I'll give you that sub 2:40 marathon . I've never raced beyond 10k, but I know so many factors are involved most people never hit the time they are actually in shape for.

6 to 9 months I can deal with. That puts my "getting used to it" phase ending around early next spring. I'm hoping to show some large improvements. Hopefully my sub-pro level running background gives me better odds.

Heavy leg presses or squats are kindof not wise for me now. Both knees were destroyed in my accident mentioned in my first post. Stability under heavy load is an issue, making risk of further injury high. A meniscus tear caused by doing squats is the straw that broke the camels back and put me on the bike. Ironically enough the squats were an effort to strengthen quads and therefore stability.

Anecdote of the day: Yesterday out on my ride I met up with a gentleman out on the road, about 55yo, shorter, heavier, and powerfully built. The only other biker in town so I've seen and talked to him before. He was on the rest interval of a 2x30min workout, so i jumped in with him on his second set for company. Immediately when we started the interval I found myself struggling to keep up, losing ground on the slight downhills. On the ups I would catch him again, although likely putting out more effort to do so. After about 15-20min i'd had enough. Cycling is an interesting sport, the bike is the great equalizer it seems. Luckily my ego is secure and not hurt too bad .