Getting back into shape

[Cope]

I hurt my knee doing yoga almost a year ago, and thus haven't cycled for ages. Took my bike out for a ride on Friday - 5 miles out and 5 miles back, gentle undulation.

I could not *believe* how slow I was. My thighs hurt, lactic acid built up incredibly quickly, and although I don't have a computer, I'd guess I averaged 10 mph at most. I just felt incredibly weak. I'm running a 71 inch fixed (sram front and back on an old steel frame, with 32 inch tyres).

As I rode I kept telling myself "no need to force myself" - just go with a cadence that is comfortable, even if it's very very slow. It felt kinda zen, but part of me was wondering whether I needed to push myself more...

So - my question. In order to get back into shape, what do you recommend? Was I wise to not push it and keep cadence low and comfortable? Should I try another few rides like that, and not overdo it? Or should I push myself harder?

Objective: certainly Dunwich Dynamo, and perhaps Hampshire Hilly Hundred (or at least the midi).

Thoughts?

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Stick at what feels comfortable, especially if you are getting over an injury. If your thighs are burning after that ride, take it easier or certainly don't push any harder until the discomfort decreases over your next rides.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Stick at what feels comfortable, especially if you are getting over an injury. If your thighs are burning after that ride, take it easier or certainly don't push any harder until the discomfort decreases over your next rides.

 

[simon.r]

I find it best not to push too hard after a long period off the bike.

I started riding regularly 3 months ago after a lengthy period off the bike (have been a regular, but on/off, cyclist for many years). I went out on my singlespeed a few rides in and really didn't enjoy it (to be more accurate I didn't enjoy the hills!) I reverted to the geared bike and built up my fitness on that over 3 or 4 weeks. 3 months in and I now ride 90% singlespeed and am fit enough to enjoy it ('fit' being a relative term of course!)

I also find that I'm a lot more prone to aches and pains if I overdo it too early. It's frustrating because my nature is to 'go for it', but I've learnt to let my head rule my heart on this one.

 

[Cope]

Well I've ridden three days in a row now, and I think there's slight improvement. Firstly I think my tyres were a bit flat, so I've pumped them up. I also suspect my saddle is a bit low, and by the old inseam * 0.885 calculation I need to go up at least 2cm, so I'm going to try that.

The main pain area is the top of the thighs if I increase cadence or climb. Standing up to climb is definitely tough work, but it's a nice day today, so I think I'll do a bit of training - just up and down the same hill a few times to get a rhythm and work on technique.