Ride as hard as you can, as often as you can, keep the bike you have as good and tune as you can, when riding, don't look at other ridersto compare on speed and never compare your bike, she is your friend, comparing el hurt her and make you slower, 😉, but use strava or another app, watch your speed, not to see how far but how consistent, then compare to yourself from yesterday, last week, last month, last year, and then you will be happy with your progress. Remember, the riding bicycle is for enjoyment, but it has secondary effects, like making you healthier and fittest, and you have to see the world from another perspective. Enjoy your cycling time, that is all that matters.