Originally Posted by LoriRose

So I've been back on a bike for approx. 3 months now. I try and commute whenever possible and then go for longer rides on my days off. I'm averaging 40-50km/week commuting and another 10-50km on my days off, some of which are climbs up a mountain. So let's say maybe 75km/week. Now when I go browsing through these forums I start to feel a little inadequate. People post comments like 'did a short 25 mile (40km) ride today,' and I'm thinking that's not short!!! If I want to do a 40km ride that's half my day preparing, eating, showering, napping, etc. I know it's all relative but what I'm wondering is if I keep at it and increase my distance per week will the longer rides start to feel short? Am I that out of shape? I'm 36, 5'8" female, approx. 145 lbs with a thin athletic build (minus the thick thighs). Before taking up cycling I wasn't super active or inactive. I work on my feet and walk everywhere. The longer rides aren't excruciating but I do need to take a few breathers after really exerting myself and when I near the end I am happy to be almost done. My goal is to be able to do longer and longer rides but I fear that my body just won't get used to it or that I will become discouraged. I guess I am just trying to gauge where my fitness level is at. If a 25 mile ride doesn't seem short to me does that mean I have a long way to go?