Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose.. [Archive]

Zen

04-30-2007, 05:40 PM

Good for you! A lot of overweight people are too intimidated to go to the gym let alone get out on the road and ride.

As far as doing the rides you mentioned, I'd say just get out there and put in some TITS (time in the saddle). You can do this.

I have some experience in losing weight, about thirty pounds. I went to Weight Watchers, learned how to eat healthy foods, swam and lifted weights. I got certified as a personal trainer then went back to college and got an AA in health and Phys. Ed. (I did that mainly for myself, I have a chronic liver disease)If you belong to a gym, start taking spin classes. The intervals are a great way to lose weight and improve your aerobic capacity. It's a great way to train during winter as well.

Don't even think of it as a hundred pounds, break it down into small increments. Don't be a slave to the scale, either. Once a week should be fine. Let your clothes be your gauge.

If your schedule allows, you might want to look into Weight Watchers. You might find other members there who can relate and help you better than I have (or haven't).

Zen

04-30-2007, 05:44 PM

Forgot one very important point- don't be in a hurry to lose weight.

Two or three pounds a week is a safe amount.

Jenn

04-30-2007, 05:53 PM

You GO GIRL!! You ride your booty off!! I know how intimidating it is but you just have to say.....Screw it, "This is about me." and GO.....GO...GO...
I'm not a small (typical cyclist) build by no means!! I'm 5'8" 195 so I'm not small. You can do it and you will, since you have before. It's all new to me, so I'm so hooked it's scary....I wore shorts today, I haven't worn shorts in 5 years!!
I know it's hard getting started again, but you CAN do it, you WILL do it and you will love the results, you know that since you've riden before. Go for it and if you need anything I'm here!!!:D

Jenn

ace

04-30-2007, 06:37 PM

Hi Polliwog, and welcome! I can relate. I had over 100 lbs to lose, lost 85 lbs with Weight Watchers a couple of years ago (and I still basically do WW), but have gained some back. The good news is I've stayed 50 or more lbs under my top weight. I still have 60 lbs to go to my goal. Anyway, my advice about the weight loss is slow and steady. I think it's easier taking it off than keeping it off (especially for those of us who are compulsive overeaters), so long slow progress just gives you the practice you'll need to keep it off once you hit your goal.

I have loved getting into biking. It's given me a reason to be fit, which means when I'm losing weight, I'm doing it so I can be better at something I love to do. Hills are definitely a challenge for me at this weight, but part of that is because I have a bum knee right now. I wouldn't say I have any body image issues on the bike- I just feel really happy and proud that I'm able to do what I do.

Be really kind to yourself with your training program- it's 100% ok for you to be exactly where you are. If you stick with it, you'll progress.

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

-Amy

esmerelda

05-01-2007, 04:36 AM

H Polliwog. I, too, have begun riding to lose weight -- 50 lbs. (Already lost 10.) I do a number of activities and wanted to add another sport to keep some variety in my exercise.

I just bought my bike a week ago. I don't have a training plan, per se. Just to exercise 5 times/wk for a min of 30 min at a level 6 or 7 (on a scale of 1 to 10). Target heart rate 135. Other than that, I'm letting my body tell me what's right for that day.

How are you training? I'd love to keep in touch!

rebran

05-01-2007, 07:11 AM

Hello Polliwog- - -I started with IDC and loved how I felt after class. I bought my bike at the end of March and I don’t know why I didn’t start earlier. I have about 50 lbs to lose but I don’t weigh myself on a regular basis - I have gone down two dress sizes and my body image has improved greatly! I feel stronger and healthier!

As far as training program (this is what I do). . . .I spin 3X’s a week, lift 2X’s, and I am on my bike 4X’s a week. I started out at 6.5 miles up’d to 10.4 and now I am at 26 and I am ready to add some more miles next week.

No advice for rolling hills as I have not yet found any in my area. . . but there is so much information and knowledge here. . . .

Best of luck with your training! You will do great!

Darby361

05-01-2007, 07:44 AM

Congratulations on getting out there! I can relate to where you are. Two years ago I lost 100#s through proper eating (not diet!) and exercise. I had to start slow, but each week I saw improvements in both my body and my strength. It can be frustrating and you will have ups and downs, so I suggest you journal your weight loss and exercise amounts - this will help so much when you hit a slow time and you can see your progress on paper over time. "So I haven't lost any weight this week, but look, I lost 4lbs over the last 3 weeks!" The rewards are worth the work! I am with you on losing weigh this summer. I have maintained for 1 year, and now I am ready to take on the last 25#s! This is our summer to become the fittest women we can!
Whoo Hoo!
Trish

Tuckervill

05-01-2007, 09:53 AM

www.sparkpeople.com for your journaling and keeping up with your exercise and nutrition. Free eating plans and SHOPPING LISTS, which is what I love. :)

I have at least 50 lbs to lose--so far I have lost 14. I just got back from vacation so I have to catch back up.

Good luck. You CAN do it. Remove all doubt.

Karen

F8th637

05-01-2007, 11:30 AM

I second SparkPeople. I love that site! I don't have 100s of pounds to lose but I am definitely overweight and looking at losing as well. That's part of the reason I took up cycling. Best of luck to you!

polliwog88

05-01-2007, 06:35 PM

Thank you for all the supportive words and advice!

I am a Weight Watchers online user. I agree that it is a great way to lose weight sensibly.

I really look forward to sharing and learning from all of you!

ShubieGA

05-01-2007, 06:59 PM

I hear you Polliwog...I am starting to ride more frequently to lose weight - along with tracking my calories. I too have a lot to lose, but I still wear the bike shorts. My philosophy has become "if you don't like the view, go around me!" My friends have been very supportive - that helps me stay positive. That, and all the positive vibes on TE. :)

mudgirl

05-03-2007, 05:13 AM

Hey Polliwog!

I've got about 100lbs to lose, too! I lost 92lbs doing WW about 2-3 years ago, and I used to road bike a lot. Then, for too many reasons to get into, I quit riding and gained back all that weight :( But, I joined WW back in January and have lost 16lbs so far. It took me 2 years to lose it before, 2 years to gain it all back, and now it'll probably take 2 years to lose it again. :) OH well!

I'm sure I share the same concerns you do. We have tons of hills around here (Fingerlakes area, upstate central NY). There's absolutely nowhere to go where it's flat. Hills were a big struggle for me even at my lightest, and they're even worse, now. My recommendation is to get really big gears on your bike and don't be afraid to use them! It just started getting nice enough to ride around here a couple weeks ago, and I did a four mile ride that seemed like torture. Hard to believe I used to regularly ride 50+ miles!!! But, it will get better. We just have to keep at it!

Brenda

polliwog88

05-03-2007, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the reply mudgirl!

I had a realization yesterday while riding my bike. I have to constantly work on not feeling self conscious on my bike, but yesterday I thought about the inspiration I may be giving to other women in my situation.

jkrcvt

05-04-2007, 05:07 AM

Hi. I'm not a newbie, but I haven't been on my bike for about 3 years due to a back injury (disc herniation), and I've gained a LOT of weight. I was just searching the site for weight topics and found this thread - exactly what I needed.

I was doing so well with both my riding and weight loss, until the back pain started, then herniated the disc. I had lost about 20# that spring/summer, and I have since put that 20 back on, plus about 30 more. I'm now at the heaviest I've ever been and it's disgusting. I've been walking, doing aerobics, etc. as well as riding a bit on my old hybrid, but what I really want is to be back on my road bike. I just had my bike cleaned, tuned-up, etc. and it's ready to ride again - now I just have to work up the courage to get on it again. I have one pair of shorts that I can fit into (barely), but have NO jerseys.

I was wondering about spinning, but thought I was not in good enough shape to do it. Maybe I should just get over to the Y and talk to them about doing it. I hear you can work at your own pace, is that true?

bikerHen

05-04-2007, 07:18 AM

I started riding three years ago to lose weight (100 pounds). I bought a comfort bike and started riding to work a couple of day every week, plus DH and I would hit the local trail on Sundays. That first year I did lose a few inches but since I rarely get on the scale I don't know how much weight I actually lost. As soon as I stopped riding for the winter I gained what ever I lost back instantly!:mad:

So the next spring I started all over again. The cycling hook had caught me so I bought myself a road bike for mothers day. :D And I started riding. And riding and riding. I rode about 1500 miles that year and come winter I bought a trainer and continued to ride indoors. Thank god for MP3 players. I lost about 20 to 30 pounds that year and have kept it off.

So last spring I was ready to ride as soon as the roads were cleared. I did a couple of 50 mile rides as well as my first century ride. The interesting thing about last year, I did lose some weight, but I really started to build muscle because I started to fit into clothes that I had worn when I was about 20 pounds lighter. I continued to ride to work, weather permiting, and rode the trainer all winter. I totaled just over 4000 miles last year. :eek: I also bought a sweet new road bike. :D

Which brings me to this year. I commute to work everyday and try to fit longer rides in on my days off. My goal, starting this month, is to ride a minimum of 100 miles every week. I have mostly maintained my weight loss which I figure is about 50 pounds. As much as I would like the weight to come off faster, 50 pounds in three years is better than nothing. I know it's healther that way, it still is soooooo sloooow!

So to sum this all up, if you get out there and ride, watch what you eat and don't give a damm about what you look like in lycra, the weight will come off! Most importantly have lots of fun doing it! bikerHen

jkrcvt

05-04-2007, 09:48 AM

I'm hoping to repeat my weight loss when I do get back out there. I just feel so unsteady and unsure of myself at this heavier weight - and I'm terrified of falling. My balance and such are long gone at this point. My plan was to build up slowly, and I'll probably stick with that, as well as strength training and possibly spinning.

I don't much care about how I look in lycra - I've been overweight as long as I've been riding, but never this heavy. I hate wearing just t-shirts, but have not had luck finding plus size cycling jerseys that actually fit. My latest try makes me look like I'm wearing a "mini mumu" - the fit is ridiculous and I bought it according to my measurements. Guess I'll stick to the t-shirts until I go down enough to wear my jerseys again.

Glad to know there are so others out there who've been through this or are going through it now.

bikerHen

05-04-2007, 10:55 AM

[QUOTE=jkrcvt;197208]I just feel so unsteady and unsure of myself at this heavier weight - and I'm terrified of falling. My balance and such are long gone at this point.[QUOTE]

I think that's why I suck at mountain biking. No balance and I have steering issues. And that fear of falling? Major issue! :(

I do much better on asphalt. :cool: bikerHen

Kano

05-04-2007, 02:12 PM

I think it's the shifty ground, BikerHen. I really hate that about being on the dirt. If the trail is really flat, then it's not quite so bad, but if there's any kind of incline, that shifty ground makes it absolutely impossible for me to ride! down hill -- I get off and walk. Makes DH crazy!

(and I don't think losing 50-75 pounds is going to help that!)

Yup, I'm very content on the paved roads, can slime my way up just about any hill I try now, and fly down the other side of the long straight ones -- what an exhiliarating thing to do!!! (though curvy big downhills are nearly as bad as dirt!)

Karen in Boise

JLZimrmn

05-04-2007, 03:22 PM

I too would like to lose some weight, about 50 pounds. I am very excited that my boyfriend has just bought a road bike so now I have a riding buddy. Hopefully it will help me lose the weight.:)

cricket

05-04-2007, 03:55 PM

I also have a bunch of weight to lose and I am a beginning biker as well. So far I haven't felt too self conscious on the bike - I'm too busy trying to figure out how to shift properly! I'm also a Weight Watchers member, and that program is a great way to learn how to change your eating habits - like they say, it's not a diet, it's a way of life. You can do this!!!

polliwog88

05-04-2007, 05:18 PM

It has been so great reading all the posts.

Is there a way to keep similar ones going, so we can all support each other on our way to shedding the pounds and becoming stronger riders?

Polly

cyclokitty

05-04-2007, 05:19 PM

"...what I really want is to be back on my road bike. I just had my bike cleaned, tuned-up, etc. and it's ready to ride again - now I just have to work up the courage to get on it again. I have one pair of shorts that I can fit into (barely), but have NO jerseys. "

I know how you feel.

When I first started, I wore cotton track pants and t-shirts. They were at least comfortable, but the ride home was gross since I would drip sweat. Happily, I started losing weight - I was originally a size 28 last spring, but now I am a size 22-24! I have slowly purchased shorts, skorts, jerseys and cold weather gear. But if you only have shorts and tees to wear, wear 'em loud and proud! I've had lots of praise from other cyclists in my city, and have been cheered up hills by complete strangers. I have been heckled - a couple of morons in an old beat up car followed me for a block until I stopped somewhere safe - but nothing else.

It's more important to do what you love, than to listen to the puny brained idiots you'd never pay any attention too in the first place. Heck, I'm cheering for you!

pastrypam

05-04-2007, 09:03 PM

I have 30+ pounds to loose but it feels like 100. I am riding but not loosing, mainly because I eat too much sugar and other fatty things. I am having trouble getting started on a diet and sticking to it. I see others on this site have joined weight watchers. I am going to look into that too. I need a constant reminder to eat healthy and leave the sugar and fat alone plus the support of others in the same situation.

Working in a kitchen there is food everywhere and it is so hard to resist. I find myself eating even when I am not hungry. I am also having menopausal issues and the extra weight and lack of self control really depress me.

Every morning I wake up with resolve to stick to a good eating plan but usually blow it by lunch. I do better on the days I get to ride. It is so good for my mental attitude.

I love riding and want to be healthy and fit. I Just don't understant why wanting it and doing it are two different things. Food has so much power over me and I just want to take my power back and do what is good for me.

Any insight from you great TE women would be greatly appreciated.
All of you that are on a good program and sticking to it I envy you!! Keep up the good work.

Darby361

05-05-2007, 01:24 PM

Pam, I lost 100+ by cutting out all sugar and processed foods. If it came in a box or bag I did not eat it. I have slowly incorporated things back in but still avoid sugar and junk food like it is poison. Now, I do indulge on occasion, but it is only when planned. If I am going to a party, I know that I will have a few chips - but I know it ahead of time. This way, there is no impulse eating. Now, my advice for you on "blowing it by lunch" is don't throw in the towel if you eat something you don't consider good. If you tell yourself that you ruined the day, you will end up over indulging for the rest of the day. Just like riding, there are ups and downs. When you hit a bump, dust yourself off and start over - right that minute! You will be amazed if you change this mindset, you will be able to stay on track. I wish I had stopped thinking "oh well, I will start again on Monday" 20 years ago! Keep you head up and you will succeed. We don't overeat because we are hungry, it is a mental thing! The other thing that has helped me maintain my loss for over a year it replacing bad habits with healthy ones. Instead of eating when I am lonely, I go to a book club, or call a friend for a movie. Instead of eating because I am bored, I jump on my bike or hit the hiking trails. Find passion in healthy activities! I am with you all - I have decided this summer will be my time to take off the last lbs and become the fittest woman I can!

If anyone is interested, we could start a thread of our weekly progress. Weight changes and miles ridden:
Trish - this week -1.6 lbs (25.4 to goal), 98 miles

pastrypam

05-05-2007, 02:07 PM

Thanks Trish,
Wow, what an inspiration you are!!! Thanks for the good advice. I definately will work on changing my mind set because that is exactly what I do. If I blow it I figure I wasn't perfect so what the heck I will start tomorrow and it becomes a vicious cycle.

I would be very interested in joining a new thread where we keep track of rides and weight progress. I think it would help me very much.

This morning I rode for 3 miles, had a flat, don't know how to fix it, so called my husband and he picked me up. It's fixed now so tomorrow I will go out for at least 16 miles before work.

I am at work today and will weigh myself so I can report next week.
I have heard it is good to only weigh once a week. Is that what you do?
Pam

cricket

05-05-2007, 03:02 PM

Pam - I've found it helpful to only weigh once a week - I don't like to focus on the scale, but rather on how I'm feeling and how my clothes are fitting. That way, you aren't all bummed out when the scale is not your friend - it gives me a mental reason to eat whatever I want if I'm not feeling successful.
I rode 10 miles for the first time today and tried to keep it between 11 and 12 MPH. I was tired, but it felt good (once I stopped sweating!)

pastrypam

05-05-2007, 08:55 PM

Good for you Cricket. I wish I could have gone 10 miles today. I had a flat after 3. Hubby picked me up. My tire is all fixed now, so plan on going out tomorrow a.m.

I don't have a scale so it will be easy to pay attention to my clothes instead of the scale. I will weigh myself at work tomorrow, never had time today, just to see where I am so I can chart my progress.

I am just about off of work for the summer and will be able to get more ride time and exercise, yoga and pilates. Plus I will have time to make good healthy meals.

I signed up for spark people diet today. Will work with that for now.

Thanks for all the info everyone.
Pam

pooks

05-06-2007, 06:40 AM

Thanks for the recommendation of sparkpeople. I just signed up and went through the process and liked it.

What I don't like in general about these kinds of things is that I begin to feel like the program (any program) is a huge gnawing weight on my shoulders, and thinking about food all the time (to figure out what to eat next meal, etc.) overwhelms my ability to think about anything else.

But for now, sparkpeople was cool because it automatically figures stuff for me. There are a few things I need to figure out now, but the basic setup was good and I've logged my breakfast and water so far, and after I ride I guess I'm supposed to log that, too!

Again, thanks. This should at least help me get started.

If you tell yourself that you ruined the day, you will end up over indulging for the rest of the day.

You're only one meal away from being back on track, and that's your next meal!

Jones

05-06-2007, 10:59 AM

What I don't like in general about these kinds of things is that I begin to feel like the program (any program) is a huge gnawing weight on my shoulders, and thinking about food all the time (to figure out what to eat next meal, etc.) overwhelms my ability to think about anything else.

I feel like this too, but this year I have decieded to just take it slow and lose weight. Meal planning in advance has really freed my mind from obsessing about food. I always have the same thing for breakfast so I don't have to think about that and I try to make a few nights dinner at the same time so I don't have to prepare food or think about food as often. I have totally stocked my pantry and frig with healthy (or at least low cal.) items.

My goal was to lose 70 pounds between January and September, I have now modified that goal to lose 70 lbs no matter how long it takes. I have lost 26lbs so far and although I think about dieting alot I don't feel like it is consuming me like it has in the past.

Slight thread hijack-PastryPam were in California are you? I think I saw before that you are in the So. Cal desert and so am I.

Jones

Darby361

05-06-2007, 03:43 PM

I weigh every day, but I log a weekly weight. I know that there are going to be ups and downs throughout the week - a portion of hot-n-sour soup can make me gain 2 lbs in water! - so I keep these things in mind. That is why I log a weekly weight (Sat AM) on a calendar. This keeps me sane.
Trish

Reesha

05-06-2007, 05:25 PM

I've been spinning regularly and it is true. You work as hard as you can. Your instructor will tell you "turn your knob up a 1/4 turn" or "let's bring this up to a 7/10!" or something like that. As for the first, who is going to know if you don't turn it a 1/4 turn? As for the second, the 10 scale is the maximum effort you can put in while dying and so a 7 would be up to how you feel. And it usually changes within weeks... you'll be able to do more quickly. Within a month of spinning a felt a huge difference in the way I rode my bike. I was a lot more stable and my form was way better. I highly recommend it!

ShubieGA

05-06-2007, 06:51 PM

I haven't weighed myself since Monday. I will check on that tomorrow. I too would like to lose over 70 lbs - been there before. I know I can do it again. I was able to ride 29 miles today - my longest yet! The sit bones are a bit sore, but other than that I will sleep well tonight! 60 miles this week - woohoo! It is encouraging that we are not alone out on the trail! :)

pastrypam

05-06-2007, 08:19 PM

Weighed myself today and am looking forward to seeing a smaller number next Sunday. Rode 18+ miles this a.m. and after work did the eliptical trainer for 30 minutes. According to sparkpeople I burned 1,111 calories. Wow, and I did well on my diet too. One day at a time and I will make tomorrow good also.
I know its only one day but I feel encouraged and in better control.
Love feeling good!!
Pam

bikerchick2

05-07-2007, 04:58 PM

Polliwog, I am SO glad to have found your post! And so many others in the same boat!! I bought my bike last year, most I have EVER spent on a bike! But it was definately worth it. My big thing was comfort, because if you aren't comfortable, you aren't going to ride it. I love it! I too need to lose about 100lbs, and I think it is great that there are others here to share their experiences, good and bad with!

BikerP

05-10-2007, 01:38 PM

cyclokitty

05-10-2007, 01:56 PM

Hi!

I have about the same amount to lose as well, a little over 100lb. I started biking in March, about 2 days out of the week, when weather permitted. April was basically no good, because of all the rain we got, but I would try and bike on some days. Now we're in May and so far this week, so good. I currently bike about 7.25 miles to work and that takes me about 34 min, however biking home is horrible. I'm going uphill, even though it doesn't seem like it and that takes me about 50 mins to get home. I'm hoping to decrease that time eventually. I really need advice on what kinds of food to eat, as in should I eat before I bike early in the morning? I usually bike to work, then eat when I get here. Also any warm up exercises would be great to hear about. I'm really excited about biking and this thread/posts are awesome. You guys are amazing!!! After June, I will be biking about 9-10miles to work as we are moving. So as you can see, I'm really going to be putting in a lot of biking hours! :D

I'm in a similar boat -- I have about 100 lbs to ditch, and I also commute about 20 km round trip 4-5 days a week plus pleasure rides. I don't do any particular stretchs, just a a few touch my toes and arm and shoulder stretches to warm up my back muscles. I usually take the first km easy and then speed up.

I don't like eating before an early morning bike ride because I get naseous, so I wait until I get to work. There's a kitchen at work, so I can nuke some mutligrain cereal with choppped raw almonds, and I bring cut up melon. That tides me over until my breaktime.

My commute to work only takes 40 minutes, but at night it's closer to an hour because of 1 long steep hill, another steadily rising climb, and then two more steep but short hills. The first hill I walk because it is too far for me to ride up without tripping over (and I have). The rest I can do ... now. It took plenty of practice and sheer will (I wanna be home -- that's my mantra).

I learned on this forum (BTW, thanks everyone!) about sparkspeople.com. The advice is good, but I like the tools provided to personalize my own goals, and personal bugaboos (chocolate), and you can rack up points (don't know what they do, but I am a rabid collector of pretty much anything, so rack 'em up I go!).

And, even neater, you get your own blogspace to record, share, and brag. Mine is my.sparkpeople.com/CYCLOKITTY. And I like visitors!

Have fun riding!

pastrypam

05-10-2007, 04:44 PM

BikerP,
That is so great that you bike to work. It will really help you with your weight loss. As far as the hills go, just do it. Doesn't matter how slow you go, but in time you will see progress. I use to have to stop a couple times going up a hill I do frequently and now I can go up it without stopping and have seen my speed increase over time. I still find it difficult but I just do it. Even on the days I don't feel like it I still do it.

Go to the free diet website sparkpeople.com and fill in the blanks. They will tell you how many calories you need to eat and even give you menus and recipes. They calculate the calories you burn on a ride.

It helps to write down everything you eat and you can do it all on this site.

Good luck and keep up the good work even though it is hard.:)
Pam

mudgirl

05-11-2007, 04:30 AM

BikerP, I've been trying to to work up the nerve to start commuting back & forth to work as well. Your situation sounds a lot like mine! I live about 7.5 miles away from work, up on a hill, have to go down into a valley through town, and then back up another hill to get to work. And when I say "hill," I'm talking 500 ft of climbing in a half mile... 12% grades and stuff like that. Fun stuff!! :eek: There are ways to get around it; such as, I could hop on a bus once I get to town to carry the bike and me up the hill. Like I said, I just need to get up the nerve to do it. I ordered a new road bike that should be in early next week, and part of my deal with myself to buy the new bike was to start commuting to work to save $$ on gas & parking to pay for it!

~Brenda

BikerP

05-11-2007, 08:42 AM

**Thank you PastryPam for the encouragement!! I had already registed with sparklepeople about 2 weeks ago. I really haven't had time to look at their site and play around with it. I might this weekend.***

As for Brenda, that sounds like a pretty steep hill. :-) All I can tell you is something is better than nothing. When I first started biking, I biked mainly to work, didn't care to bike home too much. And the sad part, in the beginning, was that I would still be discouraged, because I didn't feel like I accomplished anything in biking, just because I couldn't bike home. And then one day...I'm like WAIT A MINUTE. Just because I'm not biking home doesn't make my accomplishment any less. So I became satisified biking to work, even though it really is the easiest thing to do. This has been my first week biking home, and even though it's been a struggle, I know eventually I will get better. Just as you will. Start off slow, if you can only bike part of that hill, then that's better then leaving your bike at home and not doing anything at all. Also try just biking on the weekends, just to see what struggles you have. I started biking on the weekends to my job, just to see if I would have any issues, and that's how I knew biking home would be my struggle.

Just remember, a little bit can go a long way.

Good Luck!!! :p

FrannyMae

05-11-2007, 01:47 PM

Hi all! I was excited to find this thread, as I was starting to think I was crazy to want to bike my way to fitness. I just bought a new bike, after not having even been on one in 7-8 years! I absolutely LOVE the feeling I get speeding along on my own power...although "speeding" is a relative term! :p

In addition to wanting to increase my fitness level I would like to lose about 70-80 pounds. Now these are pounds I have lost before, but I keep finding them...along with a few of their friends :eek: I know that for me exercise, along with a sensible eating plan, is the answer. So...here I am!

I look forward to hearing about all your trials, tribulations, and victories as we cycle away the weight!

pammycakes

05-11-2007, 03:31 PM

Wow!! Each of you is such an inspiration. I too need to loose some weight. 57 lbs actually. Already lost 14. I do love to ride my bike. I started riding last October. I took a few months off this winter then started riding again in April. When I first started I could only ride for a couple of miles and I am sure I was quite comical to watch. Last week-end I rode for 20 miles and feel very confident on my bike. I think just riding gives me a sense of confidence.
Pam

BikerP

05-12-2007, 07:47 AM

Yay! I lost 2lbs this week!!! I really don't know how, since I'm not paying that close attention to what I'm eating. I eat a good breakfast, maybe a snack, lunches and dinners vary. But either way I'm glad....I hope to be able to say this by next week, that I lost 2 more!!! Only time will tell! :D

e1b2

05-13-2007, 09:16 AM

I am working towards an overall 50 pound loss by mid August, have 37 to go.

I bought a Specialized last summer, put about 100 miles on, then was called away on a two month detail. Long hours and hotel food. Came home, horse accident put me down for another 6 weeks. Then, the holidays were here!!

So glad to have found this string......just in time. I dusted the bike off last weekend, did 10 miles, then was out of state all week. My goal this week is to do three 15 mile flat rides, wearing the heart monitor and determine where my baseline is.

See you later.
Lisa

ShubieGA

05-14-2007, 05:04 AM

I was able to get 3 rides in this week, with the longest being 22.5 miles. We were sluggish, but kept pedaling yesterday. I finally can report that I lost 2 pounds. Yeah! I am trying to write down everything I eat (stay away from fries) and get on the bike more. This thread helps too!

Happy Monday!
Shubie

Darby361

05-14-2007, 06:18 AM

Down .3 (25.1 to go) 43 miles

A light biking week for me - weather, work, life...

I am excited for this thread! I would like to put out one word of caution to those who are saying I want to lose XX by XX date. Don't let the date parameters get in the way. The important part is that the numbers are going down. While I was losing my weight (100+ lbs) I started doing that, and then would get frustrated when I did not meet my date goals. So, I gave up the date goals and concentrated on lbs, in small chunks. In the beginning I used 10 lb goals. These days as I chip away at the last few, I use 5lb goals.

Trish

FrannyMae

05-14-2007, 03:01 PM

Trish has a great point about setting date goals. In addition to becoming disappointed or feeling like you failed when you can't "make the date," you might try to lose weight too rapidly or in a way that isn't sustainable over the long haul. I have made that mistake in the past when I would lose large amounts of weight over fairly short periods of time. Even though I lost weight in a healthy manner I ended up just gaining the weight back because I hadn't made long-term, sustainable changes to my life.

I'm trying to set goals that aren't necessarily weight related in the hopes that the end result will be a healthier lifestyle and weight loss.

This week's goals:

Ride 50 miles (33 to go!)
Lift weights 2 times
Drink 64oz of water daily

I wish you all luck with setting, and meeting your goals!

Ellen

pammycakes

05-17-2007, 08:41 AM

In addition to riding I am also running. I'm not running very far or very fast, but I am trying to run some. My daughter runs marathons and I would like to try to do a short race with her in the future. This week-end I was plodding along a trail around the lake when a couple of very fast runners passed me coming and going. As each of these very fast women passed me, they each gave me an "atta girl" or "good job". This truly made me feel great (even though I started sobbing uncontrolably). I was able to finish my 40 minute,2.5 mile plod. Thank you to all the fast people for encouraging this slow one to continue the plod.

pooks

05-17-2007, 02:21 PM

Pammycakes -- that's so inspiring! What great women! And good for YOU!

sgtiger

05-17-2007, 11:16 PM

I'm trying to lose 50+ lbs. Although, mostly I'd like to feel fitter. About a 1 1/2 yrs ago, I decided I needed to start taking care of myself. With mostly minor lifestyle changes, I was able to lose 15# (mostly in the booty!:eek: :rolleyes:) and lose two dress sizes. I keep a fitness journal. I'm terrible about logging things as I've never really gotten into the habit of keeping a diary. However, the few entries I have of my measurements, goals, set-backs, and insights into the hows and whys of my past weight gain has been very helpful. I have something I can occasionally glance at to remind me how far I've come. Sure I haven't lost the original 65# that I set out for myself but I've manage to lose some of it and am working on losing the rest. When my weight changed very little a few months back, I realized that I needed to add more cardio to my fitness routine. Hence one of the reasons for cycling!:D

Thank-you ladies for sharing your stories. You're been very inspirational to me. I think you are very brave for starting this journey of becoming more fit. And I hope that we can all be a part of each others' successes.:cool:

~sg

bikerchick2

05-23-2007, 04:49 PM

COUNT ME IN! Here's MY story. I'm 41 yrs old. (ugg). Last month, I was 256 lbs. I'm old, I'm tired, and I'm FAT. I want to lose around 100 lbs. I bought my bike last fall. I rode a bit, not a lot. This year, I am RIDING. I did my first organized ride, 12 miles. :D Felt like an accomplishment until you realize I kept up with a 93 yr old man! :^). So, for mother's day I rode 20 miles. That's been my highest number so far. I would like to
lose weight, get my MPH up to over 10, (I've been riding for 3 weeks, and keeping a log. I started out at 6-7 mph, am up to 8-9). I took measurements, and started weighing. I don't like the weighing. discouraging to see gain even though I KNOW muscle weighs more than fat, and I've definately been building muscle. I feel FANTASTIC.
I ride in our local State park, it has a road that goes all the way around in a circle that is just over 3 miles, and if I go down a side road and back, it's about 8. Lots of small inclines, 1 major hill, (if you go counterclockwise, not so major if you go clockswise but still tough :^). Last year, I had to walk the bike up it Counter clockwise, this year, I'm riding it.

So, need advice! nutrition, water, electrolytes, (gatoraide makes me nauseous), etc. I have given up diet pepsi, (a few slips here and there though), and try to eat yogurt everyday. Other than that, not a lot of changes, except I am HUNGRY after riding.

Let's get losing!

bikerchick2

BookGnome

05-26-2007, 07:26 AM

Great thread! In addition to all the other great advice (SparkPeople.com) & inspiration here, I'd like to tell you about a book I'm reading -- Secrets of a Former Fat Girl by Lisa Delaney. "Fat girl" is not just a number on a scale, but your mind & spirit. This is NOT a diet (nasty 4-letter word) book, but how to change your image of yourself as a "fat girl". I have laughed, cried, and gasped at how this author perfectly understands the thought process of this soon-to-be former fat girl.

Kudos to us all for taking the first (or fifteenth) step towards being healthy women.

pooks

05-26-2007, 07:31 AM

For me, my attitude about being a "fat girl" changed when I started riding my bike. Maybe part of it was just wearing spandex in public, but now I admire my calves and examine my thighs and think how strong and muscular they are. My middle is still a big fat round squishy tomato. (Apple sounds much too firm and in shape!)

But I have a knit dress I haven't worn because it hugs me too tight, and shows my fat off too clearly, and I wore it last week anyway. I like the way it shapes my back and backside, and I like the way my legs look, and I wore a long scarf hanging down in front to perhaps camo some of the fat.

I have a different body image, just because I feel like more of an athlete (even though I'm not an athlete by a long shot -- but I'm working toward it).

Caecilia

06-02-2007, 01:25 PM

I have a different body image, just because I feel like more of an athlete (even though I'm not an athlete by a long shot -- but I'm working toward it).

I know this feeling! It's great, I had never seen myself as athletic before - 'total klutz' is more like it. But a few weeks ago I hit some sort of sweet spot of weight loss and increased strength, and ever since then I have been feeling more like an athlete and less like a slug, even though I'm still 60 pounds over my goal weight.

While I'm delurking... hi, everyone! I'm 30, 5'3", current weight 195, down from about 221 since February. Started losing with a combination of simple calorie counting (I use calorieking.com to track my food, with a target around 1600 cal/day) and strength training at the YMCA (bodypump anyone?). When my weight got below 200, I rewarded myself with a bike - a 2007 Specialized Globe Sport, my first new bike in 20 years! Back in college my bike was my main transport, and I've missed it. In the past month I've put about 100 miles on the new bike and commuted to work (and home again - always harder) 3 times. My goal is to commute by bike MWF but so far the weather hasn't been cooperating.

Hope y'all are having a good weekend. Mr. C and I rode 6 miles this morning while the day was nice - now that the storms have rolled in, time to get to work.

tnmastiffmom

06-04-2007, 01:53 PM

I am so glad to find this post. I was just skimming by and found it and it really touched me. I am glad I am not the only one out there. It has been so frustrating just trying to lose any weight, I have low back problems and neck problems which cause me to have migraines. I start working out and do good for a month or so and then end up in some sort of pain and have to stop for a while and then try to motivate myself to start again. It has been a vicious cycle. I just went this Saturday and bought a new bike and now my husband and I are planning on riding as much as we can. So I hope this will be the new beginning for me. I have somewhere between 50-80 lbs to lose depending on what my body sees is correct. And my first goal is 5 lbs!!! So when I get my bike on Thursday (it had to be ordered), I am going for it with all my gears!!
Thanks for the support and hopefully I can encourage someone else.
Tina

JesTutripup

06-05-2007, 02:03 PM

Polliwog congratulations for getting back on your bike. :cool:

life went into a tailspin for me. '04, i left my job; a month later the day before my bday my dad passed. I weighed 320+lbs at his funeral. I just wanted to ride b/c I missed that feeling of when I taught myself how to ride my sisters bike. freedom, happiness and truly focused.

June '05 i got Felty and just rode for the pleasure. I couldn't quiet my desire. during the winters i danced, walked around my apt/the block & shovelled just so i wouldn't become horribly depressed. i just stirred and repeated '05 in '06.

Feb '07 i went to the hospital and was told i weighed 260lbs. i told them the machine was broke. i pulled all of my 'old-not-a-4X' clothing box and fit everything below a 24. All of my Terry cycling outfits (4X) really swing in the wind and I need a tailor to alter my clothes.

I went to visit my LBS owner this April to find he gained the 80lbs i lost. almost made me cry as he's a VERY, VERY HANDSOME MAN! Did I tell you how handsome he is? Mercy! and Taken!

changing the what, how and when you eat and the activities in your life is a life change. everything takes time and I'm in no rush for the next 120lbs to drop. i think i get most of my workout looking in the closet to see what fits for the day. i haven't worn a size 18 in over 20 years..back to the consignment shop and good will.

keep riding, walking, swimming....keep moving and having fun.

pooks

06-05-2007, 03:09 PM

I hope everybody is feeling successful right now. I'm absolutely loving posting my info at sparkpeople (even though I'm keeping it all private) and am losing weight, which is phenomenal.

sundial

07-01-2007, 05:15 PM

I am glad this thread was started because it's encouraging to see so many people motivated to make a healthy change in their lifestyle. :) It's nice to have a community of supporters here who understand the struggle to lose or maintain a healthy weight--myself included. I am a newbie that has been lurking and finally joined this friendly forum. :) I guess misery loves company, lol.

I have been struggling with my weight the past 3 years and I'm once again motivated to cycle again. Ironically, several years ago when I was putting in the mileage, I injured my knee. :( I laid out for awhile and I'm ready to get back into it. I am going to try the Speedplay Frog pedals in hopes that I won't have to be sidelined due to knee pain.

I really wish the best for the members who have have set a weight goal. Maybe we can all continue to uplift and encourage each other as we work toward our individual goals. :D

This is a fun forum and I look forward to being a part of this group.

Kris

07-03-2007, 07:41 PM

I was so glad to see this topic that I went and registered so that I could respond. I thought I might be the only heavy person looking to find the right clothes, learn how to shift gears, and lose 100 pounds (I'm 5'4" and about 220). I'm not alone anymore!

I started riding about a year and a half ago when I got a very active young Australian Cattle Dog in a moment of madness at the pound. He's a great dog, but there was no way my 58 year old knees could walk that dog enough to get the crazies out. I bought a device called a Walkydog that attaches to the seat post and allows me to keep both hands on the handlebars and the dog (named Bob) out of the spokes. We started slowly, half a block the first time. But he loved it, and we were soon going 4-6 miles in the morning before work. I've got a Specialized hybrid bike that DH gave me for Christmas (ever hopeful) the year before we got the dog. There aren't many hills here in Central Illinois, and no big ones, but I couldn't get up the one that I live on when I started. I have had some successes. I feel a lot better. I have muscles I've never had before, even when I was 20. I just got back from a bike and barge trip from Brussels to Amsterdam where I rode about 30 miles a day for a week, and I didn't hold the group up or embarrass myself. Poor Bob doesn't always get to go with me any more, because sometimes I want to go faster and farther than he can, and in summer he just can't take too much heat. Don't worry; he still gets out many days, if only for a "tour de neighborhood". And we also got him a little buddy, a cocker spaniel. So if he doesn't get a bike ride, he can chase her around the living room. I've started commuting occasionally too, and am resolving to quit making excuses and do it more often. I'm a little hesitant about traffic, though. Bob and I stick to quiet neighborhoods and the wonderful bike trail we have here. During the winter I swam three days a week and rode the stationary bicycle in the basement a couple of days. (DH rides it every day while he plays video games, and commutes to work.)

But I haven't lost any weight. I'm eating healthier in many ways, but I still have trouble negotiating the treats at work, or being left alone in the kitchen. I guess I've just got to keep making those small changes until they add up to enough. I resolved a couple of years ago not to diet anymore. I'm not going to all that trouble to lose weight and have it come right back on. I was trying for "lifestyle changes" that I can maintain for the rest of my life.
But I've been reconsidering. I really need to get rid of some of this weight so I can go faster!

Anyway, I'm glad to "meet" you, and I hope we can keep the conversation going. You're an inspiration!

Kris

Tuckervill

07-04-2007, 05:27 AM

Welcome Kris! You sound like me. Lifestyle changes made incrementally. You're on the right path!

You should try lifting weights, as well. Just get some dumbbells and do some of the obvious exercises. Do some squats and lunges, gently and slowly, while holding the weights. There are some cheap DVDs at Wal-Mart for this purpose.

Someone here posted a website about weightlifting to prevent osteoporosis. It was sponsored by some pharm company, but I can't remember which. Thought I bookmarked it but now I can't find it.

Keep riding!

Karen

Kris

07-04-2007, 07:52 AM

You should try lifting weights, as well. [/QUOTE]

You're right. I did for a while, then got too enthusiastic, hurt myself (very minor) and quit. I should get back on that. DH has weights in the basement.

Kris

new2ride

07-04-2007, 05:10 PM

My story is somewhat different. In January, 2004, I was diagnosed with a life threatening condition. And it was diagnosed by a fluke. I had a defective heart valve and if that wasn't bad enough, I had an ascendng aortic aneurysm. I had exactly what killed John Ritter. In April 2004, I underwent open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm which saved my life. I recovered well and remained fit and trim.

In 2006 I was placed on a drug to alleviate some nerve pain I was experiencing in my cervical spine. I've also been through two spine surgeries as well as a couple other surgeries. The medication caused me to gain an inordinate amount of weight. The medication alleviated the nerve pain but it was placing a strain on my heart. I had to be weaned off the medication but not before gaining nearly 60 pounds.

I started riding my bike in May of this year and have managed to drop about 15 lbs. I'm 5'4" and currently weigh approximately 183 lbs. Before all the medical problems started, I weighed 135 lbs. After the heart surgery, I weighed 138 lbs. I'm nearly 49 years old and need to drop the weight to keep from placing a strain on my heart. I've never been this heavy and know it will take time to get the weight off permanently.

The weight didn't happen overnight and it's not going to come off overnight. I ride practically every day for about 20 to 25 miles. I have a Trek 3700 WSD bike but am thinking about upgrading to a road bike. I love riding and want to be able to ride further in a shorter period of time.

Good post and good luck to everyone. Baby steps will help us to reach our goal!

sundial

07-16-2007, 02:20 PM

How's everyone doing on their weight loss goals?

I have noticed that I'm losing inches moreso than weight. I think I've lost maybe 8 lbs but I've toned up quite a bit and my tummy is a little flatter. :)
Anyone else seeing results?

Caecilia

07-19-2007, 12:57 PM

I've lost 10 pounds since my last post, 15 since I started riding again... another 4.5 and I will weigh what my driver's license says I do :)

bikerchick68

07-19-2007, 02:28 PM

I'm really late to this thread as I've been on vacation... but I want to cheer you on too! I'm also not a "small" cyclist...but I'm strong and can ride a long way anyway!

and I wanted to share my brother's story... his story was in the newspaper last week... he was 458lbs and facing gastric bypass when he fell in love with cycling... got down to 270lbs! He now maintains around 300 but wants to take a bit more off still... :)

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/jul/09/cycling-through/

It's hard work but I have faith that you can do it too!!!

Livin the Dream

07-19-2007, 04:00 PM

Wow, bikerchick, what an inspiration your brother is! And once again, three more cheers for cycling, a sport that doesn't require participants to wear size 2's!

indigoiis

07-20-2007, 05:40 AM

I don't know if any of you have checked out this site:

www.littlechanges.com

In January of this year, this woman and her husband embarked on a round-the-country (literally) bike tour, with trailers, on a limited budget, to prove that little changes can make a big difference. Her starting weight was 325 pounds or so. They are incredibly inspiring. Although I don't have any weight to lose, I feel like, if she can do 35 miles a day with a trailer, then dang if I can't do 45 minutes a day. ;)

robinmary

07-21-2007, 05:58 AM

I use to ride religiously until I was pregnant with my son 14 years ago and became asthmatic. Since then I may go for a few short rides each summer but had not tried to be regular about commiting to ride like I was. My husband was also an avid rider when we first met and had let his riding drift off until last summer. Last summer he began training again and rode a century for cancer research. This summer he has done the same.

After a long talk one night he told me that there was no reason I shouldn't be out there. He knows how much I loved to ride. He was right. So I've started to ride again. I found team estrogen in a search to find a pair of shorts that fit. I have nearly 50 pounds to lose, but I love being on my bike and my legs have held for my rides (shorter for now but I'm building up). I live in VT so there is no way to avoid hills and I am managing my asthma. Reading your posts makes me feel like I can check in here from time to time and hear from others who are working toward fitness with there love to ride. Thanks for sending the story of Pricilla. Small steps is the way to go.

Robin

LoriO

07-23-2007, 06:55 AM

Wow, this thread is great! I decided to start biking about 2 years ago for weight loss and health reasons (high blood pressure, etc). Hubby bought me a decent hybrid bike for my birthday (a Raleigh C200) and I started biking some. I am not sure how much I weighed because I refused to get on a scale at first but I would guess around 250 and wearing about a size 20.

The first thing I discovered is that there is almost NO flat area where I live. Everything is hills so I got discouraged at first. Some of the hills around here are really tough!! I still biked occasionally and between the bike, the gym and changing my diet I lost about 25-30 pounds.

Then last year I started having really bad knee troubles. I ended up not being able to do anything from November through about February with knee surgery the end of December. Once the physical therapist ok'd me working out again I set up my bike on the trainer in the garage (someone else made the comment about thank god for MP3 players...how true!!!) and started really biking there.

When the weather finally warmed up, I decided to hit the road again. Wow, all that time on the trainer really paid off. Suddenly, the hills all seemed so much easier!!! I also have picked up a rack for my car so I can go other places and get a break from the hills.

I am now down to about 217 after a long weight plateau at 220. I think the muscle I was adding was counter balancing the fat loss but I was still seeing a difference in clothes so that at least kept me motivated. I am now down to a size 16. YEAH!!!

I still have about another 40 to go but it is slowly happening! I am starting to feel so much better about how I feel and my blood pressure has improved dramatically! My DR even took me off one of the meds he had me on. WHOO HOOOO!!!!!

This is great hearing everyones elses stories. This is great motivation to keep it going!

LoriO

07-23-2007, 06:56 AM

Robin, where in VT are you? I'm in CT but Hubby and I often vacation up there. Maybe we can meet up someday for a ride together!

I went to school in Northfield and lived in Randolph for awhile, and worked down in Bethel!!!

caligal

07-23-2007, 07:46 PM

Basically a newbie poster here, just bought my first bike in quite sometime, a used kona smoke, got a pretty sweet deal on it. I have lost about 17 pounds with a goal of 10 more to lose. I am hoping the bike will help (in addition to going to the gym and playing ice hockey in the winter when it is cold and I won't be riding. The trainer at the gym I go to told me that it was a marathon not a sprint. Remember that when you feel like you have hit your plateau.

Mel

:D

robinmary

07-26-2007, 03:43 AM

I live in Plymouth, in fact I live on a bike loop. Let me know next time your in the area.

Tuckervill

07-26-2007, 07:03 AM

Plymouth, VT?

My son is going to camp at Farm & Wilderness camp in September. I'm thinking of driving him up there, and bringing my bikes. My friend has a house near Brattleboro and we will probably stay there while my son is at camp.

I would be interested in knowing some cool places to ride around there!

Karen

rivergrl

07-26-2007, 08:19 AM

Kano

07-26-2007, 10:21 AM

rivergrl, I think that our joints were meant to be used, and the harm comes from using them too hard, you know? The way I understand cycling is that it's not weight bearing, so doesn't really stress our knee joints like running does -- pounding on them, you know?

We can probably do some damage when we "hammer," but if I'm guessing correctly, that's more to the connecting tissues surrounding the joint itself than to the "padding" that's in there keeping friction from happening.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that using our joints, which are self-lubricating, is what stimulates our bodies to produce more of the lubricants that keeps them moving smoothly! (then again, there's my fingers, and you'd think...)

Karen in Boise

LoriO

07-26-2007, 01:49 PM

LoriO,
If you don't mind me asking...was the knee problem caused from riding or was it something you were already dealing with prior to riding?

I'm just wondering if some of you experienced knee issues ONLY after taking up riding or if those of you who do have knee problems had the problems before taking up the hobby. My Mother has really bad arthritis in both knees and has had knee replacements. I'm wondering if me taking up riding will HELP me fend off arthritis in my knees or will riding cause me to have knee issues sooner? I'm hoping by strenthening my legs and losing some weight that I won't get down in my knees early in life. Arthritis runs in my famiily so I'm worried that I may be doing more harm than good by cycling. I'm 35 and I'd hate to have to give it up.

Don't mind you asking at all!! I don't think the bike riding contributed to it but more the horseback riding and just general wear and tear, not to mention I'm sure the weight didn't help either. My knee would hurt so bad after horseback riding that I would have to hold on to my horse for a minute or two after dismounting until I could stand on it. It finally got so bad I couldn't sleep so that pushed me to go see a DR and do something about it.

I was lucky that there surprisingly wasn't a tear but a lot of gunk plugging up the joint and a lot of imflammed crap in there. Got the Roto Rotor job and have been much better since!

Robin. You are on for that ride!!!! WHOO HOOOOOO

poetcomic

07-27-2007, 09:06 AM

hi everyone, this is Doreen. I just found y'all today. I won a really nice bike last year and have been too chicken to get on it. I haven't been on a bike since I was a kid - that was a 1-speed about 35 years and 70 pounds ago!

I have a helmet, but nothing else yet. What are my "must haves"?

Reading thru these posts has been very encouraging!

I just started eating better last week and have lost 4 pounds. I am diabetic and by not behaving, got thisclose to needing insulin. I just don't wanna go there. I am following the GI eating plan and using fitday.com as my log.

At my heaviest, I was 252 - that was about 2 years ago (I'm 5'8"). I am now at 222. I would like to be 199 by New Year's. I am looking at it in 25 pound segments because getting to my goal is too intimidating otherwise.

I'm looking forward to "meeting" everyone.

rivergrl

07-27-2007, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad your knee is feeling much better.

Happy riding!

robinmary

07-28-2007, 04:00 AM

There is a parking area on the other side of Woodward Reservior (the lake F&W is on). From there go right about 2 miles North on 100 to route 4 east take a right and travel 5 miles (this part of the ride has the most traffic but the shoulder is wide) to route 100 A. Turn right onto 100A (the bridge is out so wait for the light) On 100A ride 7 miles mostly a long slow up hill with a big downhill at the end (are your brakes good?). Oh and the birthplace of Calvin Coolidge is along 100A if you want to stop for some history. Then make a right at the bottom of the hill back onto Rt. 100 and ride aproximately 6 miles back to your parking spot.

Total about 18 miles with hills.
Happy Riding

poetcomic

07-28-2007, 11:48 AM

Tuckervill

07-28-2007, 12:21 PM

Wow, thanks for the route! Saved it to my PDA.

I'm so excited about Vermont because it's so beautiful there. I'm hoping to have some serious time to ride.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Karen

LoriO

07-28-2007, 01:39 PM

Kano

07-28-2007, 02:02 PM

hi everyone. Wow, reading this thread is very inspirational.

I won a Trek, now I want to start riding it. Problem is, I've only ever been on a 1-speed, and that was a LONG time ago.

I am trying to get my health act together. I am diabetic and got thisclose to needing insulin. I have been eating right the past few weeks and have lost a few pounds (yay). At my heaviest, I was 252 (that was 2 years ago); I am 5'8'. I am now about 222. I'd like to be 199 by the Jan 2008. I'm trying to look at it in 24 pound segments, lol.

You CAN do this, Poetcomic!

Congratulations on winning the bike, and also on your weight loss so far! AND on getting your health act together! I decided I needed to do that a couple of years ago -- for the second half, you know! -- and I feel like the project is finally starting to come together for me, like I'm finally making progress since I started biking. The weight loss is slow -- my goal is "overweight by ski season," which doesn't sound all that good, except that when you're obese.... (which is a recent achievement too -- just crossed from the "morbidly obese" range! HOORAY!)

But back to riding your new bike...

Shifting's not real difficult. You won your bike, but I bet that there's a person at your nearby LBS (local bike shop) who will help you understand how the shifting works, which direction to push levers, and how far -- unless you've got the "turny kind" like are on my first bike. Well, the bike-guy will show you how to work those too, but they've got numbers, and it's kind of more obvious than the lever ones. You'll want to develop a relationship with a shop, for service and extras that you will inevitably want to buy as time passes anyway, and a wise bike shop guy knows that and will be interested in cultivating you as a loyal customer.

Ride somewhere easy, no real hills or anything, and practice a bit with the back gears first, then start adding in the front. Keep to the easier gearing until you're fairly comfortable with shifting around and speed. You'll find that some gears are just too easy to ride in when you're on the flats. (pedaling these gears just feels kind of crazy -- you kind of bounce around, well, you'll feel it!) These too-easy ones are really handy if you start heading up a hill, though!

You'll also find that some gears are really hard to pedal -- for now, stay away from those, cuz while they'll make you stronger, they're also harder on your body! Find some gears that are comfortable, and stick to those most of the time as you gain confidence on your new bike.

Many people get bike computers that have a "cadence" feature, so they can tell how many pedal strokes they're doing per minute, and try to stay in a certain range, with easy pedaling (not pushing hard, but also not the "crazy pedaling") I haven't felt the need to buy that kind of computer yet, since I have been doing something similar by feel -- there's a speed for my legs that feels good, and there's always a gear that works well with that.

Since you mention that you're working on getting healthy again, let me mention something else too, Poetcomic. When hubby and I started riding, probably too far at a time those first several rides, I enjoyed each ride, but afterward, I was WHIPPED! Muscles ached, and I was tired. Each day, I made myself ride anyway, not too terribly far, just to move the achy muscles and loosen them up. The first day, it was danged near impossible to make myself go out. After that, it was easier to force myself: I'd found a herd of rock-chucks to go spook -- one gets startled, and they all run and hide. Watching them run in from the fields was so pretty that they made a great carrot to get me out again. I always started to feel pretty good by the time I quit. I ate well and took naps. It would have been pretty easy to just curl up and never touch the bike again, but I persisted, and after a couple of weeks, I was better.

If/when you run into things about riding that cause discomfort, or confusion, find someone to ask -- here or at your bike shop. There are a remarkable amount of things that can be adjusted or changed to help make your ride more pleasant. Don't figure it's just the way it's gotta be if things hurt! (though we also find out that there are body parts we need to work on to help this too -- strength issues are big, I think for us who are returning to fitness after a too-long hiatus!)

Karen in Boise

robinmary

08-07-2007, 05:37 PM

I was away this last week visiting my dad in NJ. I didn't bring my bike but borrowed my sisters hybrid for trail riding, I took my 10 year old daughter, who I hope to have as a regular riding parter in a couple of years.

My goal has been to put in at least 30 miles a week with no ride less than 5 miles long. The road I live on is a gradual up-hill so some days I just go up and down the road ( I use to do this when I was a kid). I have been looking at bikes, but I can't justify the cost until I have a couple hundred miles on me. I'm riding my 13 year old Schwinn Cross Cut (a hybrid I bought when my son was a baby because I wanted stability). It's actually a comfortable bike but I would really like to get back on a road bike. What are the rest of you riding? What is your routine right now?

PoetComic
Just get out there and ride, you'll be so glad you did it and you will feel successful from the beginning. Take small steps and work from there, we're all rooting for you!

Happy Riding!
Robin

LadyInMotion

08-08-2007, 12:11 PM

Greetings, I am a new member - as of today!- and wanted to post. I have been a lurker for several weeks and have been following this thread with interest.

In December I turn 40 and that is the catalyst behind me finally taking charge of my weight and lack of physical fitness. I will be Forty, Fit, and Fabulous! I plan on celebrating 40 by participating in a half-century ride 2 days after my birthday. In January I weighed 265 pounds, completely changed my diet and added daily excerise (cardio and weight training). I decided that my reward for halfway-to-goal weight loss (65 pounds) would be a bike - have not been on one in years and love the look of strong bodies of cyclists and swimmers. However, I just could not hold out on my bike any longer and I bought it yesterday. Officially I am 15 pounds short, I have lost 50 so far; but I just couldn't stand it any longer. I want to ride. Have been taking spin classes to help prepare my body and for the great cardio workout it provides. Brought my new baby (Specialized Dolce) home yesterday and took my first ride and my first tumble today. Many of your stories have been inspirational to me and helped curb my self-consciousness walking into LBS's with all those fit riders.

Take care ladies and I look forward to following your successes and victories.

Kano

08-08-2007, 01:43 PM

Good for you Lady in Motion!

It took me until I was 45 to decide I'd better do something for the second half -- and it's been a long project! Coming mighty close to 50, and I'm still working on being fit. I've made progress, I'm in a lot better shape than I was then, but there's still a ways to go, y'know?

The biking has been a definite PLUS for me!

Karen in Boise

robinmary

08-08-2007, 02:54 PM

Lady in Motion
Happy riding and welcome to the boards, isn't it great to have other woman to talk to about biking. I was thrilled when I found this place. Enjoy your new bike, you deserve it!

Happy Riding!
Robin

LoriO

08-08-2007, 07:32 PM

Join the party Lady in Motion. This thread really is awesome, it is nice to know tha you are not alone in the battle of the bulge. I am coming up on 40 next year and like you want to 40, fit and fabulous!

let's pedal away those pounds girls!!!

sundial

08-09-2007, 02:09 PM

Yay, today I finally got under 180. 'Bout time too because I've been riding like a mad woman in this crazy heat wave. I'm losing about 1% of body fat each week and I'm still trying to tweek my diet so that I'm not taking in too many carbs after the rides.

I've got cellulite of steel and a bit of a menopot tummy, but it's hopefully going to shrink more.

Anyone else steadily losing?

Keep up the good work, everyone. We'll get to our goals eventually. :)

LadyInMotion

08-09-2007, 02:36 PM

way to go Sundial! ...and still continuing to ride in this oppressive heat. I am impressed.

I do have a question for you? How do you measure your body fat? I am a member at the local Y and they do not offer that but yet tell me the small scales that I can buy are not very accurate and can't tell me where to get an accurate test done. :confused:

LoriO

08-09-2007, 05:42 PM

My hat is off to you being able to ride in this heat and humidity. I just can't do it, I can handle the heat but the humidity just kills me!!:eek:

So between weather and other circumstances I haven't been able to get out on my bike in almost a week now. I am dying to get out on a ride.

Thankfully, I haven't gained any weight, but I haven't been able to lose any either this week. I need some bike time!!!!

Of course it is supposed to rain all day tomorrow too. Guess I'll throw the bike on the trainer just to get some pedal time in.......

LoriO

08-19-2007, 04:28 PM

sundial

08-20-2007, 05:50 AM

How do you measure your body fat? I am a member at the local Y and they do not offer that but yet tell me the small scales that I can buy are not very accurate and can't tell me where to get an accurate test done. :confused:

Lady, I have a Tanita scale that measures both weight and body fat. You can find this scale at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Linens N Things, and maybe even Target.

As for my weight, it's still pretty much the same but I'm losing body fat--only at a slower pace. :(

I am reading the Chris Carmichael's Food for Fitness and he states that during riding season you don't really lose weight if you eat enough to stay properly fueled for riding. He suggests 200 cal/hr on the bike to keep the engine fueled. If you do follow a reducing diet during cycling season, you may end up compromising your performance on the bike. Before I read this, I noted that this was true in my situation. When I cut back calories to reduce the weight, I didn't have enough get up and go for the bike. What I plan on doing in the off season is join the local Fitness Bootcamp and maybe shed the pounds through light weights and aerobic exercise. I'll also train different muscle groups so that I don't set myself up for an overuse injury. :)

karenv2

08-22-2007, 06:56 AM

Hi I was so happy to see that there are other woman cyclists out there who have a lot of weight to lose. I need to lose 100lbs and have started cycling. I love it but I don't feel to cool.
I got a cruiser bike that is incrediably comfortable but not fast. I have a back injury and need to get a bike that didn't aggrivate my back pain.
I am excited to see that others share my adventure.
Good Luck and Enjoy the ride

Karenv2

Tuckervill

08-22-2007, 08:08 AM

Welcome to the forum, Karen. There are lots of Karens here. :)

It's good to have a bike that works for where you are. You will find, as you get more fit, that you will be capable of more things, and will eventually need a new bike. That's not all bad!

I met a very large woman this weekend who told me she did 42 miles on her Townie not too long ago! Anything is possible. (which reminds me...check out littlechanges.com).

Karen, as well

LoriO

08-22-2007, 11:48 AM

Welcome Karen!!! Just keep peddaling!!! Before you know it you will find yourself going farthur and farthur with each ride, and also suddenly you will realize...hey these pants don't fit anymore...WHOOO HOOOOOO.

It is a great feeling.

Tonya

10-18-2007, 04:08 PM

cyclokitty

10-18-2007, 05:49 PM

I could easily stand to lose 90 lbs. Recently purchased a road bike, winter is coming, and there isn't much time left for riding -- I've done 26.7 miles, but "lady bit" problems. . .saddle, bike fit? adjusments . . .I haven't cut back on calories, trying to find the willpower. Thank you for your post. I'm with you!

Wow! 26.7 miles is great! I could measure my first ride in metres... it took me awhile to build up the strenght, stamina and confidence to venture onto the streets. But I have! I have ridden since may almost 1000 km. Not to shabby!

I also have 100 lbs to lose. It's been slow going, but I already gone down nearly 2 dress sizes, and I have gained a lot of strength cycling.

I use sparkpeople.com to help me cut calories and helps me when my nutrition needs some tlc (I am addicted to sugar. Looooove the stuff. Very bad.), and when I need some motivation. And it's free!

My biggest problem with cycling is the almost non-stop bike accessories purchasing. I'm not a big shopper. I really don't like wandering thru malls, I live in my jeans and tshirts, I hate department stores, and I prefer to shop by the internet. I need jeans, I order from Lands End, and a week later the jeans show up in the mail. Irritating shopping avoided, and I don't have to go naked anywhere.

But, I can't stop browsing for bike stuff. Here are some recent purchases:

* rear light. It's necessary since I ride a lot in the dark coming home from work. But I went for the strobe like rear light. Triple the cost of a basic rear light

* waterproof pannier. ok, it rains. I don't want my stuff wet. But I could have lined my pannier with a plastic bag.

* new skorts. Two pairs on sale. So comfy...

* cold weather tights. On sale. So comfy....

* ski goggles. As it is getting colder, the goggles are more comfortable. Stop laughing. Yes, I look like an uber-geek. Yeah, it's pretty funny. Laugh away... done? Good. Next purchase

* neoprene face mask. See above. My husband suggested I request small unmarked bills next time I go into the band and forget to take the thing off. Ha ha.

* zip strips. Added to my repair kit in case something breaks and I need to quickly repair it on the road.

* pretty tire lights. You screw 'em onto the tire valve, and they light up when the bike is in motion. I say it's for safety, so I'm visible. But let's face it, they are cool

* cycling gloves. Because they were red.

* cycling gloves. Because I wore out the red ones. These are blue.

* cycling computer. I'd love to have ponied up for the GPS model, but I just couldn't do it. I'll write to Santa so he can leave on in my stocking?

* cute cycling socks. At least 10 pairs. So cute.

And I could go on.

fastdogs

10-19-2007, 05:06 AM

I also have a lot of weight to lose- I started out with 80 to lose and still have 50 to go. It's very slow. I try to ride a little every day, and when I can't I do an elliptical.
a couple of months ago (has it been that long?) i ordered myself a folding bike to exercise my dogs. My dogs have had some lameness issues and I haven't been able to roadwork them, but I started carrying the bike in my car and now ride every day during lunch break. At first, it was 15-20 minutes, now it's at least 30 and more often 45 minutes to an hour (if nobody saw me leave- if a tree falls in the forest, etc). I'm supposed to only have 30 minutes but it's so much fun that it's hard to come back, our weather this fall has been so gorgeous. I ride on the weekends, 10 miles sounded like a lot to me, but I recently rode in a charity ride that was 13 miles so now I'm feeling like trying more.
I don't like to attract attention, but my bike is different looking, and very, very pink. I focus so much on riding, and climbing hills, though, that I don't notice so much if people are staring at this big person on the little bike (I'll have to get a photo- it's a 2007 downtube FS with 20" wheels). But the hills, this board, and trying to keep up with the tall bike on the charity ride has me looking at other bikes.
vickie

Kano

10-28-2007, 04:45 PM

Just bumping up....how is everybody doing? I'm feeling a little discouraged in the weight loss dept right, anyone else feeling that way? For those that are going good, lets hear about it!!! Hearing about someone elses success is always good for some motivation.

Okay -- doing good -- I can speak to that, and I'm in the mood for it today. I realized just the other day that I've lost 37 pounds since the beginning of June! (yeah, I knew my starting number, and I know my new number, but I hadn't done the math in a while...)

There's a down side to this -- my closet is getting very empty. I'm running out of wardrobe options. Nothing fits right. It's all got way too much wearing ease. Even my shoes are too big, and the way my undies fit gives new meaning to the term "granny panties."

I was pretty certain that tight lycra on the bike wasn't pretty, but I can see the value in it now -- baggy bike shorts aren't comfy! I'm suffering through this right now -- want to wait til spring to spend on bike shorts, since hopefully I'll fit the new stuff for longer that way!

On the other hand, I'm beginning to collect new ski clothes! I went out to Sierra Trading Post lately and bought a Mountain Hardwear hoodie (that my grandson LOVES) and a bunch of base layer pieces for skiing. There was also a great Ibex jacket and bright yellow vest to wear while riding this winter. A stop at REI netted me some windproof tights and gloves to wear biking too -- the plan, at this point, is to keep riding, whenever the roads are dry and time permits this winter.

Recently, my daughter and I were in the mall, and I said, we HAVE to get me some new jeans, I can't STAND the way these feel (I could literally pull them off without opening them, and no, I didn't do this in the middle of the mall). I tried to get the sales person to keep the old pair, and for SURE I left the new ones on when I left the fitting room. It was HUGELY exciting to buy jeans in size 12 -- I haven't worn anything that small since the 80's!

The stuff to wear skiing (and biking), and the two pair of jeans are pretty much the extent of my purchases at this point. I'm SO jazzed to keep losing I hate to invest in much clothing, but there are some things I just had to deal with: I don't wlike to SEE crotches at the knees, and I refuse to wear mine there, and the clothes I wear to keep warm when I play outside in winter won't do its job properly if it doesn't fit right! (clothes that's too big is drafty!)

When it comes to riding --- the weight I am not carrying anymore has made me a stronger rider now that I'm not carrying it. (I'm looking forward to seeing what it does for me skiing) Last spring ('06), DH and I bought matching comfort bikes with mountain bike leanings. He thought we would "grow into" mountain biking. He kind of likes it, but I HATE mountain biking, and that bike feels "squishy" to me. This spring, we bought me a road bike that I've been happier with since day one. At first, I was not comfortable in the drops, but through the summer I've gotten stronger and more confident on the bike (this scares him some, and I'm really not supposed to scare him). The drops is a fun place to ride now, and just the place to be when I want more power! I noticed just this morning that when riding in the drops, there's not this thwap thwap as my thighs used to knock my belly around -- still contact, but WAY better!

One of my goals has been to be "overweight" by ski season -- which leaves me with about 35 pounds to go to being at my "ultimate" goal. (we'll see if I want to revise this when I get to that neighborhood) I'm within five pounds of that intermediate "overweight" goal now, and the knowledge that in another couple of weeks I'll be there feels GREAT!

Okay, enough is enough -- no more rambling for now!

Karen in Boise

Spinster_Sister

11-09-2007, 08:59 AM

Hello Ladies! Excellent thread and one which I can completely identify with!! My name is Vickie and am also a newbie rider on a quest to regain my health/figure.
I have about 90lbs to lose but am dealing with some arthritis in my R hip and boy does it smart! I'm doing my treadmill for 60 minutes at a pop and can't wait to at least get in some spin time before heading out into the wild blue yonder.
How many of us, newbies are terrified of the darn traffic?! I'm afraid I'll hit the riders so I give 'em a wide berth - often taking two lanes if possible to give 'em space, but how many will give me some room when it's my time to hit the road?
Anyway, great thread and even greater board! Can't wait to join you official ladies of bike one day!

~Vickie

Ghostie

11-09-2007, 12:16 PM

Hi Ladies,
Well a bit over ten years ago I quit smoking, and the weight has been slowly but steadily going up since then. I'm now at the point where I should lose 60 to 70 pounds.

In the spring of 2006 I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer. I spent most of 2006 going through surgery, then chemo, then radiation therapy. The combination of these treatments, especially with the relatively new chemo drug that I was given, left me incredibly weak and sore. It was a painful and draining task just to walk to the bathroom.

In the fall of 2006 I got the first bicycle that I'd had in at least a decade. My trip to the LBS was rough because I was wearing a wig and didn't want the young salesman to know it... and I was scared to death that the wig would come off with along with the helmet that I wore for a test ride! But it ended up being ok.

I rode the bike a few times in the fall. I could only make it up the street to a couple of houses away. Then it was time to wrap it up for the winter.

Last spring I started up again. Little by little I could go just a bit more each time, though it was still very painful. When I got to about a 2 mile round trip around the neighborhood, I discovered area bike trails. I soon became hooked.

I began by cycling 3 days a week. Each week I'd add 1/2 mile to my total trip mileage. It was very painful and difficult, but each week I could see more progress. I worked myself up the about an 11 mile ride, which takes just about an hour for me. But I was not losing any weight. So several months ago I increased to 5 days a week riding. The most I've gone in one ride is 16 miles, because I find that one of my knees begins really hurting at somewhere between 10 and 12 miles. A few weeks ago I finally went to an orthopedic doctor about it, and now I have a brace to wear on that knee when I ride, plus I take an anti-inflammatory. I have noticed an improvement because of these.

I've still not lost any weight, though. I seem to justify eating extra food by the fact that I've done so much exercise! I know that's not the way to go but I love to eat, what can I say.

Hills are pretty tough for me. I'm sure that if my weight dropped they would be a lot easier. As far as clothes go, about half of my clothes are mens riding clothes, because women's in my size are tough to find. I wear bicycle shorts with a pair of regular shorts over top of them for modesty. I do like tight fighting athletic tops, even though I know they're not flattering.

I'm now at about 990 miles for the season, and should break 1000 soon. Unfortunately, fall weather is here and I won't ride when it's cold. But when I think back to just 7 months ago and realize how far I've come, and how much I've improved, it's amazing. I love to cycle and can't wait to do it every day that I go out!

sbctwin

11-09-2007, 04:33 PM

Welcome to TE, Ghostie...You have been through a lot and just your effort to ride your bike says a lot. I hope you continue to read the TE forum. The ladies (and gents) are fabulous and so very supportive. Introduce yourself in the 'get to know you' thread. You are amazing to have accomplished what you have so far. Reading your post, I felt very inspired with your determination and your success....

Kathyrides

11-19-2007, 05:35 PM

Very impressive everyone~

I'm at the end of my weight loss journey having lost over 90 pounds and have about 15 more to go. It has been a long journey but great....so far it has been 4.5 years, but taking my time has made it become a way of life not a diet or quick fix.

I also have fallen in love with riding...'05 I think I rode about 1600 miles, last year 2600 miles and this year I hope to hit 4000 but I think I'll be a little short.

I really can't ride enough. I do triathlons and my coach has to keep me from riding more.

I remember when I first got my road bike back in '04 riding 6 miles was so hard. In time my body adjusted, I ride longer, and got faster, leaner and fitter. Cycling is such a blast!

I live in MA and ride all winter so those of you thinking you can't or don't want to ride in winter...you can. I ride if it is above 20. You need to invest in good quality winter clothes that are wind proof. Really it is the wind that makes me cold more than the temp.

Idealmuse

02-21-2008, 12:26 AM

Hi Everyone -

I'm curious to see the update how's everyone doing?

Like Kathy above I've lost just under 90lbs but the difference there is I'm not yet done. I still need to lose about 65lbs more. I know 100 sounds like a lot, but if you just take it a small bit at a time it's not so bad. I went from size 26 (Tight!) to mostly 16's now. (I'm 214 and 5'5) I haven't weighed this little for 15 years.

The thing I've found is that I feel SO much better then I did last time I was near this weight because my fitness level is so much better, and I'm a whole size smaller too.

So not only am I biking but I just signed up for my first triathlon this summer and I'm in the middle of learning how to run. I could NEVER imagine that before.

Keep it up!

Tuckervill

02-21-2008, 05:06 AM

Way to go! I'm down just 30 lbs in a little more than a year, but it's all good. I'm having a bit of trouble with motivation currently. It's pervasive in every aspect of my life, actually. I went on a cruise in January, thought it would help get some perspective, but it's been worse. The weather has not helped at all. I'm needing a large block of sunshine. When it's nasty I can barely get out of bed. I'm probably depressed but I can't tell if it's just the season or a serious depression. Ah well. I'll figure something out.

I'm going to go back and look at my posts earlier in this thread. Could be good, could be bad. ;)

Karen

Grog

02-21-2008, 07:28 AM

Welcome to TE Idealmuse, I hope you find more inspiration here. :)

Idealmuse

02-21-2008, 08:20 AM

Thanks Grog... I'm going to need the Bike help I think... And clothing help I need to pick out some gear!

Tuck - I hear you on the motivation thing. I struggle with that too not so much with the exercise lately but other aspects of my life. Luckily as far as eating I record that online so it keeps me in check. I aim for as close to 1000 calorie deficit I can per day. BTW if your really serious you think it might possibly be depression Wellbutrin has really helped me which in turn has helped the weight loss also. You might just be in a seasonal funk though lots of people get that.

Melalvai

02-21-2008, 11:15 AM

Like Kathy above I've lost just under 90lbs but the difference there is I'm not yet done. I still need to lose about 65lbs more. I know 100 sounds like a lot, but if you just take it a small bit at a time it's not so bad. I went from size 26 (Tight!) to mostly 16's now. (I'm 214 and 5'5) I haven't weighed this little for 15 years.
Wow. You are an inspiration! I've never been much overweight myself, but I really admire people who can do that.

Jen-Jen

02-22-2008, 12:17 PM

Hi All- I too am a large woman, who needs to shed pounds. When I was in high school I was a weight lifter and I kept most of my weight undercontrol with track, volleyball and softball. But, I got older and I excercise less and less. I put on 100 lbs. I weighed in at 237.

Obesty is a large problem in my family. I was then diagnosed with polycycstic ovaries which slows down your metabolism and increases your sugar. It also slows down or wipes out your monthly cycle, making it hard for me to conceive a child. I then took another blow 2 yeas ago when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I wanted to cry when Dr. Taylor told me that I was going to have to live with this for the rest of my life. I didn't cry, instead I chose to join my husband and change my life with excercise, again.

Much like you I completed my first metric century last year at the OHR. (One Helluva Ride). I have not lost all my weight, but I am happy and proud that I have started and weight in at 212, now.

This year I am going to complete a full century and I am very excited about that!

Hope to see you all on the road.

Jen

tulip

02-22-2008, 12:51 PM

It's wonderful to hear your success stories. I was always a bit heavy--maybe 15-20 lbs, not a huge deal but enough to make me feel bad about myself. A couple of years ago, I dropped it. I got down to where I feel and look great and it has made a huge difference. I did it by eating MORE--more fruit and protein and veggies. I stopped drinking coffee (which meant triple grande whole-milk lattes every day) and I stopped eating the cakes that 4Bucks calls muffins. That in itself was probably close to 1000 calories, and I did it every day. Even though I was commuting on my bike 28 miles every day, I was eating whatever I had burned off before I even got to the office.

Keep up the good work. It's nice to know that we can change ourselves, that we are not powerless.

Tuckervill

02-22-2008, 02:16 PM

Props to Jen. Keep it up, girl!

Karen

salsabike

02-22-2008, 02:45 PM

Tuckervill, have you considered investing in one of those lights used to treat Seasonal Affective Depression? Something to think about.

teigyr

02-22-2008, 05:49 PM

Tuckervill, Salsa might be right. When I first moved to WA I would always go out to run and ride. I figured I liked rain (coming from Calif, I had no idea what I got myself in to!) and didn't mind cooler weather. My activity started becoming less frequent though the change was so subtle, I didn't recognize it. Before I knew it, I just wanted to sleep all the time.

What worked for me was forcing myself to get out. I'm stubborn and if I have a goal (weekly mileage or weekly workouts), I will make sure I accomplish it or else I feel like a failure. It's a mixed blessing because it gets me out but I quite often feel like a failure :rolleyes:

Take care of yourself and I'm glad you are recognizing it for what it is. Hopefully it will either go away (in which case you'll know it's winter) or you'll be able to treat it.

Oh and since moving up to here, I gained maybe 25 lbs? It hasn't gone away yet. It needs to.

Tuckervill

02-22-2008, 07:48 PM

I should get one of those lights, and I've thought so for many years. Just about the time I can't take it anymore, February ends and the sun comes out. ;) This has been the grayest winter in recent memory. Living in the South, you'd think I wouldn't have a problem with getting enough light...I sat in the sun for hours on Tuesday...but maybe I do.

I have a history of depression (started with postpartum with my last child). I have been on and off anti-depressants since then, the last time being while my son was in Iraq. Today, I forced myself to go to the 8 am boot camp since I didn't get up in time for the 6 am and I almost cried all the way through it. So, I went straight to my doctor's office and they called me in some happy pills. Just admitting I need them again is tough.

One more week of February! Thanks for the encouragement!

Karen

Tuckervill

02-23-2008, 05:40 AM

I found this on the Calorie King website. Weight loss success stories! Here's one about cycling:

http://www.theweighwewere.com/Read-Weight-Loss-Stories/5086.html

Karen

withm

02-23-2008, 05:57 AM

I found this on the Calorie King website. Weight loss success stories! Here's one about cycling:

http://www.theweighwewere.com/Read-Weight-Loss-Stories/5086.html

Karen

LOL. He's in my bike club but I don't know him.

wackyjacky1

02-23-2008, 06:42 PM

I feel like this thread was made just for me! :)

I need to lose about 50 lbs. I recently got a hybrid bike (Trek 7.2 FX WSD) so I can reacquaint myself with how it feels to be on a bicycle. Boy, am I out of shape! I just turned 45 and can tell that my body is changing -- and not for the better. Even though my job is very physical, I feel I have lost strength. For sure I don't have the stamina I used to have even just a couple of years ago.

It's baby steps for me for right now -- I'm starting off riding just a few miles a day, and will try to increase it bit by bit.

I think my biggest problem motivation-wise is the fact that I don't ever seem to lose much weight when I exercise. I feel better -- healthier -- but the weight just doesn't come off. So I tend to get discouraged and fall off the exercise wagon. :(

Tuckervill

02-24-2008, 10:32 AM

Baby steps is right!

I didn't do well until I started logging everything I ate on Sparkpeople (but I've switched to Calorie King). Put dot coms after both of those and you have their websites.

Usually when you increase your exercise, you increase your hunger, too. That's okay--as long as you know exactly what you're eating, try to make it the good stuff, and don't overdo it.

I've noticed recently that I don't get worn out from an hour at boot camp anymore (I mean, I don't feel draggy and need a nap). That took about 4 months to get past--I suppose my body has finally adjusted. Which means I'll probably hit a plateau with with my weight loss. Which means I'll have to take another baby step. I'll be adding back cycling on my off days as soon as it's warm enough.

But definitely take it slow, make changes a little at a time instead of all at once. Bob Green always says he wants you to start moving before you address your diet, but it wouldn't hurt to start logging everything you eat right now.

Welcome to the forum!

Karen