Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Hmmm...progress slow but there

Okay, I'm sittin' here in my sweaty clothes after having just finished a 30 minute ride. Now, in some ways I'm disappointed, other ways I'm not. And then on the other hand, I need a bit of advice.

I only made about 4 miles on this ride. Not great for 30 minutes. However, I tackled lots of hills and rough roads around my neighborhood that I have been avoiding when possible. On the tail-end of my ride, I had to stop for a minute on a hill and catch my breath. Both legs and lungs were failing me. Sorta disappointing. However, on the bright side which is where I choose to look today, this was about my 4th hill climb and I'm surprised I hadn't stopped sooner as this one was from a dead stop at the bottom due to traffic/stop signs. So, I can be okay with this.

Did try out my new bike shorts. I can't tell if they make a big difference, but they don't make me uncomfortable so that's a plus. And I know in the heat that's on it's way, I'll ditch the capris I wore over them today and they'll be an asset. Did the padding help? Not sure. Probably less pressure on the sit bones, but I do get some pressure and numbness at times in the front, so maybe a seat adjustment is in order. I welcome any input on that. However, from what I can see, I got a pretty good deal on a decent pair of shorts and will probably go back for another pair so I will have one to wash and one to wear. Seemed a good price compared to what I've found other places.

My speed seems to picking up more often with less noticed effort. Yes, I was going as slow as 7-8 mph up some hills. But on the better roads, I would chance to look down and noticed I was going 13-14+ mph and it wasn't intentional. I was just pedaling along at what felt comfortable. But my average speed is probably more like 10-12 just cruising along.

I come from a bodybuilding background-somewhat recently (less than 5 years). Some distant gymnastics and even track and swimming competitively years back thrown into the mix. Yes, I'm out of shape and overweight right now. But I understand muscles and training and building up strength as well as speed and endurance due to my varied athletic background. So, why then am I disappointed when I am unable to do the distance I'm wanting to or can't quite make it up the hills I want? I get it. I probably have more "fast twitch" muscles - both genetically and due to most recent training. I've never been as endurance oriented as strength oriented. Strength comes easily to me, endurance never has. My husband on the other hand can't build big mucles as easily as me, a female - a true "hardgainer" - but the fella can work anyone into the ground endurance-wise. The point to all my rambling is that I truly understand basic differences in individuals and what a person is capable of and what I, in particular, am capable of in the athletic arena. So, I'm a bit frustrated that my body is failing to get me where I want to go when I want to do it.

Am I seeing progress? Yes. Is it as quickly as I'd like it to be? No. Am I just going to have to suck it up and deal with it and make slow and steady progress and ride as much as I can when I can? Yes. Am I going to be able to go on a ride with people other than my kids and not feel like a ton of bricks they're having to lug around? Dunno. Eventually. Am I going to get in the middle of a long ride and poop out and have to call someone to come pick me up and bring me home? This is I guess my biggest fear. And probably the reason for my impatience with my progress.

Well, glad you were all here to bounce the inner workings of my mind off of so I could figure that out for myself. :rolleyes:

Here's something I haven't experienced so far and really would like some comments: Nearing the very end of my ride, I noticed some discomfort in the neck/shoulder area - specifically the traps. I found I had my elbows locked out and was sorta supporting my weight on my arms with my shoulders up around my ears. Too tired and compensating? Or should I re-examine bike fit in this area?

So progress, yeah. Maybe not fast enough to suit me, but progress. One thing though - beautiful day, I was out in it-moving, sweating and breathing. So, a good ride no matter the rest of it.

How many miles do you have on this bike?

Not many. I think 17 as of today.

Your doing good.

You're making good progress. Keep it up and before you know it you will be doing 10 and then 20 miles.

Hang in there, what is the quote. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step."
Personal experience - last year I could not ride the 20 mile loop around our city (Multi-Use Trail) By the end of the summer I was doing the whole 20 miles AND looking for ways to increase the distance. If you are committed it will come.
You seem to be looking on the bright side.

Here's something I haven't experienced so far and really would like some comments: Nearing the very end of my ride, I noticed some discomfort in the neck/shoulder area - specifically the traps. I found I had my elbows locked out and was sorta supporting my weight on my arms with my shoulders up around my ears. Too tired and compensating? Or should I re-examine bike fit in this area?

So progress, yeah. Maybe not fast enough to suit me, but progress. One thing though - beautiful day, I was out in it-moving, sweating and breathing. So, a good ride no matter the rest of it.

You are doing a great job! You're already tackling hills you were previously avoiding so you're defiantly making progress both physically and mentally. Keep up the great work.

Now, for your shoulders...

My best guess is that you were giving your bars the white knuckle death grip. Or, you got tired and slouched forward. When you're riding along you should be able to take your hands off the bars and not fall forward. You probably need to work on your core strength, it will come in time with bike riding, or faster with an exercise ball and 20 minutes a few times a week. Grip your bars loosely and enjoy the ride :thumb:

Bau

Thanks guys for the encouragement and the suggestion. I was definitely tired and slouching. Can't remember if I was white knuckled, but wouldn't be surprised. :D

Would you think the numness in the saddle area would benefit from a slight tilt down to the front? I think it's fairly level. I can't tell if it's my position on there or the saddle needs adjusting. I shift around, but am not noticing a lot of change in the way it feels when I do.

If you were tired and slouched forward, that would explain the extra pressure on your...lady bits. I wouldn't monkey with the saddle just yet. If you do, make the adjustments just a tiny bit at a time.

No, the numbness was from the get-go, before getting tired. I am really hesitant to fool with the saddle. Maybe I'll just ride a while longer and see if me and the saddle get better acquainted. I'm wondering if the padding in the bike shorts have something to do with it too.

Do you notice yourself sliding off front of back? You can check the saddle for level - use a board or something to put on the seat so it hits all 3 high spots and put a level on it (be sure the ground is level).
Could the saddle be too high or low? There should be a slight bend in the knee when the pedal is at the bottom. Try pedaling with your heels pointed down, stretching your calves. Your hips shouldn't rock.
I would check those and ride for a while. Then make a small adjustment and ride it a bit more. Don't let it discourage you. I usually get numb right toes and I found that by standing on downhills and pedaling more heels down helps.

Hills are the toughest thing in cycling..they whoop you right into shape.

Nope to the sliding. It is pretty well level. Saddle seems to be the right height. Was fitted at the LBS and it's feels good. They said I could probably have the seat raised when I get more comfortable with riding in general, but my legs seem to have the perfect amount of extension. No rocking of the hips heels down.

Here's a picture of the bike:
141255

Pretty level. Although now that I'm looking closely at the saddle, there's a little "hump" towards the front. Wonder if that's the problem?

From the sound of it I think you're doing great.


Am I going to be able to go on a ride with people other than my kids and not feel like a ton of bricks they're having to lug around? Dunno. Eventually.
I've found different kinds of rides in my area. I belong to a club that runs three levels of rides- Cruisers, Swifties & Pacers. I'm sure you'd be able to make it with the cruisers. Also, though, see if there is a local "ratrod" bicycle group (try Googling or check your local Craigslist). I've gone to one or two cruiser/ratrod bike shows and the rides afterward were very social and leisurely, none of this "put the hammer down" stuff. See if you can find a nice, leisurely group to ride with; they are out there but seem to spread more through word of mouth than anything else. Nowadays, the internet is part of word of mouth. So Google ratrod, cruiser, bicycle, (your town), or keep your eye on CL and see what comes up. Some of those rides are more regular than others.