Unfit 40yo .Advice

[Mr_starfire]

Hi all. So for the last 12 years i have been a carer for my son who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy . He sadly passed away on the 1st of June and i want to do something in his name and also to perhaps raise some money for a charity . I have not worked in all of that time and so well..Im kind of fat and unhealthy . I have no idea where to start or just how difficult this route will be..Is it even going to be possible ?

[Jdsk]

Welcome

I'm sorry to hear about your son.

Yes, something will be possible. I recommend starting with any sort of exercise that you will keep up. Finding that is much more important than what it is. It often helps to find something that you can do with other people.

Have you cycled in the past?

Here's the NHS advice on exercise:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
and if you have any concerns about starting it's a good idea to talk to your GP.

What would you like to do about your weight?

Jonathan

[Mr_starfire]

I have not cycled in terms of any kind of set route or challenge etc . Just general commuting to and from work etc .But again this was a long time ago . Over 12 years ago. I also do not have a bike. So i would need advice on that . This was just a general enquiry in the hopes to get someone to tell me that i should absolutely try and accomplish it. Because i am yet to convince myself

[Jdsk]

Thanks

That previous cycling experience sounds helpful.

I'd strongly recommend regular exercise and getting your weight moving towards where you want it before taking on a fundraising challenge. Because that will inform what's realistic. Apart from the inherent benefits to your health.

Jonathan

[gbnz]

Thanks

That previous cycling experience sounds helpful.

I'd strongly recommend regular exercise

+ 1, essential thing is to start, on anything, activity wise .

Exercise of any sort has a multitude of benefits and once it's being done, the next stage of moving forwards, follows on naturally . Wouldn't focus on the 20 mile ride, or £1k for charity, the 2 mile round ride or walk to the supermarket or cafe, leads to the next stage

Have hardly done a sit up / ab's for 3+ yr's, 6 pack long disappeared . 5 wk's at new gym, the 20 aching sit up's are back to 500 ab's a workout, diet has followed on, merely need to drop the 2 stone of flab - decent diet & weight loss follows the exercise without effort

[Mr_starfire]

My daily dog walk is 2 miles .maybe i could stretch it to 4?

[Jdsk]

My daily dog walk is 2 miles .maybe i could stretch it to 4?

That's a great basis for doing more.

How many times a day?

And do you get short of breath?

Jonathan

[Ron]

While it may be a noble act to raise money for a charity by completing some physical challenge, I think the most important thing for you at this time is just to get back to a normal level of fitness, both physical and mental, for a person of your age.
You don't need another challenging experience at this time, Lejog will still be there for you in two, three, or four years time when you can enjoy the experience and raise some money if you wish.

[ymfb]

Sorry to read about your son, I can’t imagine what you have been and continuing to go through.

Exercise is great for physical & mental well being, in whatever form. Setting a goal like Lejog is great but you need to get yourself ready to do it.

Being in your 40’s time is definitely on your side. A friend did Lejog last summer over 21 days with a company who carried bags between hotels and organised the route. He is mid 60s and trained significantly for the ride over a period of many months. I think most days were 55-75 miles with only one rest day.

I think there is much to be gained in having a number of different types of training, I do yoga, HIIT & swimming as well as cycling.

Bikes, there will be a huge range of opinions on here, but it depends on how you plan to do the ride, will you camp and carry everything with you, will you go on a supported ride or stay in hotels/b&bs but carry your own kit.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

[rareposter]

I have no idea where to start or just how difficult this route will be..Is it even going to be possible ?

Sorry to hear about your son, that sounds like a very tough last few years.

As to your question...it depends. I mean, you've not ridden for 10+ years, you don't have a bike (and therefore I'm guessing don't have much, if any, cycling kit) so I'd say if you were hoping to set off in 2 weeks time then no, it's not possible.

On the other hand if you're intending to spend a year or so doing everything necessary to get to the point where you're fit enough and have the right kit to do the ride (as part of an organised group with the relevant support if necessary), then yes it is possible.

There was a similar post a few years ago, a non-cyclist who found his wife had cancer and he thought about doing LEJOG to raise money.

viewtopic.php?t=141418

On that occasion his idea was a bit more umm... "unlikely" as a few people pointed out and he eventually accepted but there's some thoughts and considerations within that thread.

Good luck!

[Cowsham]

Sorry to hear about your son. If you have the time I'd stay at the walking ( it's the best exercise there is ) and then try and cut back on what you eat to lose some of the extra weight first. ( I think weight watchers is the simplest and the best plan for that ). Once you've established your diet you could add in the cycling and start adding back some calories to replenish the energy. I'd also get a health/heart check done before taking up any strenuous exercise regime if you haven't been doing exercise for 12 years.

[Halla]

Welcome.

I support all that has been said above.

I would add, if it is possible to do some of your exercise in a sociable way with friends and family this will help with motivation.

You will get support on here should you wish to report back on your progress.

There are lots of threads on here about the bikes to buy, I would say do not ignore preloved or advertising in the wanted section on this forum. The best bike for you is the one you will be comfortable on.

Best of luck.

[Jdsk]

...
I would add, if it is possible to do some of your exercise in a sociable way with friends and family this will help with motivation.
...

This is so important. The only effective forms of exercise are the ones that you keep up.

And dogs, as upthread.

Jonathan

[Navrig]

So sorry to hear about your son - must be very upsetting.

The advice here is very good. Start small and sensible - walking further each day. Look at your calorie intake to try and help shift some weight. There are some very good apps for your phone which, easily, help you track calories. My Fat Secret, My Fitness Pal for two.

Meantime do a little research on a bike but before you buy try and borrow a bike from family or friends. Then start with short routes gradually increasing the distance until you feel this is something you want to do longer term.

Whatever exercise you undertake try and get companions and make commitments to regular days and times. You'll be surprised how quickly you start to enjoy this.

Seek advice on bikes from this forum.

Also worth setting a programme for all of this. Needs to be achievable and sensible.

Good luck.

[in4time]

Personally I found cycling a tremendous uplift both during and after consecutive, difficult life events. Might be chemical/endorphins I don’t know but just going out for a ride somewhere ‘nice’ is a rejuvenating thing to do.