Time to increase the workout

Tonight I am taking a giant step in strengthening my legs. I am going to add the stair master to my workout. This is a challenging addition as it can be uncomfortable on my knees to go up and down steps. But I am told it will quickly give me quad strength which is needed for pedal power. I now also have a good knee brace which should give my left knee some support. I am not feeling like I am making enough progress fast enough. I think the spell of warm weather has begun to make me panic. Kind of OMG it is already warm out and I not on the road beginning to make any progress. My diet, on the other hand, seems to be getting better. In the morning I have been having a protein shake and a couple of hours later yogurt and blueberries. Then lunch at work and a high protein dinner with greens. Lately the greens have been red kale and red swiss chard.