Problems
07-09-16, 11:16 AM
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Problems
So, as many people know. I got in to cycling back in February and fell in love with it. Long story short, I had a surgery that sidelined me for a month then a death of my grandmother which took me out of town for ten more days. The conundrum is that I am having a heck of a time getting back into cycling because I simply can't do distances anywhere near where I was pre-surgery. Any ideas for motivation?
07-09-16, 11:24 AM
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I have never been the same since my Brain Surgery..
Just do what you can do.
Just do what you can do.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
07-09-16, 11:40 AM
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Just hop back on your bike , and do it soon. Interruptions are common. This year my family has had 3 medical issues. I have had prostate cancer surgery . Yes speed and distance have suffered , but will return . Cycling is so enjoyable that when you go for your first ride, it's likely that will be the only inspiration you'll need . Good luck , enjoy .
07-09-16, 11:45 AM
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Go in a closet and put on Your Superman Outfit.
I tried that , it didn't work.
I tried that , it didn't work.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
07-09-16, 12:15 PM
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Don't stress it, as @10 Wheels said, just do what you can, you will get back to where you were pre-surgery, have fun, just ride 
07-09-16, 12:42 PM
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The hardest part is swinging your leg over the top tube. After that, it's as easy as riding a bike
07-09-16, 02:38 PM
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I broke my left heel bone bad enough that a specialist foot surgeon was telling me the odds for amputation. I was in a wheelchair for 10 weeks and Crutches another 5 weeks. Dr. said a year before riding but I began after 10 months. Still can't wear cycling shoes from swelling. I have 6 weeks in riding and 10 miles is about all I want. I'm just happy to be riding again.
07-09-16, 09:07 PM
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SuperGimp
07-09-16, 11:00 PM
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sometimes its like a light switch. One good ride will be all you need to get your head back into the game.
Breaks are good, but too long has issues as well.
Breaks are good, but too long has issues as well.
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Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
Rule #10 // It never gets easier, you just go faster.
07-10-16, 04:32 PM
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Thanks everyone for the advice!
07-11-16, 09:47 PM
#11
Uber Goober
Tracking my miles on Bikejournal.com helps motivate. Setting a goal for the month helps. Riding different routes helps. Riding with other people helps.
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"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
07-12-16, 11:49 AM
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Don't be hard on yourself! All miles are good miles!
I had a bad bike wreck in 2013 and messed up an elbow badly (severed ligaments). Needless to say, I was sidelined for a good while. It is hard to ride again an not feel like "your old self."
But you just have to do it. I think you will still feel really great after a ride, even a shorter one than you want to be doing.
Good luck to you on your comeback.
I had a bad bike wreck in 2013 and messed up an elbow badly (severed ligaments). Needless to say, I was sidelined for a good while. It is hard to ride again an not feel like "your old self."
But you just have to do it. I think you will still feel really great after a ride, even a shorter one than you want to be doing.
Good luck to you on your comeback.
07-12-16, 12:21 PM
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just hop back on your bike , and do it soon. Interruptions are common. This year my family has had 3 medical issues. I have had prostate cancer surgery . Yes speed and distance have suffered , but will return . Cycling is so enjoyable that when you go for your first ride, it's likely that will be the only inspiration you'll need . Good luck , enjoy .
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
07-13-16, 07:33 AM
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So, as many people know. I got in to cycling back in February and fell in love with it. Long story short, I had a surgery that sidelined me for a month then a death of my grandmother which took me out of town for ten more days. The conundrum is that I am having a heck of a time getting back into cycling because I simply can't do distances anywhere near where I was pre-surgery. Any ideas for motivation?
07-13-16, 11:46 AM
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It's funny, I did 14.5 miles the other day which is my new longest distance into a 30 mph headwind for half of it. Just took that good ride to get me going, and I am aiming for 20 miles tonight with a friend. I wanted to quit so badly but I knew that if I kept going it would break my streak of not going. Thanks everyone for the advice.
07-13-16, 12:26 PM
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I lost my right bicep femoris (largest hamstring muscle) to cancer. After my surgery and during my chemo, I got on my bike and did a whopping .9 mile ride. It's all I could do, but it felt great. It was HARD, but rewarding. I now do 50-75 miles no problem (though I'm not fast) and have done a handful of centuries. Keep at it. It will come!
I would suggest that you find fun new places to ride. New scenery. Maybe new friends with similar abilities and endurance levels. Find ways to make it fun and it will be fun. Plus, riding with others adds a sense of accountability. When I organize one of our SoCal Pizza Port rides here, the only way I can't show up is if I'm dead, and that hasn't happened yet. Yes, the accountability is definitely a motivator.
I would suggest that you find fun new places to ride. New scenery. Maybe new friends with similar abilities and endurance levels. Find ways to make it fun and it will be fun. Plus, riding with others adds a sense of accountability. When I organize one of our SoCal Pizza Port rides here, the only way I can't show up is if I'm dead, and that hasn't happened yet. Yes, the accountability is definitely a motivator.
07-13-16, 07:01 PM
#19
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In agreement with most (and as a recidivist cyclist myself), it's about lowering the bar and baby steps. You don't need to go out and return to 10- or 20- or 40-milers. You should go thru the exercise of getting the arse off the couch and on to the bike. Whatever happens next happens. Don't sweat it (or do sweat it, whatever).
