[vash]

i have bad feet. when i jog, my feet will hurt bad. my foot doc told me to lay off the running, and my health suffered.

so, i took the chance to buy a bike. i got a cyclocross bike. i have been riding it off/on for about a month, with the last two weeks being very consistent. i do maybe 15 miles for now. i do a series of trails, paved and fireroads to get to the bottom of a very long climb. i wouldnt call it crazy steep, but for me..it kinda is. the first time i went up it, i almost died. i was sucking in bugs through my gaping mouth. now? well, i am not waving the "bike for sale" sign, but i would still rate it as VERY difficult.

my question, when does it get any better? any tips to fast-track the leg muscles and lungs? i get out 6 days a week, and i always end my day at the bottom of this hill, and climb it. my house is up there.

i want to drop some poundage, get my heart stronger, and hike and hunt better in the future. nothing more humbling than a bike and a long hill.

i want to add more distance, but i have limited time. i get home from the ride, strap up the new dog and walk 2-3 miles with the wife.