Bicycling Challenge

[Chelenka 827]

I want to be able to ride the same number of miles as my age next year 10/28/2014, when I turn 55. I've never tried to do anything like this before and would appreciate any advice about how to train and build my endurance and speed, especially during the winter when I can't ride outdoors. I can currently ride about 14 miles on a trail that is pretty easy, minimal hills, but I'm slow. It takes me about 1 & 3/4 hours.

pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

[rebecca_dsu 241]

What a fantastic goal!!! I love to bike as well

Are you a member of a gym that has spin classes? If so, take advantage and do the class twice a week over the winter months.

The good news is even if you can't train over winter, you have plenty of time to train in spring/summer to prepare. Do a ride a week and start building your distance (just as you would build your distance each week if you were training to run a race).

Do you have a road bike? I couldn't imagine doing 55 miles on anything else..ha! If you do have a road bike, you can buy a Trainer to make your bike a stationary bike and can ride inside too

And I'd also suggest joining a biking club in your area next spring...get out and ride in a group, as it's so much more fun an encouraging.

Good luck to you! You can do this!!!

[Chelenka 827]

My bike is a hybrid and I'm really chicken about riding on the roads in our ar

pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2

[Chelenka 827]

As I was saying, the roads in our area are extremely busy so I stick to the recreational trails. There are several good ones nearby. I have a gym membership and have done the spin class twice but that was last year, pre-surgery, so it was really hard for me and I felt like it was too much plus the music is too loud and not my taste. However, I'll give it another try and see if I like it better now that I down 72lbs. We have a trainer but I'm not real crazy about it cuz we put my husbands bike on it and I'm not comfortable. I will look into finding a group to ride with. That would make the roads seem a bit less scary to be riding in a group but I am concerned that I won't be able to keep up. Guess the only way to find out is to give it a try. I think my biggest road block is my fear of hills, going down them and losing control and wiping out. Going up is hard but you can always get off and walk if necc. Humiliating but safe.

pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6; 6 month post-op 253.2