Hi Newbie to Mountain biking

Joined: 23 Jul 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Scotland

Hi All.

A little about myself, i am a 50yr old male, and just got into cycling (trails) for just over a week, being a very unfit 16 stone, i can tell you the first trip was nearly a killer Shocked

doing a total 15miles of wooded trails and a few serious uphill sections.

I have now been out every two to three days clocking 12-15 miles each time, its getting slightly easier, but just want to question is this overdoing it, or sound about right?

I mainly want to do it to improve fitness and hopefully lose some weight into the bargain .

Bikes a 2009 Carrera At Fury, and seems great so far.

Cheers

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject:

Nothing wrong with what you're doing at all. It's a 100% increase over what you were doing before I take it. Question

Make sure you keep the hilly sections in though, don't give up on them, gravity is the biggest friend you have when it comes to getting fitter or losing weight. Wink

Joined: 23 Jul 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Scotland

Thanks Gunner.

Yeah despite the hils being the killer lol, i dont miss them, i had done a bit of cycling last year, but mostly on the flat (roads ) so this is a lot harder on the legs etc.

Certainly notice it a bit easier after last nights ride (12m), i'll continue trying to get in a outing every two-3 days, strange thig is i seem to be eating less in between times at home (i thought the opposite would happen, and have also cut out the bad stuff)

Cheers

Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject:

Joined: 23 Jul 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Scotland

Now covered 122 miles since last posting... fitness definatly improving (its getting a bit easier) weight seems slow to be shifting, but legs are definatly improving.. hill climbs are not the killer they used to be...

Ah well another two days till i can get back out.

cheers

Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:44 pm Post subject:

Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 15

I believe the reason your body mass is coming down is due to fact that your body doesnt need to take in quite as much as there is 'less of you' to run. Also, the fitter you become, your body becomes more efficent at getting that most out of the food you are eating. Cutting out the bad stuff is a big plus. Bad food will only slow you down. I just have to need to tell myself that now Rolling Eyes

Joined: 23 Jul 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Scotland

Cheer's guys.

One question the last week seems to be more difficult (only managed two 15 mile outings over 7 days due to work) now the problem, the legs seem fine and able to cope with most climbs etc.

But i feel physically drained? both times i have eaten (either a ceral or sandwhich and hour or less before going out) could this be the problem or is it more likely to be the shift work i do? nights 00.00-1200 or vica versa.

How long before cycling do you guys eat? and what do you recommend. any tips appreciated.

thanks again

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:05 pm Post subject:

The problem is the shift work, not your diet. I wouldn't be too worried about what you're eating and its affect on your ride at this early stage. Wink

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:15 pm Post subject:

I found this too....being 35, the last bit of excercise I did was when I was 14......

The 12 mile trail was ok, but slow....we averaged 5mph the first time out but had children (6 year old struggled on her 1 ton Halfords special).....i mean how is she supposed to cope being 6 and her bike weighing far more than mine!

It wasn't so much being unfit, but breathing (cardio vascular?) I found an issue......smoking doesn't help of course tho.......I am 5'8" and 11st.

The next week we went again and one of the girls got a puncture....and my repair kit was at Cannock ponds......2 miles away......i was elected to go get it and rode my .... off to get it.....that was me pretty much finished for the rest of the course (thighs ached like mad after/during).....we went again the following week and did the Verderers Trail and it appeared to be getting easier, albeit we kept waiting for the 2 x kids on their BMX's as they pushed them up the mildest of inclines but, i seemed fitter and things were definately looking up.

I found stamina was an issue in that I could do fairly fast sprints for short periods, then needed a minute's rest before another few sprints etc. I dont think I could continue without a few rests here and there, but it does appear to be getting easier. i just cant wait for the day when I can power the whole route Wink

hope it comes soon, but again, cardio vascular (tight breathing) seems to be a small issue at the mo, but with doing precious little for the last 20 years, i am not surprised......but I love it Smile

Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:22 pm Post subject:

Joined: 23 Jul 2011 Posts: 6 Location: Scotland

Thanks for the replies.

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