alecstilleyedye said:
if you ride at a pace that leaves you slightly out of breath and makes you sweat you'll soon build up a reasonable level of fitness.
Made me smile that - as a seasoned cyclist, I still ride eye balls out on a commute, even when I think I'm tailing it off as I reach the office, sweat is pouring off me like niagra falls.....
Just ride as hard as you feel comfortable, then you'll speed up no problem.
I've had a few light years cycling because of damned work, got that back in balance 10 weeks ago, changed jobs, started commuting, etc stopped eating crap during the day, and lost about a stone in that time (7kg's).
I'm 5.9 and weighed in at 90kg's - not exactly big, but too lardy for a keen cyclist. Aiming to stop at 80kg, currently 83kg's as 80kg's was my race weight when I was younger. Dropped 2 points of the cholesterol in this time as well - still not there though, but positive action works wonders. Don't ever fall into the work trap - I did.
Left my desk chained job at the end of May (car commute) and excluding a job I didn't like for a few weeks, I've ended up working 10 miles from home - ideal commute for time wise - 30-35 mins with traffic, reasonable 'wake' time etc. If i need a longer run in/home I can add the miles.
Build the miles into your life - it's easier and if poss commute - you arrive awake and less stressed than driving. Even taking it easy because of a big jam, might only add a couple of minutes on a bike - they are that reliable.