For the 4 years prior to last year, I was basically not exercising at all; on July 1st last year, parked my car a few miles from work, and rode the rest of the way.

For 3.5 months, all I did was to focus on doing that, as many days a week as I could. Once I start something, it's my tendency to obsess, overdo, and then quit, so I focused on scenery, different routes, basically every way to focus on anything that made it more likely to continue. Yes, I did use MapMyRide to track my trips, but (I told myself) more to focus on how many days a week I rode, not how fast/far. (Mostly worked). Gains were minimal, seemingly non-existent that year, but lowered stress, and better mental clarity at work was worth it.

This year, started in May, and initially felt like I had lost all my gains from last year, but quickly upped my mileage to 8 miles each way/16 total during the week, and at least one longer ride most weekends. I have an exercise journal, where I reflect on what works for me, and it's my way of making cycling an integrated part of my life.

Started with 95 miles total the first month, did over 170 in May, on target for over 200 this month, and might make my goal of riding 20 out of 30 days. Commuting speed has increased only slightly, but last week my weekend ride was over 14mph, and over 16 for the middle 5 miles (out of 17 miles total).



Just under 1 year back, and I feel confident that I could do 20-25 miles at a slightly relaxed pace if I wanted to, though I haven't yet. Oh, I'm 57, so just a little younger.

I totally agree with StanSeven, the more you enjoy it, the more you will accomplish naturally.