30 year old. Marathon running background. Dropped all running and just started cycling. I want to use now through December to train on the bike, and then start racing (Cat 5 of course) in January and also do some century rides with the wifey throughout the year. Currently using my GPS unit and an older steel frame racing bike (down-tube shifters). Live in southern TX, so riding year-round is fairly easy.

First week on bike I managed 145 miles with an 18mph average over rolling terrain. Long ride was 45 miles, same rolling terrain, average of 18mph. Felt like I put out about an 80% effort.

Second week on bike I managed 165 miles with an 18mph average over same rollling terrain. Long ride was 55 miles, rolling terrain, average of 18mph. Felt like I put out about same 80% effort.

I felt fine after both weeks, but now I don't know what I should do. I figure my "cycling level" is better than most beginners, but not anywhere near where it could be. Should I continue to up the mileage each week, stay where I am, find even more hills, concentrate on time on saddle rather than mileage, etc... Coming from running I'm use to a pretty structured workout schedule, which I actually prefer.

This is all pretty new to me, so I feel a little lost. Haven't done the group ride thing yet. Not sure about the old bike and shifters and what they would think of that. Not sure I could even hang with them honestly. I guess it depends on the group though, and what level they are at.