Twitter Helped Motivate This Man to Keep Cycling
On May 27, Twitter user Steve James found himself in need of some motivation. After riding 12 miles, the 51-year-old tweeted that he felt "absolutely shattered." The truck driver had never really exercised before and was searching for "a quick fix."
Myself this morning resting after only six miles of riding my bicycle,I managed just 12 altogether and absolutely shattered, I get no exercise whatsoever, I’m 51, overweight as I’m a truck driver and do absolutely nothing that involves exercise...looking for some quick fix tips pic.twitter.com/51UXMnumup
- steve james (@jamdog67) May 27, 2018
James’ tweet got some unexpected traction with over 2,000 likes and nearly 900 comments from followers and other members of the cycling community. Although many responders pointed out that there are no "quick fixes," they were also quick to offer advice.
To be honest there is no quick fix..
It all takes time and effort you should look at a long term plan. As long as you make steady progress is all that matters.. good on you for having a go😁- Cycling Trucker (@CyclingDriver) May 27, 2018
Cycling coach and vice president of rider development at the Century Road Club Association, Tara Parsons agrees. “Getting back into shape isn't a quick fix, rather a long term commitment,” she says.
Parsons emphasizes how important it is to be realistic about what's possible for James (or anyone in a similar situation), rather than overdoing it. Parsons suggests increasing mileage no more than 50 percent at a time. For example, after that 12-mile ride, James should aim for 15 to 18 miles on the next. She also recommends mixing the rides up-one long ride per week with two shorter, easier rides.
“His build over time should be gradual so that he doesn’t overdo anything or injure himself,” Parsons says. “Eventually he could add another day of training to his schedule, too. But off the bike, I recommend some strength and core training, even if this means sacrificing a day of riding.”
Aside from the training tips, James received numerous messages of positive encouragement to keep at it. Here's what the Twittersphere had to say about how James could work up to his goals.
That’s 12 miles more than most people, great effort! No quick fixes unfortunately, but it won’t take long to start noticing an improvement if you can get out once or twice a week. Then fun really starts. Keep it going 👍🏻
- Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) May 28, 2018
Get a cheap cycle computer that measures cadence, doesn’t have to be fancy. Keeping up in the 80-90 rpm range by using the gears, not worrying too much about speed, really helped my fitness and stamina.
- William J Hulley (@williamhulley) May 27, 2018
Enjoyment is the #1 predictor of whether someone will stick to an exercise programme. Ride for fun and adventure & you'll keep riding.
- What's the Dope? (@DominantDomest1) May 28, 2018
The next day, James posted his Strava route of 23 kilometers-or about 14 miles-and doesn't seem to have plans of slowing down anytime soon.
Feeling sore , but my mind after 2 days is in overdrive, buzzing off this tweet so it’s making me want to go out and prove to myself, my family and the Twitter society that one day soon hopefully I will be fitter, stronger and healthier
- steve james (@jamdog67) May 29, 2018
For cyclists, it's likely no surprise to see the community show up to support a man like James, but this feel-good story shows that social media can be a place in which we encourage each other and an unexpected source for motivation and accountability.
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