I go to he Pub :beer: ride there & back :... distance: barely a Mile..

Well, I did it. I got out yesterday morning and moved my legs for about 75 minutes. During the first 2 miles, I felt like I lost my legs-- they felt awful. Then they settled in and felt fairly good. I went through a neighborhood I have not previously gone through, and that was nice too. I also got out about 45 minutes before sunrise, which is my favorite time to ride. It was fun.

I don't think I'm back, but I can see the potential. I think part of my depression was that I will not reach my goal of 5,200 miles for the year (100 per week). I had a concussion in October that took me out for 2 weeks and then the damn flu took me out for 3 weeks. I'll probably finish with just under 4,800 miles for the year. Oh well. I'm not sure if I want to attempt to do it again for 2019. I'll ride two or three more times by Saturday, then I'll be away for a week. Maybe the hotel will have a stationary bike in the fitness room. I'll be in a situation where I won't be able to bike while away.

I think some of the suggestions you guys made that sounded harsh were very helpful for me as well. I didn't take it negatively but as motivation. Thanks.

Nice reading that you got back on the saddle. Small steps begins a new journey and by keeping things simple and FUN the JOY might be recaptured.

+1 (or stay ahead of them)

We knew you could...good job!

Dude, I wrote the book on being in a rut, e.g. depression. The good news is that is doesn't last. The first step is to just do something. Don't set any goals at the start, except to get out and ride. What I leaned is that you have to take baby steps at first. Especially after a health related setback.

BTW, the flu can set you back a month before you're fully recovered. It depends on how well you take care of yourself. The important thing is to give it time, rest, and take your supplements.

Update: So I didn't ride much at all for December and January-- probably less than 175 miles combined. I had been out of the house for 7 of 10 weekends from mid November to this past weekend. Two of the three weekends spent home was getting over the flu.

So now I will be home for a good stretch and got back on the bike this past Saturday. It was 20 miles that felt like 80, but it was a start. I also commuted to and from work today which added another 22 miles-- baby steps, as some of you said.

I've not written my goals yet for this year, but I'm beginning to feel a bit more motivated. Thanks guys.