job and with no exercise at all and very little change in diet the pounds started to pile on. My BMI is now a whopping 32.2!!!!

I'm 42, 5' 11", and 16.5 stone.

I have new bike now and tried a ride the other day, out of breath, legs burning, mind beginning to think of reasons to do something else, I struggled to do 200 yards and gave up. This is not like me at all, I used to love to ride and although time out from family duties is an issue would always find time for a quick 20 miler. I plan to start on the indoor bike of an evening and weekends. Was going to hit it this saturday and see how far I could go and maybe use that as a starting point, build up the legs again. Ideally in a year or so I would like to enter the local sportive as this is something I always fancied doing when I was fitter but never did.

Has anyone got any tips? I know that getting out there on a real bike is better than indoors but trust me, the size I am I look utterly ridiculous on a road bike, or any bike for that matter.

Anyone have any indoor training plans??
No matter where you are, that's where you've been

Comments

  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Far better to get out in the sun, than stay indoors on the turbo. Biking should be fun.

    Who cares what you look like? Go early or late, less people around. Anyway, the weight will fall off quickly so it won't be for long!
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Exactly ... who cares if you look ridiculous on a bike? If you're self concious about your size then wear loser fit clothing - the extra aero drag will help you use more calories! Bonus all round!

    Start off slowly and build it up - 5-10 miles at a moderate pace is fine, you can build that up very quickly and as the weight falls off so the pace will build.

    I'm happy to exchange pleasantries with anyone on a bike - it's all cycling!!
  • Mikey23
    Mikey23 Posts: 5,306
    No short cuts here. Make excuses or get out and do it. Your call
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    Mikey23 wrote:
    No short cuts here. Make excuses or get out and do it. Your call
    ^^ This and a big change in your eating habits.
  • oblongomaculatus
    oblongomaculatus Posts: 616
    bernithebiker wrote:

    Who cares what you look like?

    +1 to this. I stopped for a breather in a layby a while ago just as three other riders were resuming from a break. One of them was the biggest, roundest person I've ever seen on a road bike, and in very tight lycra too. It was a startling sight to say the least. After a couple of minutes I set off again too, and pretty soon overhauled the first of the three, then a couple of minutes later the second. But the big guy? He was a speck in the distance (it was a long, straight road with some undulations). I never got near him. Very impressive. He obviously didn't care what he looked like, which was fair enough if he could move like that.
  • Toks
    Toks Posts: 1,143
    A long term challlenge e.g sportive might help you're focus and motivation but basically
    1. Begin with a simple ride e.g 30mins - ride to some nearby location (e.g. Tescos) then turn back (don't worry about how slow; don't push too hard)
    2. Tell everyone you're back in the game - getting fitter
    3. Plan to ride 3 x per week if poss and build from there
    4. If you have to go indoors get music/fan/DVD for motivation
    5. Give yourself a mini treat (ice cream??)if you complete the first week
    6. Keep going, even if you have a set back
    7. Ride with a friend/someone on a similar level
    8. Initially stay away from hills
    9. Commute if poss; or ride back from work 1 or twice
    10. Now that summer's here why not do one of these sky ride/family ride events

    Welcome back, we missed ya :wink: I had a year off in 2011 and it was hard but after 4/5 months of moderately paced riding and things were good. Good Luck :D
  • top_bhoy
    top_bhoy Posts: 1,424
    Keep it simple.

    Go out on the bike a minimum of 4 times a week for 30 minutes on a flat route and reduce what you eat.

    It really is all about the diet.
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  • Peanutt
    Peanutt Posts: 229
    Thanx chaps, great advice.

    Well I'm officially back cycling now, and not quite how I intended to do it.

    I lost my wallet at the weekend along with my all my cards and my train season ticket and photocard. Tried to get a new one but the photo booth ate my last fiver and it's going to cost me £20 to get a new photocard. Not good when you have no access to any form of atm card on a Sunday and 23p in yer pocket. So only one thing for it, cycle to work.

    Just cycled from Eastbourne to Lewes avoiding the A27, 20 miles in total, took me 2hrs, legs feel like dead weights and I've still got the 20 mile cycle home this evening. Still the sun is shining!!!!
    No matter where you are, that's where you've been

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