Back in June I fractured my ankle and tore some ligaments. I've been out of my boot about 3 weeks now. Between actual riding and the trainer I've put in a few hours on the bike but it really feels like I'm starting over. It's kind of frustrating especially since I had planned on doing my first century at this time.

when healthy and back on the bike, and after a couple of rides, you'll be right back where you were. ...wherever that was.

IME, conditioning doesn't go away that fast. but in three weeks, i could put on about 10-15 pounds, i think. and THAT doesn't go away fast either!

It's been a while since I fractured my ankle. My bicycle commute then was short and flat so I managed it even with a cast. But running, after the cast came off, I had to start all over again, and it took a while for my foot to loosen up enough to even do it. So I understand your frustration.

I'd postpone any centuries though for a while yet. Let your body tell you how it goes. When you are ready and the ankle feels good, then go find a century to ride. Mind you, I don't know how old you are, or how long the cycling season is where you live, so those will affect how fast you can return to doing a century. Your doctor may be able to advise.

I've been there ...

https://www.bikeforums.net/long-dista...ting-over.html


Just keep working at it ... and you might consider doing a bit of cross-training as well. Rowing, swimming, weightlifting ...

I started weight lifting while I was down. My cardio unfortunately was what suffered. My leg muscles are still stiff but are loosening by the day. I'm doing well on the bike but my speed seems to be suffering. I have to push harder then before to go faster. If nothing else it gives me the excuse to ride more.

I had to "start over" this summer after I fell from a ladder. I had only been riding about 5 weeks when it happened and I felt like I was just getting into a good rhythm. It took a few weeks of being gentle before I felt strong enough to push myself on the bike. I lost some time but I am grateful I can still ride.
I hope once you are riding that you will feel better about just being on the bike.

I'll be starting over this Winter. Wrecked my motorcycle on May 17th and broke my tibia in 7 places. Two surgeries, two Titanium plates and 16 screws later, I'm still not walking. I can barely turn over the pedals on my bike sitting on a trainer. Knee is really tight so it may be another couple months before I will have enough range of motion to actually be able to walk and pedal. Going to be interesting to see how bad it is when I'm back to functional.