plumberroy

Foot issues have taken me off the bike for a few years. 2 surgeries on my right foot and 40 lbs down I have started back riding.
2020-2022 I rode less than 30 miles . My total for May is 57.6 I know it's not a lot of miles but it's a start in the right direction

big john

Good to hear you can ride again.

BobbyG

The road to recovery is alway better on a bike. Don't discount your achievement. And don't focus on the numbers. You're doing it; and that's a victory in itself!

go, Go, GO!!!!!

Carbonfiberboy 

I'm on my way back, too. Heart. My method is to have a plan and then modify it about every other day, as things don't always turn out as expected when one is starting over. As soon as I can ride for an hour or two at a moderate pace, I get back in the gym twice a week. Might not work with your foot issues.

Fredo76

I think your total for May 2023 is about the same as mine for June 2020, when I started riding again. Rides of 3.8 miles, then a few at 5 or 6 miles. Like you said, it's a start. Congratulations.

Just keep going, and good luck!

SpedFast

Way to go!

philbob57

Congratulations! My reco is to focus on what you have done and do, not on what you haven't done and can't do. There's always going to be someone who rides farther or faster or both.

plumberroy

Before my foot issues (2017) I could ride 40-50 miles any time. So it gets a little frustrating gaining strength back.
But 2 years ago I could barely make the work day had nothing left after work . I'm gaining daily

t2p

if not already doing this - prob a good idea to use proper shoes for cycling (with stiffer sole)

delbiker1 

Kudos to you. IMO, just getting started is the hard part. Think of every mile as an accomplishment. At this point, keeping the rides enjoyable, IMO, is more important than distance and time on the bike. The longer rides will come with time. If it feels like work, it increases the chance of not riding.

plumberroy

With my foot issues stiff shoes for about everything is doctors orders
I still have issues keeping the pedals under the balls of my feet

gthomson

Every little bit helps so don't worry about the numbers. I much prefer to ride several short rides during the week then trying to do a crazy long distance ride on the weekends like most people do.

Biker395 

And a custom orthotic, if possible.

rumrunn6

welcome back! we missed you!

t2p

I liked the days when we did both ... short rides during the weekday evenings - and the long rides on the weekends ... and once in a while throw in a more uptempo (if not intense) weekday evening ride to see how the faster other half lived

gthomson

That's what I strive for but I'm a working stiff and weekends are still golden for getting stuff done so I usually have to get past spring and all the yard work before I get my Sundays back. What happens to me, is I look at my list I follow on Strava and wonder how the heck do they do 100 miles every ride! ha ha

gobicycling

Many of us have challenges that limit or slow us down. Right now I have dendriform pulmonary ossification, an orphan disease, cardiac hypertension, which is entirely different than regular hypertension, trigeminal neuralgia, a rare disease, and a bunch of other stuff, which together is killing my endurance. I've been to physical therapy for the last several months to build up my upper body to make breathing easier and more possible, and I've been able to do a few around the neighborhood bicycle rides. But we keep at it. It's also influenced my walking ability. I've noticed some improvement, enjoy our bicycle rides with lots of rests and I'm walking better. So keep up the good work it will get better. My wife tells me it's because I'm 83, but I know there's more to it than that.

t2p

have similar challenges

been trying to cut grass etc on weeknights when I can to free up weekend time - depending on weather / avail daylight etc

wfh has been a great asset to enable me to get earlier start on the weeknights (to do yard work , bike , etc )

plumberroy

I didn't feel great today but felt like I really needed to ride . I only got 5.1 miles but it's more than sitting at home doing nothing

Bald Paul

Cycling shoes that clip in will definitely help there. Just make sure the cleats are adjusted properly and have some "float".
After my heart issues, I started riding again for exercise. At first I could barely make a 5 mile loop. Now I'm leading a weekly 20 mile "casual ride" with the cycling club, and 30+ mile rides aren't a problem. You'll get there, just keep at it!

plumberroy

Okay I hadn't felt good for a bit. Monday the whole right side of my face swelled up. I have a tooth with a crack but it had not hurt. Tuesday morning I couldn't get to sleep, I work nights. I called the manager of our dental center I work at a level one trauma center. I called at 9:00 they had me in the chair by 10:00 x-rays and antibiotics yesterday they pulled 2 teeth. Today I took a ride ended up riding 11 miles . I'm getting there little bit farther every time

DeadGrandpa

You might consider the Catalyst Pedals from Pedaling Innovations. They feature a bigger platform that supports the whole foot, not just the ball, or forefoot. This may help you:

https://bikejames.clickfunnels.com/optin-30158279

SpedFast

11 miles is a good ride-be proud of it. I know young healthy people that can't do 2 miles without complaining.

bruce19

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Congrats.

plumberroy

I got out and rode but only 6.5 miles . Wind is picking up, and I'm still not 100% from the infection. 2018 was last time I rode 100 miles in a year . I am closing n that. So I am gaining