Discouraged Beginner - Any tips?
04-20-16, 07:16 PM
#76
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Which - is not the only way to get fast.
I don't think those 90's famous cyclists are at the current level of the current cyclists (maybe because they just road - and took drugs).
But I agree with @Paul Barnard - cycling chat in the -41 is an activity/hobby. I don't think numbers should matter (in the -41).
But...if they really do matter, maybe look into a coach, diet, strength training, Hypoxia tents, supplements and the works.
I don't think those 90's famous cyclists are at the current level of the current cyclists (maybe because they just road - and took drugs).
But I agree with @Paul Barnard - cycling chat in the -41 is an activity/hobby. I don't think numbers should matter (in the -41).
But...if they really do matter, maybe look into a coach, diet, strength training, Hypoxia tents, supplements and the works.
04-20-16, 07:18 PM
#77
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numbers are fun but getting mad about it on your first year after not working out for 15 years is very strange. sounds like obsessive/OCD personality.
04-20-16, 08:37 PM
#78
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My brief cycling history... For the 2 cents it's worth.
I started cycling almost two years ago, at 49, and as a 5'6" 226 lbs Clyde. Two miles at 12-13 mph was difficult, and I was winded. It took me a month of riding three times a week to get to three miles without being concerned about having a heart attack or stroke on the bike. With nothing more than Cyclemeter, I eventually did 27 miles at the 2014 Tour de Cure after six months. It was my first group ride, and I was told I was a solid B rider. I think they were being generous with that comment.
I set set goals the last two New Years. Last year I did a half century on my half century birthday. Two weeks ago, I did my first century. I've concentrated on distance riding until now. Just this year, I started riding with a group. Now that I got the century under my belt, I'm now working on speed and climbing.
Next year I want to do the Ride Across Florida in two days, and in 2018 in one day (170 miles).
I have much more weight to lose, but it's coming off slowly. Most importantly, I think I've enjoyed every ride I've been on-- even the never ending headwind rides. I hope this helped.
I started cycling almost two years ago, at 49, and as a 5'6" 226 lbs Clyde. Two miles at 12-13 mph was difficult, and I was winded. It took me a month of riding three times a week to get to three miles without being concerned about having a heart attack or stroke on the bike. With nothing more than Cyclemeter, I eventually did 27 miles at the 2014 Tour de Cure after six months. It was my first group ride, and I was told I was a solid B rider. I think they were being generous with that comment.
I set set goals the last two New Years. Last year I did a half century on my half century birthday. Two weeks ago, I did my first century. I've concentrated on distance riding until now. Just this year, I started riding with a group. Now that I got the century under my belt, I'm now working on speed and climbing.
Next year I want to do the Ride Across Florida in two days, and in 2018 in one day (170 miles).
I have much more weight to lose, but it's coming off slowly. Most importantly, I think I've enjoyed every ride I've been on-- even the never ending headwind rides. I hope this helped.
04-20-16, 09:02 PM
#79
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Thanks Bassmanbob. The thing that you have shown is that people use metrics to measure their improvements. Those metrics don't necessarily have to be power meters, and Garmins linked to Strava. But nevertheless, you tracked your improvements from when you started to where you are now (congrats on the century by the way), and you've also illustrated the use of goals or targets.
For people to post that the OP just needs to ride lacks direction in its own right, and is just plain at odds with how the OP has expressed his interest in data.
For people to post that the OP just needs to ride lacks direction in its own right, and is just plain at odds with how the OP has expressed his interest in data.
04-20-16, 10:11 PM
#80
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OP, Dude, lemme tell you my story:
When I decided to start cycling, I was 53, and a smoker. Not overweight, but that was thanks to having a chronic illness for 9 years at that point. My upper body was in great shape, but my legs, lungs and heart were pretty sad. The first time I rode my new bike--home from the LBS--which was two miles, I had to lie down afterward I was so tired. but I just kept cycling. A month later I did 9 miles...and had to lie down again, and was sore for three days. This went on for the summer, slowly building up miles. I bought the gear to keep riding thought the Northeast winter. And was psyched that to me, now, I thought nothing of 10 miles...but 20 miles was still daunting. Following spring, 2015, I fell in love with, and bought, a Domane 4.5 disc. Riding it was such a joy that 20 miles felt like nothing, and I started doubling my miles, until I was close to 200 per week. (It's about time. If I had the damned time I'd be doing nothing but riding!) I did my first half century in August, and went to a cocktail party and made dinner for 6 afterward. I wasn't sore! I wasn't tired! As a matter of fact, I felt like a million bucks! And suddenly 50 miles felt like nothing, and how far I rode was ONLY about how much time I had.
So it took a little more than a year for an out of shape middle-aged man with a chronic illness, and a (now an ex) smoker to start putting on real miles. JUST GIVE YOURSELF TIME. As everyone says above, you have to build up over time, riding longer distances. (and taking breaks between long rides to give your body time to recover.) In a year? You'll be tearing down the road like a madman, I GUARANTEE IT, and ready for a real training program so as to reach your full potential!
Patience, grasshopper! Just go ride and have fun, and all else will come!
When I decided to start cycling, I was 53, and a smoker. Not overweight, but that was thanks to having a chronic illness for 9 years at that point. My upper body was in great shape, but my legs, lungs and heart were pretty sad. The first time I rode my new bike--home from the LBS--which was two miles, I had to lie down afterward I was so tired. but I just kept cycling. A month later I did 9 miles...and had to lie down again, and was sore for three days. This went on for the summer, slowly building up miles. I bought the gear to keep riding thought the Northeast winter. And was psyched that to me, now, I thought nothing of 10 miles...but 20 miles was still daunting. Following spring, 2015, I fell in love with, and bought, a Domane 4.5 disc. Riding it was such a joy that 20 miles felt like nothing, and I started doubling my miles, until I was close to 200 per week. (It's about time. If I had the damned time I'd be doing nothing but riding!) I did my first half century in August, and went to a cocktail party and made dinner for 6 afterward. I wasn't sore! I wasn't tired! As a matter of fact, I felt like a million bucks! And suddenly 50 miles felt like nothing, and how far I rode was ONLY about how much time I had.
So it took a little more than a year for an out of shape middle-aged man with a chronic illness, and a (now an ex) smoker to start putting on real miles. JUST GIVE YOURSELF TIME. As everyone says above, you have to build up over time, riding longer distances. (and taking breaks between long rides to give your body time to recover.) In a year? You'll be tearing down the road like a madman, I GUARANTEE IT, and ready for a real training program so as to reach your full potential!
Patience, grasshopper! Just go ride and have fun, and all else will come!
04-21-16, 03:08 AM
#81
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3) I get it: I will keep at it, I will ride more, and I will ride more outside. It's tough to get the time to do so on weekdays, but I'll work to get out at least once on the weekends, while spending at least 45-60min per weekday on the indoor trainer. I just don't have the attention span to hit the trainer without Zwift and Netflix, at least not right now.
It's tough to get the time to do so on weekdays, but I'll work to get out at least once on the weekends, while spending at least 45-60min per weekday on the indoor trainer. I just don't have the attention span to hit the trainer without Zwift and Netflix, at least not right now.Lack the focus to hit the trainer without some video distraction? That's exactly why you should ride outside - you have to pay attention - attention to where you're going. And isn't that the whole point, figuratively as well as literally?
04-21-16, 05:32 AM
#82
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Let me preface this by saying that I have not done any real exercise for 15yrs... I'm 5'7" and currently ~165lbs. About 3 weeks ago, I picked up a bike (used craigslist Cannondale Supersix Evo 105 - fit checks out okay) and an indoor trainer (Tacx Neo - wife required "silence" as a feature). I subscribed to Strava and Zwift, and set out to give this whole thing a try -- mostly to get in better shape so I don't drop dead from a heart attack, but also because it's a lot of fun.
In the limited time I have for these indoor rides, I have no trouble puttering along at 12-15mph for 20 miles or so, but I recently did a 20min FTP test and the result was... 98W. I my limited time here on BF, I haven't seen a figure so low. That, combined with a short ride (12mi) I did with a friend (who rides about about 1-2 times a week max, for a year) where he rather effortlessly left me in the dust, has me discouraged and a bit concerned about whether I'm doing something wrong? I'm starting Zwift's 10-12w FTP builder training program, so is it a matter of time/effort?
In the limited time I have for these indoor rides, I have no trouble puttering along at 12-15mph for 20 miles or so, but I recently did a 20min FTP test and the result was... 98W. I my limited time here on BF, I haven't seen a figure so low. That, combined with a short ride (12mi) I did with a friend (who rides about about 1-2 times a week max, for a year) where he rather effortlessly left me in the dust, has me discouraged and a bit concerned about whether I'm doing something wrong? I'm starting Zwift's 10-12w FTP builder training program, so is it a matter of time/effort?
04-21-16, 05:45 AM
#83
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I love this anti-trainer sentiment. It doesn't even occur to those individuals that the trainer offers an element of control for whatever reason. Maybe the OP is a caregiver and cannot leave the house during those times (children napping, and elderly parent, etc.), or maybe he's uncomfortable riding in the dark (I know I am). It also offers a training environment where variables can be controlled.
The whole point is to enjoy your bike, however you choose.
The whole point is to enjoy your bike, however you choose.
04-21-16, 09:02 AM
#84
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I love this anti-trainer sentiment. It doesn't even occur to those individuals that the trainer offers an element of control for whatever reason. Maybe the OP is a caregiver and cannot leave the house during those times (children napping, and elderly parent, etc.), or maybe he's uncomfortable riding in the dark (I know I am). It also offers a training environment where variables can be controlled.
The whole point is to enjoy your bike, however you choose.
The whole point is to enjoy your bike, however you choose.
04-21-16, 10:48 AM
#85
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I use a spin class for training ... so I am not against indoor riding.
However, as the OP himself notes, there is a world of difference between riding on the road and riding indoors on a trainer. In fact, judging by what he actually posted, (as opposed to the stuck-home-nursing scenario) the OP was disappointed when he could do 20 miles at 12-13 mph on a trainer but couldn't come close on the road.
I'd say that riding outside is generally a lot more enjoyable (based entirely on personal preferences) and it takes a lot more effort---everything from wind resistance to inclines (however slight) to the constant motion and adjustment the rider has to make---which we all do pretty much unconsciously) which all adds up to a lot more going on.
That said, if the guiy wants to spend the rest of his life in his garage, that's his choice. Whatever works best for him. Thing is, if he ever does open that garage door, he is going to be disappointed once again when he finds out once again that speed on a trainer has about nothing to do with riding on the road.
However, as the OP himself notes, there is a world of difference between riding on the road and riding indoors on a trainer. In fact, judging by what he actually posted, (as opposed to the stuck-home-nursing scenario) the OP was disappointed when he could do 20 miles at 12-13 mph on a trainer but couldn't come close on the road.
I'd say that riding outside is generally a lot more enjoyable (based entirely on personal preferences) and it takes a lot more effort---everything from wind resistance to inclines (however slight) to the constant motion and adjustment the rider has to make---which we all do pretty much unconsciously) which all adds up to a lot more going on.
That said, if the guiy wants to spend the rest of his life in his garage, that's his choice. Whatever works best for him. Thing is, if he ever does open that garage door, he is going to be disappointed once again when he finds out once again that speed on a trainer has about nothing to do with riding on the road.
04-21-16, 12:06 PM
#86
Portland Fred
I'd say that riding outside is generally a lot more enjoyable (based entirely on personal preferences) and it takes a lot more effort---everything from wind resistance to inclines (however slight) to the constant motion and adjustment the rider has to make---which we all do pretty much unconsciously) which all adds up to a lot more going on.
04-21-16, 12:08 PM
#87
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Zwift thinks I am way faster than I really am, even if I use a power meter. Average speeds are always much faster than what I actually get outdoors.
Which is to say, if looking at average speeds outdoors is not that useful, it is not useful at all indoors.
Which is to say, if looking at average speeds outdoors is not that useful, it is not useful at all indoors.
04-21-16, 12:19 PM
#88
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OT, but if someone always rides a trainer, never on the road, would you still call him/her a cyclist?
04-21-16, 12:19 PM
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04-21-16, 12:26 PM
#90
Portland Fred
Even if it's below freezing in the garage, you probably won't want a windbreaker and you can get away with light gloves -- if you even wear them. In the summer, you don't get baked from direct solar radiation and heat reflected from the pavement. Plus, water can be kept cooler.
04-21-16, 01:35 PM
#91
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Sure, but the swing still isn't as big as in real life. For example, there is no wind or precipitation in your garage during the winter and the sun doesn't beat down on you in the summer.
Even if it's below freezing in the garage, you probably won't want a windbreaker and you can get away with light gloves -- if you even wear them. In the summer, you don't get baked from direct solar radiation and heat reflected from the pavement. Plus, water can be kept cooler.
Even if it's below freezing in the garage, you probably won't want a windbreaker and you can get away with light gloves -- if you even wear them. In the summer, you don't get baked from direct solar radiation and heat reflected from the pavement. Plus, water can be kept cooler.
04-21-16, 01:54 PM
#92
Senior Member
OP needs to ride outside so he can experience the excitement of drope-ing the hamer and dialing it up to 400W after wannabe poser passes by him and gives him "the look". Also, outside is the only way he can show off the massive guads he will get after all that hard training. And yes you can wave in your garage but no one will see you...
04-21-16, 02:50 PM
#93
Portland Fred
OP needs to ride outside so he can experience the excitement of drope-ing the hamer and dialing it up to 400W after wannabe poser passes by him and gives him "the look". Also, outside is the only way he can show off the massive guads he will get after all that hard training. And yes you can wave in your garage but no one will see you...
04-26-16, 10:20 AM
#94
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@baj32161
Brian, you have to fill us in on that.
How did you find out it was your friend?
What did he say?
Do you still exchange Christmas cards?
Brian, you have to fill us in on that.
How did you find out it was your friend?
What did he say?
Do you still exchange Christmas cards?
The thread with the explanation is here...too long to type again....sorry.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...tml?highlight=
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04-26-16, 10:45 AM
#95
well hello there
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04-26-16, 11:06 AM
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But even speed outside is marginally useful at best. Some of my best speed averages outdoors have been 20-30% less watts than other days on the same route, just simply due to wind, traffic, etc.
