Should it be this hard?

[RWright]

I started back riding in late July after about an 8 month layoff and was soon diagnosed with high blood pressure. The Dr. is still sorting out my medication. I think it is stunting my riding progress a little but I consider riding a fun part of my overall treatment so that is fine.

To the OP, don't get too caught up in the distance and MPH numbers....yet there will be plenty of time for them after you get a little saddle time in. I started logging my rides and it does make you push harder but luckily I had about a month or so of riding in before I started logging. It could have been very discouraging to see them during that first month. Don't let them be a distraction, just ride for fun and exercise at first.

 

[Peteaud]

To the OP, don't get too caught up in the distance and MPH numbers....yet there will be plenty of time for them after you get a little saddle time in. I started logging my rides and it does make you push harder but luckily I had about a month or so of riding in before I started logging. It could have been very discouraging to see them during that first month. Don't let them be a distraction, just ride for fun and exercise at first.

+1

 

[Fab Foodie]

Atenalol and Chlorthalizone , Atenalol is a beta blocker, Chlothalizone is a water pill. Sorry it took so long to get back, training an infant beagle in my spare time .

I'm on Atenalol and it does make you a bit sluggish, especially if you ride soon after taking it, however I'm fairly fit and can crack-along cruising happily at 20mph on the flat and with a road triple rarely have to walk a hill.
BUT
To the OP, start easy and the fitness will soon build, relax on the bike, don't worry about times or speeds, just ride your route 3 times a week and magically it gets better.

This is useful for ensuring you're set-up comfortably:
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

 

[Easytigers]

Some really good advice on here! Can only reiterate that you should enjoy every minute. You'll get to the point when you forget about how sore everything is and how your heart is going to pop out at any minute! In that time , you get chance to look around you with a new set of eyes and realise how lucky you are to be out and about and not stuck in a car. You'll also be fitter and able to sort out (or at least make more sense of) all of the crap that life has to throw at you (sorry for the mushy thoughts but for me cycling makes such a difference!).

 

[DaveyM]

Some really good advice on here! Can only reiterate that you should enjoy every minute. You'll get to the point when you forget about how sore everything is and how your heart is going to pop out at any minute! In that time , you get chance to look around you with a new set of eyes and realise how lucky you are to be out and about and not stuck in a car. You'll also be fitter and able to sort out (or at least make more sense of) all of the crap that life has to throw at you (sorry for the mushy thoughts but for me cycling makes such a difference!).

spot on!

 

[Ozzrahog]

Got a stinking cold at the moment, went out for my normal 12 mile loop, came home sweating like a fat lass in a jumper and feeling like my lungs had been sandpapered, today was not fun lol

 

[lulubel]

What you describe sounds like the effect of a low saddle.

This was my first thought, too.

 

[Archie_tect]

Keep going Psychic!

There comes a point when you get to where you normally turn for home and you think, I'll just go to the next junction .... then the next...
You know you're hooked when you're shouting hello to people you start to recognise each time you're out.

Then on crisp sunny mornings you get passed by blokes on motorbikes or in Caterhams or Lotuses out for a blast and you feel sorry for them because they're not getting any benefit being out in the fresh air.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Atenalol and Chlorthalizone , Atenalol is a beta blocker, Chlothalizone is a water pill. Sorry it took so long to get back, training an infant beagle in my spare time .

Did your doctor discuss different medication with you? I had a very hard time on Atenalol but a friend who happened to be a doctor suggested asking for ''calcium channel antagonists'' which, if suitable, work by dilating the blood vessels rather than suppressing adrenaline. (At least, that's how I understood it from my non-medical background.) I feel much better using these (Felodipine is the brand I'm using) and I find a little adrenaline is a good thing to have on busy roads. It might be worth asking your doctor if this class of drug might be appropriate treatment for you.

 

[Andrew Gronow]

When your sitting on the seat can you touch the floor with your feet?
Surprising the amount of cyclists I see that have their bike set up so they can touch the floor when they stop.
This puts far too much stress on your knees and also makes you look like a frog on a lilly pad.
A good Video for seat adjustment to get you on your way.
Everone has a different pain or discomfort threshold. Just keep going, you have to start somewhere...

 

[malcermie]

I've been riding for about two months now and am amazed at the improvement I've made. At first I had my saddle far too low, kept moving up an inch at a time and each time it got better. I t must be six inches higher now than when I started! I fitted toe straps and was amazed how much better it was, at first I was worried about not being able to get my feet out in time now I wouldn't be without them! My normal rides are now between thirty and fifty miles and at 67 and only riding two months I think that's pretty good, just keep going you will get there and listen to the good advice you are getting on this forum.
Malc

 

[Andrew Gronow]

My normal rides are now between thirty and fifty miles and at 67 and only riding two months I think that's pretty good.

I think that's bloody amazing! Well done...

 

[malcermie]

I think that's bloody amazing! Well done...

Thank you, I put a lot of it down to the support I get from this site, just coming on here makes me want to get the bike out!!

 

[clockhammer]

So, first post for me, and some advice sorely needed.

I've recently purchased an 18-speed hybrid bike (this one), and have started cycling. I have a sedentary job, and haven't really exercised much over the years (I'm 44), but wouldn't have really classed myself as really unfit, although am currently a stone overweight (currently 14 stone).

And, whilst I didn't expect to be flying up and down hills from the start, I did expect it to be a little easier than I seem to be facing!

I worked out a 6.5 mile 'round the block' style route (using MapMyRide), picking something reasonable flat, and set out.

On the flat bits, I guess, was reasonably OK, although I'm at a slow cadence (around 60?) in gear 6. Higher gear or cadence and it wears me down fast.

Then I got to the first 'hill'. Now, when I say hill, what I really mean is slope. About a mile at just over 1%! This hurt my legs, mainly the muscles/tendons around the knees. I had to drop to about 3rd, but managed to get to the top, although it wasn't easy. Then second 'hill', not long after, was about 700 yards as 1.5%, and, whilst I did make it to the top, I almost collapsed and had to rest for a few minutes, and my legs/knees were burning. I was down to 1st gear, with a cadence of about 15-20 by the time I hit the top.

I've done this same route five times now, and it is the same every time. Overall, the timer says I'm averaging about 8.5mph over the entire route, although that is with stops and not going too fast down the 'hills' (too scared/wobbly at the moment)

As far as I can tell (from many online posts/guides), the saddle is the right height, handlebars OK, leg position fine when peddling. It would seem though, that my cadence is REALLY low, and I when compare to many 'beginners' posts I've read, I'm feeling almost disabled!

Should even these short, tiny slopes hurt so much?
Should I really be suffering with such a low cadence?

I've read, many times, that it will 'get easier', but I'm concerned that something else might be 'wrong' that is causing my initial limitations.

Anyone have any ideas? Is this "normal"?

Must echo all the comments about making sure your seat is high enough, after that it's all about (cue the Roy Castle trumpet) dedication. I only started back cycling in May. Started off on an old MTB and commuted once or twice per week with the odd pleasure ride thrown in. Sure at times I feel like its killing me, I smoke and I like a bottle of red wine and I haven't done much fitness wise for 10 years. I always smile when on my bike though so I think that's a clue.

Bought a road bike and have started to increase my distances, started with 4 miles, then 8, then 10 and managed a 17 mile run today and the things I would have called hills before I am now accelerating up, the big climbs are still killing me though. I do notice that I'm no longer seeing my heartbeat in my eyes though so I reckon progress is being made. I have set myself a goal of doing over the ton in Spring time so I am determined to keep going, I thing the smoking will have to go though so all good.

So just keep going, make sure all elements are correct, bike, seat, prep (obviously don't go for a long ride after a skinful or if you are just not feeling right) and enjoy it.

Keep posting though and let us know how you get on

cheers

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

'Should it be this hard?'

Said the Actress to the Bishop.



I'll get me coat.