My Challenge

[NinjaAce]

Hi All,

I have been lurking around the forums for a while and enjoy reading lots of the posts. I thought it was about time I started joining in a bit more.

I started to cycle again last year after a suffered a total tendon rupture in my ankle and also to lose weight. I am who you would call a large guy.

Last year was a good year and I got out a lot, but then winter came and it all dropped off. Till now I have suffered for motivation so I decided to set myself a challenge and a number of goals.

The challenge is to cycle 7500 miles before I turn 40 in 3 years time. The goals I have set myself are goals such as weight loss, distance cycled etc.

More details can be found on my blog www.cyclingtofitness.com, where I will document my progress.

I have also booked a 40 mile sportive for the end of July for added motivation.

What I would like to ask is there any tips / advice that anyone can offer a me to increase my milage and get fitter. This doesn't have to be on the bike, but could be eating habits, additional exercise, kit etc

Also is this distance realistic for a beginner over the next 3 years? I think it is, but sometimes I have my doubts, especially with our British weather.

Ta ta for now

Scott

 

[Dave 123]

I would say take it steady. If a day or two comes when you can't be bothered then that's ok.
How long has it taken the weight to accumulate? It won't come off in a couple of weeks.
Enjoy it

 

[Roadhump]

7,500 miles over 3 years seems realistic as it is 2,500 miles a year = 50 miles a week. You could do 3 x 16/17 mile rides a week to achieve that. The thing is though, that can sound easier than it actually is. In the summer it is easy and there aren't the demotivating factors of inclement weather (although today's wind and low temperature has me wondering whether to go for a long walk instead of a battle with the elements, and it is late May!!). In the winter, it can be more difficult and if you work 9-5 Mon-Fri, you may find yourself only being able to go out in the dark except at weekend. In short, very doable provided you keep your motivation levels up.

As for fitness, the consistent physical activity of cycling should help build your stamina. Just pedal along steadily, watch your progress but be patient and don't become obsessed or you may fall into a trap I did, i.e. always competing against my last performance which greaty decreased my enjoyment until I managed to snap out of it. I also lost 3 stone by following a G.I. diet which is more a sensible way of eating than one of those calorie control or point based diets that need extra mental agility, and also leave you hungry.

Hope this helps a little, good luck.

 

[NinjaAce]

My entire life

I agree about not rushing it, this is not a diet or anything, this is a lifestyle change or at least the start of one.

The idea is to enjoy the challenge, as you say if I miss a ride I won't get upset about it, cycling is about enjoyment and the last thing I want to do is resent it by forcing myself to do it.

I have been out twice this week, was meant to be going out this morning, but ended up working so I will simply plan to go out tonight or get some longer rides in this bank holiday weekend.

Scott

 

[NinjaAce]

7,500 miles over 3 years seems realistic as it is 2,500 miles a year = 50 miles a week. You could do 3 x 16/17 mile rides a week to achieve that. The thing is though, that can sound easier than it actually is. In the summer it is easy and there aren't the demotivating factors of inclement weather (although today's wind and low temperature has me wondering whether to go for a long walk instead of a battle with the elements, and it is late May!!). In the winter, it can be more difficult and if you work 9-5 Mon-Fri, you may find yourself only being able to go out in the dark except at weekend. In short, very doable provided you keep your motivation levels up.

Hope this helps a little, good luck.

Yeah I based the mileage on our British weather and winter. As getting out in the dark winters and some of our bad weather days (most days it seems) will hurt the weekly average. I based it on more like 75 per week with some additional longer rides during holidays etc thrown in.

Scott

 

[rb58]

You might find that your rides gets more frequent, and longer, as you gain experience. So 2,500 miles in year might become 3,000 in year 2 and so on. At least, that's what happened to me. I have set what seemed like a challenging target every year I've been riding, and every year I've had to increase it at about the half way point. You'll be amazed at how quickly the miles add up. Most important thing of all - much more important than the mileage - is to make sure it stays fun. As long as you're enjoying it, the miles will take care of themselves.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If practical, one of the easiest ways to build the mileage is by commuting, 5 miles each way for a five day week gives you 50 miles a week, throw in the odd extended commute and weekend rides and you will easily do 7,500 over three years.

 

[NinjaAce]

Unfortunately I work 2 minute walk from where I live. So the idea is to do a daily ride of 13 miles each morning before work eventually.

If the 7500 miles does indeed appear to be easily achievable I may extend it as time progresses. I was going to set it at 10,000 initially, but thought that would be too much. 3 Years is a lot of time to put in consistent mileage each week, I am sure once I am up to speed I won't think like that, but its still early days.

 

[helston90]

Try doing a little and often to start with- I find just trips to the shops/ parents house/ park with kids all adds up and you'll be hitting your target in no time without realising it!

 

[BigonaBianchi]

each time you head for the car ask yourself if you can do that trip on a bike instead.
good luck...

 

[NinjaAce]

I don't own a car so that works for me. I did a 30 mile ride a few weeks ago before I set this challenge so I still have my cycle legs from last year, but 30 miles is about my limit right now for 1 ride. The 13 mile week day rides I have set myself allow myself to push myself, especially as they have small hills. Using these I hope to build up my fitness, loose weight as well as increase mileage. I hope to continue with trying to get a longer ride in each weekend.

 

[NinjaAce]

Well, it was a good week last week, managed to get out for a 26 miles on Saturday which I really enjoyed. Looking to get out for a longer ride today as well. Makes it so much better when the sun is shining.

Achieved a total of 52 miles last week, not too bad for my first week.

Scott

 

[NinjaAce]

Well, I did manage to get out for that longer ride on Bank Holiday Monday, managed to clock in 46 miles. Although the last 15 miles were agony in my wrists and with cramp in my legs. Loved it though and was impressed with achieving my highest mileage so far.

My bike is in for a service this week and they have said they will look at my position on the bike for me to try remove some of the pain on longer rides.

To add to that I was ill for most of last week which prevented me getting out. I haven't had chance to update the blog yet, but I will do this evening. More specifics and pics of the ride will be placed there.

Looking forward to getting my bike back so I can get out and enjoy the weather. I do need to invest in better kit though for those longer rides.

Any help with how to find the best position for cleats (SPD) or clothing for the larger sized guy?

Scott

 

[EltonFrog]

Any help with how to find the best position for cleats (SPD) or clothing for the larger sized guy?

Scott

I was having a problem with cleats, for different reason to yours, my feat were getting numb and sore, and the shoes/cleats were making a noise. I took my bike to the LBS and got them to have a look at my riding position and the position of the shoes/cleats. They made some slight adjustments and rearranged the new cleats. Apart from the noise going I did not notice any other improvements at first, but it occurred to me the other day that my feat no longer went numb, or hurt, occasionally the noise comes back, but I give the cleats a little tweak with an alan key and the sorts it.

My point is, that you should go and get a "mini fit" for you and your bike at a good bike shop, or trial and error with your cleat position in shoes. There are guides on the web that'll help, but I'm not sure where they are, someone will be along in a minute I expect who knows exactly where they are and what they are talking about.

 

[NinjaAce]

Thanks for that. My LBS has agreed to take a look for me at my position and make some recommendations. They do offer a full bike fit but this is a bit of overkill, there words.

Hopefully they will do this when I pick my bike up from its service.

Scott