Why am I finding exercise harder than when I started?

[101damnations]

I haven't done any real exercise since 1995,but recently,due to petrol costing so much and a bit of weight gain/general unfitness,have started cycling.

I have done a few miles a day for the past 10 days,but the past few days have really struggled,hills that I could manage when I first started are a such hard work at the minute.My legs are aching so much and I am so out of breath that I have had to stop and catch my breath before continuing.I'm trying to do an extra 1/4 a mile a day,but I'm puzzled that it seems so much harder than when I started .Am I doing something wrong?

Thank you.

How are your iron levels?

wow OP you read my mind....am watching this with baited breath as was about to start my own thread in a similar vein!

ive been going to the gym for 1 hour 3 times a week for 6 weeks now and rather than feeling fitter i just feel so much more knackered. it literally wipes me out for the day.

saw my gp today who is checking my thyroid and iron, but i havnt a clue why i feel so bad. sorry for the hyjack but im interested in other peoples theories on this too!

Are you eating enough? I started weight training a couple of months ago three times a week and on the days I lift I am supposed to eat an extra 300 calories with lots of protein and I feel so much fitter and stronger than when I started.

Thankyou for the responses-I was out last night so didn't get a chance to get online.

MadamDeathstare,I like the idea of my leg muscles being stronger.I've just got back from my bike ride and managed the killer hill much better by breathing deeply.You may have solved my problem.

Merle,that is an interesting point about iron levels.I've had low iron in the past,so if things don't improve,I'll get it checked out.

Lostgirl,really?I like the sound of more food.I 've always been lucky enough to be able to eat what I want,do no exercise and stay the same weight / size,until recently.So I'm a complete novice about calories and exercise.I suppose it was bound to catch up with me sooner or later.

Vicar,hijack away.This exercise lark is new to me and I've no idea of if I'm doing the right thing or not.You've made me feel better about my leaden legs and gaspy breathing!

I think it's important to drink water while you exercise, I notice that I struggle more if I drink less than usual when I'm exercising. Are you also maybe coming down with an illness - a cold maybe? Sometimes the first sign of illness is just feeling generally more tired...