Hey Mac, you have to start somewhere!

If you can stand the scenery, stay on the same route, if not the change to another one. I have four longer routes and I use to "time" myself when I want to keep pushing myself to be faster. I know when I should be passing a certain landmark for a certain time. That way I'm not worrying about a timer and stuff. They also have great bathrooms and snack shops on them!

I quit lifting a few weeks ago and doing just swimming and biking til the winter forces me inside agian. I like the outside too much!

Just keep pedaling!

Also, I do a core workout twice a week, http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cm...?articleid=486. I work up a pretty good sweat, and haven't had any issues with my back since.

Good Luck
Jerry