Pushing myself too soon?

[chqshaitan]

Hi Guys,

I have finished my first week of commuting (tuesday, thursday and today.

My legs are a bit tired in the day but nothing major, so I am thinking about setting myself a personal goal of doing all of next week on the bike but am not sure if I am pushing myself too soon.

Each way is around between 6 and 7 miles so not a lot compared to what some do. If I end up being totally knackered after one trip, i have the option of driving if need be, but would prefer to avoid this.

Any suggestions or hints/tips on what i can do maximise my chances of making it through the week ?

 

[MisterStan]

Could you aim for Mon, Weds and Fri for a few weeks? I started doing that. Then after a couple of weeks, you could try Mon/Tues, Weds off and Thurs/Fri back on the bike for a few weeks, then up to five days?
Congratulations on your efforts this week - I genuinly think you've picked a great time to start - the days are getting longer and it should start getting warmer too! Then once you've done the summer and built your mileage up, you'll be set for next winter!

 

[chqshaitan]

yea, 3 days wont be a problem as that is what i have just done(with 2 back to back).

You think its better for me to do less commutes initially with a day to recovery in between ?

On one hand, i dont want to overdue it, otherwise I may decide to cancel a commute, which wouldnt be good, but then I want to push myself as well, choices choices.

I totally agree that this is a good time to start, as its cooler, so I wont get as hot/overheat while commuting ( i am 22 stone, so got a bit to loose, another reason to commute).

 

[MisterStan]

I just found that the day off in between was a help initially (my commute is 35-40 miles return). I started upping the days as I felt ready to. I don't think it's a great idea to push too hard too soon. I also don't know what your general level of fitness is!
If you felt that 3 days was no problem then try 4 next week - probably with Weds as a rest day?

 

[fossyant]

Give it a go. If it knackers you out, ease off and build up.

 

[chqshaitan]

one of your return commutes is more than double one of mine.

i aint mega fit, but am not too bad, up until the end of november , attended a local gym for a few hours ago with a trainer. My average heart rate during the commutes this week is around 160, peaking near 180.

I am 40 years old, so taking into account my age, and weight, i dont think i am too bad

I was maybe going to do a long ride over the weekend but will take it easy now and then start back on monday and take it from there.

Thanks bud

 

[MisterStan]

One of the guys I commute with regularly is 50!

 

[chqshaitan]

haha yea, i wasn't saying due to my age that commuting is an issue, just that it is something to take into account with me starting out.

 

[BSRU]

If you ride more days you could take it easier, I know if I do the same distance at a slower speed I am less affected.
Then you could slowly increase your effort each day.

 

[helston90]

Don't over estimate the back to back bit- I commuted Wed and Fri for a while then something happened and I ended up doing Thurs and Fri one week instead and found it a lot harder than usual- that one day inbetween can make the world of difference to allowing your body to adapt! Just a thought.
Well done on the effort though getting started is the hardest bit!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

If you ride more days you could take it easier, I know if I do the same distance at a slower speed I am less affected.
Then you could slowly increase your effort each day.

This is how I would do it.

 

[chqshaitan]

When i am heading home, I to tend to push myself more as i know i can take it easy. As a few have suggested, maybe I will just coast/take it where i can.

From what you are saying, 5 days of easy commuting would be more beneficial for me starting out, 3 intensive rides, with a day off in between each one.

Does that sound right?

 

[DCLane]

I built up slowly - about 8 weeks with 3 days a week then onto 4 & 5 days a week.

 

[Arsen Gere]

Just do what feels right, you can't go wrong. If you do a few days and feel tired/legs sore then miss a day. I've commuted for years and there are days when I feel like a day off. Don't beat yourself up.

 

[chqshaitan]

Thanks guys