New Bike

tracyryankalee
tracyryankalee Posts: 1 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey All, I just bought myself a new bike today. It’s been years. I used to ride all the time. Today, I rode around the block ( has a lot of hills) for 15 minutes & I thought I was going to die. I over heated. I hope I can get used to it again- I kinda disappointed myself today. Any advice?

Replies

  • garystrickland357
    garystrickland357 Posts: 598 Member
    Ride often. Enjoy it. I know your legs were screaming today, but your body will adapt quickly. Don’t push too hard, just get on the bike and ride until you’ve had enough then go home.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,231 Member
    tracyryankalee wrote: »
    Hey All, I just bought myself a new bike today. It’s been years. I used to ride all the time. Today, I rode around the block ( has a lot of hills) for 15 minutes & I thought I was going to die. I over heated. I hope I can get used to it again- I kinda disappointed myself today. Any advice?

    Take it slowly, do just a bit with rest day(s) between, and increase gradually. Is there some place you can ride for a bit that's a little less hilly, just for a start?

    I bought myself a new bike after cancer treatment, in my mid-40s. The first ride was very short, very shaky, and very challenging/tiring! But I kept at it, it kept improving, and now biking is part of my standard repertoire of fun activities.

    It'll come back to you, with some patience and persistence! :)
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    edited July 2018
    Learn how to use the gears to your advantage. Have fun!
  • riasntx
    riasntx Posts: 25 Member
    edited July 2018
    Today I decided to take my collage age daughter’s bike out for a ride. It was my first time in at least 15 years and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I’m in East TX where it’s pretty flat so it wasn’t as difficult. Don’t give up and take it slow. There’s no way I would’ve lasted that long riding over hills. It’s a great workout! I was surprised at how many calories I burned. Now I want to buy my own.
  • mjbnj0001
    mjbnj0001 Posts: 1,268 Member
    I concur with everyone else. Congratulations on the bike, take it progressively, don't compare yourself to others (you're on your own path), etc.

    My family bought me a nice bike for Christmas/Retirement this past December, as a "gift of health." Being a long-time believer in written New Year's resolutions, I set a goal of 750+ miles for this year. I'm old(er), overweight, out of shape and have health issues. I'm up at 400 miles so far for the year, 30 lbs lighter, and feeling much better. But those first few, 1mi., rides were pretty tough. It comes with time and repetition.

    There are some really accomplished riders here on MFP - from all over the world. You should be able to get some good advice and encouragement from them as you go along.
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,565 Member
    tracyryankalee wrote: »
    Hey All, I just bought myself a new bike today. It’s been years. I used to ride all the time. Today, I rode around the block ( has a lot of hills) for 15 minutes & I thought I was going to die. I over heated. I hope I can get used to it again- I kinda disappointed myself today. Any advice?

    Cool! What kind of bike - townie, road, mountain - ? You'll get into the rhythm easily if you keep riding regularly - make sure you're hydrating well, even on short rides in the heat. Have fun!

    Just a note - if you start going for longer rides, do look into padded shorts and/or underwear. Your butt will thank you :)
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    lorrpb wrote: »
    Learn how to use the gears to your advantage. Have fun!

    This is great advice, especially if you're riding on hilly routes. Also like others' suggestions to ride frequently, keeping it easy and staying hydrated. You may be surprised by how quickly your fitness improves.

    Congrats on the new bike. Hope you have fun with it!!
  • DAGridesagain
    DAGridesagain Posts: 132 Member
    mph323 wrote: »
    tracyryankalee wrote: »
    Hey All, I just bought myself a new bike today. It’s been years. I used to ride all the time. Today, I rode around the block ( has a lot of hills) for 15 minutes & I thought I was going to die. I over heated. I hope I can get used to it again- I kinda disappointed myself today. Any advice?

    Cool! What kind of bike - townie, road, mountain - ? You'll get into the rhythm easily if you keep riding regularly - make sure you're hydrating well, even on short rides in the heat. Have fun!

    Just a note - if you start going for longer rides, do look into padded shorts and/or underwear. Your butt will thank you :)

    100% agree. Hydration is important, and not just in the heat.

    As for the shorts, quality pays and no underwear!
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,565 Member
    vertego wrote: »
    mph323 wrote: »
    tracyryankalee wrote: »
    Hey All, I just bought myself a new bike today. It’s been years. I used to ride all the time. Today, I rode around the block ( has a lot of hills) for 15 minutes & I thought I was going to die. I over heated. I hope I can get used to it again- I kinda disappointed myself today. Any advice?

    Cool! What kind of bike - townie, road, mountain - ? You'll get into the rhythm easily if you keep riding regularly - make sure you're hydrating well, even on short rides in the heat. Have fun!

    Just a note - if you start going for longer rides, do look into padded shorts and/or underwear. Your butt will thank you :)

    100% agree. Hydration is important, and not just in the heat.

    As for the shorts, quality pays and no underwear!

    Haha, should have said padded shorts OR padded underwear - good clarification!

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