jaguarjack
stranger
Reged: 03/03/2009
Posts: 6
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i am 40,fairly unfit but very keen. Please can anyone tell me how to get started. I can bike to work which is 4 miles each way but flat so i just need a bit of advice on where to start things off cheers
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kingcraig
old hand
Reged: 19/02/2009
Posts: 773
Loc: Abergele, north wales
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just get on your bike as often as possible if you need to stop going up a hill do so but never push just have a rest take on some water then get back on and go for it. try and make use of local cycle tracks there great for training on!
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www.mbnw.co.uk
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DISGreece
veteran
Reged: 26/01/2009
Posts: 1252
Loc: Greece
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Quote:
i am 40,fairly unfit but very keen.
WTTF - sounds familiar. Get on your bike mate 
Just extend your distance at weekends - dont overdo it though. What you riding?
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Ride hard but avoid the hikers 
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rb2000
old hand
Reged: 25/09/2008
Posts: 784
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yep just start with realistic distances and increase from there....
rb
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Keep it pinned...
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Tango
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 16/09/2008
Posts: 3142
Loc: Preston Lancs
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Welcome to the forum JJ
Little and often to start with. As DIS says don't over do it.
If you start to ride to work and back everyday straight away and then try to cram something in at the weekend, you body won't know whats hit it. (rememder this is meant to be fun)
You will ache all over and wish you had never bothered.
Have you got some lights, Although the nights are getting lighter.
I would do a few miles (maybe 6, see how it goes) on the road tuesday and thursday.
Find somewhere to get your tyres dirty on saturday and work yourself a bit harder than during the week.
Rest Sunday and Monday
Repeat, just increase efforts slowly remebering that it is meant to be fun not a chore. Try to find someone to go out with
Having said all that, i am fat and 40 so may not be the best example of an athelete in the making 
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stevewiz
old hand
Reged: 20/05/2008
Posts: 970
Loc: St Albans, Herts
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If you want a longer ride, then do as I do. Get to the other end of your commute and realise you have forgotten a work shirt (or something else)  . Have to go back and end up doubling your riding for the day.
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Iron Horse 2008 6point4 - my steed!!!
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Sir_Queuesalot
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 05/12/2007
Posts: 5255
Loc: Send more snow!
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WTTF JJ,
Just with your commute you're on 40 miles a week already so slip a detour in on the way home from time to time.
Also try a bit of interval training on the way home, alternate fast, very fast and slow to get yuor breath back this can be helped if you've got a cycle computer you could do 200m of each or if not use lamposts as a measurement.
If you oncentrate on getting your cardio vascular system up to speed first and foremost muscle strength will come easily after that and with time.
Welcome to a truly great sport
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Forum victims and culprits so far...
Typhoo, Prophet_1000, VT1_Doc, pgj79, Rob_Heath, Southboy, Tango, GeekTastic, mashley, Didzy2009, Gorehound, Greeneye, GingerNinja, SLB07
Smoke us some kippers, we'll be back for breakfast!!
My site www.ezerider.com
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jaguarjack
stranger
Reged: 03/03/2009
Posts: 6
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Thanks for the advice everybody. Not riding anything flash just a Saracen Mantra 3 that everybody chipped in for 40th birthday
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MTBLeague
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 23/05/2007
Posts: 1640
Loc: Moving again.
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Enjoy your birthday prezzie,
Just as everybody says start slow & easy(ish) don't put your self off, then build up at your pace, then start building up the skills little by little.
Soon(ish) you will be ripping around the countryside or trail centers and loving every second of it, with the added benifit of being fit and grinning like you are a mad man.   
Just like some of us....
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The path of least resistance is easier to follow............ When you can see it.... .............
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greeneye
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 19/04/2008
Posts: 4407
Loc: occupation: unemployed!!
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you will indeed find yourself riding faster and faster with each outing.
the banks you tackle on a regular basis will be tackled at a quicker pace.
all great advise so far, good luck and happy 40th.
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ONE LIFE....LIVE IT!!
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Zanzibar
enthusiast
Reged: 29/09/2008
Posts: 286
Loc: Monmouthshire
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I went through the same process as you two and a half years ago. Its tough at first but persevere with it. It'll all be worthwhile like all the above posts mention.
Now at 43 I'm fitter than I have been in years, lost a bit of weight and toned up considerably.
An eight mile easy round trip used to kill me, but now after I can bang out 20-25 hard terrain miles no problem.
Just go for it. And if you've got kids like me, drag them along as well, whenever possible.
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GiantBiker
stranger
Reged: 08/02/2009
Posts: 7
Loc: Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
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Only thing I would add is to look for a challenge event in your area perhaps in about 4-6 months time (there are loads of 25-30 mile events around the country and most of them are not at all extreme). This will give you a goal to aim for which is often a really good motivator.
Good luck!
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ramboto
stranger
Reged: 16/05/2009
Posts: 3
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Biking is a good start. Just focus on your goals and maybe add other types of exercise routine and it will surely pay off....
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GREAT GET Ups 4 FITMEN :-)
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