Week 1 - The Challenge Begins

My first week on two wheels has been an enjoyable challenge. To map my progress to fitness, I'm trying out various Smartphone Apps. I have shortlisted these down to two which my fellow Facebook friends are using: Endomondo and MapMyRide. I'm still not convinced which is best, both have their positive points, more on that probably over the next few weeks.

So, my progress so far, in my view, has been relatively impressive considering my starting point. Here is the week, in brief:

Sunday 3rd March - Day 2

Two outings today. My Pre Breakfast Run, using MapMyRide, was my first trial of moving from warm bed to bike and an outside temperature of zero degrees. I managed a 2 mile ride with a reported total ascent of 98.43 ft and maximum elevation of 111.55 ft. Not sure the relevance of these stats, but I certainly had to dismount to make the final hill home!

Stats: 2.23 mi, 14m 41s, 69 kcal.

The second outing was a 'gentle' afternoon ride down to the sea, using Endomondo this time to track my style. Following a similar route but finishing by 'walking' up a far too steep hill to attempt, at this time, I reportedly burned 174 kcals, imagine how many that would have been had I been actually cycling up the hill!

Stats: 2.03 mi, 14m 34s, 174 kcal.

Monday 4th March - Day 3

I was surprisingly keen to get out this morning, on this, Day 3 and my first week day pre-breakfast run. The weather was again cold, feeling sub zero travelling at 20 mph down hill, with the wind whistling around my ears, I headed off into the town, towards the sea beyond. In a figure of eight rather than my previous circular route, I'm trying out the best circuit to avoid traffic and junctions which will interrupt my flow. Having got caught at the lights, tomorrow's circuit will have to change again.

Stats: 1.97 mi, 14m 18s, 161 kcal.

Tuesday 5th March - Day 4

Fog and with all lights blazing .. a different and longer route today. I'm getting into more of a groove now and the route is starting to take shape. My legs are are starting to really feel the exercise they've not had for years and my seat is suffering at every bump!

Fortunately, later in the day, I took delivery of my first cycling lycra. A pair of padded shorts! ;)
Stats: 2.23 mi, 16m 50s, 190 kcal.

Wednesday 6th March - Day 5

Oh a tough one today. Stopped at the sea wall for a breather so Endomondo split the circuit into two reports. Not a good ride after a poor night's sleep, but nice to get out anyway and the new shorts are a great improvement!

Stats: 1.13 mi, 6m 33s, 74 kcal.

The way back from the sea wall was the uphill homeward stretch and a real challenge for the tired legs. Luckily, however, much warmer than yesterday and only very light rain.

Stats: 1.18 mi, 8m 23s, 94 kcal.

Thursday 7th March - Day 6

A washout! Horizontal rain and strong onshore gusts keep me wrapped up inside. Probably a good thing really as my muscles are starting to rebel!

Friday 8th March - Day 7

Back on the bike. Wet under rubber this morning, glad I was encouraged to purchase the unfashionably long mud guards! Almost doubled the distance today, adding 2 circuits of the beach, after being rained off yesterday but halved the calories burned! Losing faith in Endomondo's algorithm engine ... or has it picked up my increase in fitness? Not sure what's going on there but I don't believe it!

Stats: 4.01 mi, 22m 58s, 81 kcal.

So that's a full week now of bike ownership in which I've seen the distance I've been capable of cycling double and my stamina certainly increasing. I don't think I'll see the same increases in distance next week, but hopefully the hills will be easier, the stops for breathers less frequent and the weather remains good, so that I can at least get out on my bike.