Recovery of Mojo

[karlt]

Rather got out of the habit last few months; work required me to have the c*r available, rotten wet weather, etc. Fitness is now appalling. The question now is will I be better getting back at it by getting fitness back up as quickly as possible, or would the pain of doing that be too offputting and I'd be better doing some easy relaxing enjoyable (for me, high exertion and enjoyable do not belong together; I'm no exercise freak) miles and let the fitness catch back up gradually, at the risk of a longer period thinking how a few months ago I was much faster than this etc. etc.?

[tank]

Unless you are a serious racer I wouldn't worry about how long it takes to get where you are going as long as you do it in a way that you are happy with. Best bet is to do it gradually, you will enjoy your cycling more for it.

[Postboxer]

Maybe a mixture, some hard rides to push your limits, some gentle for fun?

[Elizabethsdad]

I had a break of quite few years. When I got back in saddle it probably took two to three months of regular cycle commuting (20 miles a day) to get my commute time from 50 minutes to under 40 minutes over ten miles (and for my bum to stop hurting). I was expecting my first ride after the break to be a bit hard but it was actually quite easy - admittedly not pushing it - so you should be OK.

[cycleruk]

I wouldn't worry about fitness. It will be the saddle that will cause the most irritation for a bit.

[Vorpal]

This sort of thing is personal. In your situation, I would just get stuck in, but I like my commute, and I always have a better day when it begins on the bike.

I have enforced rest right now (broken rib) and I'm positively climbing the walls. I almost feel like I can breathe properly again, so next week, I think I will try one of the spinning bikes in the gym at work. I still don't think I want to try riding, especially since it's rather snowy, now. I don't normally like stationary riding, but I am getting a bit desperate for exercise

Good luck with the mojo!

[fatmac]

When I'm off the bike for a while, the turbo comes out for about a month to get my aerobic fitness back, then it is just having to build up the miles again. (In my case, it takes quite a while, unfortunately, but it has to be done.)

[StellaLdn.]

I agree with others. Don't push yourself, but get back on the saddle and feel the wind around your nose. Enjoy the ride. You'll most possibly want to increase your speed. Muscles memory will help.