Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - An old Friend and I

6:00 a.m I dusted off my old friend (my bike) and headed out on the open road, I had not ridden my bike since August:cry:. My goal this year is to be in shape to ride the 40 mile Covered Bridge family ride with my husband and daughter, last year I made 26 miles before giving up due to knee pain. I want to accomplish this ride and goal that I have set for myself, because I'm not getting any younger I need to be in better shape for health and for my family, I want them to be proud of me and show them I can do it! I'll gladly accept any encouragement anyone has to offer on this matter!:)

The mr in the house is clearly an example of what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it.

My best advice is to not try and measure yourself by him or any yardstick for the first 6 months. Make a goal of exercising a minimum of 4 days a week. Shift them around if life happens. Make one of those days a long ride. On the other days do rides if you parts aren't hurting too much, or simply get out and do an hour of brisk walking

Dont get discouraged, start again the next day if you fall off. Don't get discouraged if it seems you aren't making progress...it's hard to see the progress if your measuring yourself against someone more accomplished.

I did a running program over the winter with my wife. She made it all look so easy. She would do a run, and come home and jump right back into other activities. I would come home and die.

It made it very hard for me to see that I was getting better, although slowly. Oddly enough a buddy at work was the one that pointed out to me that 6 weeks ago, I couldn't run down my driveway, bit today I was running 3 miles. 12 weeks after that I ran 13.1 miles.

Change you eating to support the getting in shape, and get some more encouragement from the scale each week. Don't get too excited if it doesn't go down the first month...I know mine didn't. But since thanksgiving i have lost 30 lbs and it keeps coming off very slowly.

Best adivce is really just the Nike slogan...just do it. Try and find a small way to be active each and every day. I take the stairs everywhere I go now, and oddly enough I always beat the guys in the elevator or escalator. I travel for work. So I get some odd looks lugging my suitcase up the stairs, but it works for me.

Mynpoint is don't let perceived difficulties stop you from exercising. There is a treadmill or elliptical or street nearby somewhere with your name on it, if you can't get on the bike.

And one last thought, it's going to be hard, most people give up because it's hard. Find a way to keep going.

Thank you for the advice. Sounds like you have found somethings that work for you, I'll give some a try. I am signed up to do a walk-a-thon in late June and plan to do more such events, I find I have more motivation when there is a purpose that goes along with the activity!

I would add that if you are having knee pain, you might consider a bike fit at your local bike shop. That will make the world of difference.

slow and steady...

it is not a race...

you have to do it for you and no one else..

if it stops being fun, find something else that is but continue to be active!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Thanks, my husband figured it was due to the fact my seat needed to be adjusted!

Don't forget simple over use as a cause. Even though your cardio system may allow you to ride further, doesn't mean your skeletal system is conditioned to do so.

Build slowly, go longer

All very good advice! I got my FX last July and was good the first month about riding. Then the excuses started...it's too hot, football is on...yada yada yada. November rolled around and I got my Garmin and rode more like I did in July...then the novelty of the Garmin wore off. I did no riding in December or January and 3/4 of February. Then I got the wake up call/kick in the butt. I got the FX out and started riding and changed my eating. At first the weight was not coming off...but I kept at it. I signed up for a local 30 mile ride to give me something to aim for and keep me motivated. Early April, I got a road bike. I have put nearly 800 miles on my bikes since Feb 21! I have lost 23 lbs so far. (need to update my tickers)

You can do this! Keep us posted on your progress! :)

I love the good example you are setting for your family. Good luck!!

Awesome goal, it sounds like you are on the right path. Not sure if you bike is fitted or not, but I was having knee pain an old injury, sidelined me for about a month. When I got my new bike in, I got fitted and they worked on me knowing I was having this issue. A few tweaks later they adjusted my cleat and now I am pain free. Might be worth a try if you have been or not been fitted to get an adjustment.