Originally Posted by GeorgeBMac

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And, Carbonfiberboy: The exercise physiologist did not tell me to stay away from hills. Rather he suggested that I get my average heart rate on a ride up to between 120 and 138 (from the current 112) so that I could build my VAT level and be able to climb hills without getting bonked. Or, in other words, he said I had been spending too much time at low levels of exertion and I needed to push my body harder in order to build my VAT up to where he wants to see it: 70% of the VO2Max. When he told me that, I asked him: "Are you telling me I've been dogging it? I road 4,000 miles this past year!" He just smiled and nodded...

But, I agree with you: I have spent the last 40-50 years abusing my body through too little exercise and too many BigMacs. 7 years seems reasonable in order to compensate for that. But, at the same time, I will be fighting the deteriorating effects of old age. So, I may never get there if I take it easy as you suggest. Instead, I've made cycling my top priority and try to get in about 1 1/2 or 2 hours of saddle time a day, 5 or 6 days a week -- with my heart rate averaging above 120.