I have been bike commuting for about a month. My commute is only three miles each way; mostly downhill on the way to work and mostly uphill on the way home. The only riding I do right now is my commute. I usually work four days a week, sometimes five.

So...when will it get easier? I'm tired and my legs hurt at the end of every ride. Should I throw a few long rides in there on weekends? Should I hurry up and get a trailer so I can pull my daughter around?

I read about these people who can ride centuries and randonees and have absolutely no idea how they do it; I'm ready to fall over after three miles. An errand on the way to work nearly kills me!

Am I a wuss? Am I just not being patient enough? Is there anything else that could cause a rinky-dink little three-mile ride to kill me every day?