Originally Posted by
LoriRose
......... 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? ..... 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?
I don't know if this helps but I started cycling again 18 months ago. My first ride was 6 miles and it took me almost an hour (well 48 minutes to be precise IIRC). Adaptations take time. Building a base will increase the size and number of mitochondria as well as associated enzymes that allow you to ride longer distances without getting so tired. 25 miles now seems short to me. If your goal is to ride longer rides, slowly and
consistently increase the distance of your one long ride per week. The one long ride per week is key in addition to riding at least four times per week. So, I went from fat and slow to contemplating trying to do over 420 miles in 24 hours next Winter and despite what another poster wrote, it ain't easy riding 22 mph nonstop. Again, the key is consistently increasing the load and particularly the long ride. 10-15% increases in mileage per week are the max. Every month or so, take an easy rest week (say maybe half the miles and lower intensity). Try to be patient. You can do it!