distance/time

[crazyed]

ok, so this will be quite pathetic to those who are riding 10s and 100s of miles. i've finally gotten the motivation to ride -- every day -- for the first time in my life. the only day in the last two weeks i didn't ride was the day i gave blood.

i really haven't done much in the way of exercise for the past 6-9 months. i'm 35, 6', 195# and i'm riding 5 miles/day over the course of 40 minutes every day.

is that not enough? too much to start? i generally feel like crap towards the end of the ride and cut it to about 80-85% intensity. the crappy feeling lasts for about 10-15 minutes afterwards. am i pushing too hard for starters?

also, i've taken my BP immediately after a ride and it's *lower* than when i take it 20-25 minutes later.

finally, i've taken to eating some fruit right after the ride -- good idea/bad idea?
any and all answers and suggestions are very appreciated.

[Dial_tone]

Good job! If i were just starting out i wouldn't push it at all. Just get in the mileage. I would also do one longer ride each week. Mabe add 10% to the distance of your saturday ride. Don't worry about intensity at all until you're doing 15 miles per day.

[pigperson]

Make sure to to warm up spinning at an easy pace for at least 10 minutes. I'd then ride a bit harder for an amount of time versus a distance - say, 40 minutes, followed by a cool down ride for again 5-10 minutes. Make sure to stretch afterwards and to use a good recovery drink/food. Your body will do better with a bit of protein too, not just carbs.

What's the route that you are training on (ie., hills, flats, wind)?

It's awesome that you are starting, it only gets better. Keep it up!