I need a good goal

I am getting my new bike fitted at the shop tonight. I will work my way to commuting by bike on the way to work (30 mins according to Google Maps). On my way back home, I will take my bike on a train because I am afraid to ride in the dark, at least initially. Eventually I want to commute by bike in both directions, for one hour every workday, 5 days a week. Naturally, I hope to become more fit this way and I want to measure my progress, but I know that setting weight-related goals is really, really unhealthy. What would be a healthy measurement for me? Resting pulse taken weekly, perhaps? I have just bought a blood pressure monitor (my bp is sometimes too low and I want to know how low) which also measures the pulse, so it would be easy and accurate. What else? Time in which I cover the distance to work? But that depends on traffic. Do not have other ideas.

Emailed GP about it. Maybe she will have some good ideas.

GP:
It can take a while for the heart rate to drop. I recommend using the fit of your clothing, your overall energy, and your overall well being as goals.

GP sounds like she has a good answer.....definitely the fit of the cloths...but maybe NOT?????

When I was in college, I lived at home with my parents until I got married. I worked about 45 minute bike ride from home.....& I got this wonderful new 10 speed bike....something I had wanted all my life....& it was little & fit me......so I decided to be healthy & ride it to work & back on all the good weather days....which in southern Calif were almost every day. Funny thing...after quite awhile, my leg muscles got in such good shape....only problem, it made the legs of my pants tight......even though the waste was getting smaller.....so it depends on what area of the cloths one wants to measure.

I remember also....muscle weighs more than fat......once you start really getting into condition. Initially as the fat goes down & the muscle is building....then the weight will be declining....until the fat is then gone & the muscles are building & gaining more weight.....just a thought.

I think it's wonderful riding your bike to work....I have the best memories from all those days of riding my bike to work.....& I felt so very healthy (in spite of the smog in that San Fernando Valley area).

Wish you lots of good days with your rides.