A little envy . . .

A friend of mine that I used to ride and train with until about 1.5 years ago just made a pro cycling team! And she's traveling the world doing all sorts of events.

I am so excited and happy for her! What an amazing journey she is on, and she has worked so hard for it.

But I can't help but feel a little envy. I wish I could do that too. But the last two years I've put on weight. I have barely any time to train. I have two kids and two jobs! (She's single).

And I love my family and am grateful that I chose that path . . . just wish it was true that you CAN have everything. But sadly, there aren't enough hours in the day.

I traded in nightly club hammer rides for slow cruises to the playground.

Aww, that's great for her!! I can understand. My friend just became a pro triathlete. I'm thrilled too, but envious as well. I just decided I'll live vicariously through her. It's so exciting, but sometimes don't you just wonder what if...

Limewave,

I think you have the better life. It just looks like a greener pasture on the other side. That's all.

Limewave, enjoy your family. They grow way too fast and will be gone before you know it. You will have many hours to train then and will welcome the distraction to chase the blues away because your children are gone. Count your blessings.

Unless you're Chrissie Wellington, you're poorer than dirt. Being a pro sucks unless you're the top 1%. You have the better life, guaranteed!

I don't think it's a question of who has the "better" life. Each path is different, with its own challenges and rewards.

Generally speaking, if one finds oneself on a path that is not to one's liking, one can change it (with lots of effort and determination).

Tulip--I agree with you. They are different paths, each with their own rewards.

When I started cycling, I didn't know any women my age that rode. I did most of my riding with the guys. The women I did know that were riding were all in their 50's and their kids were in college or grown adults.

I really wanted to pursue racing, but I didn't know how. At the same time, I kept thinking that if I have children now (as opposed to putting it off for 5-10 years) I can look forward to returning to riding in my 40's and 50's.

It wasn't until the last 3 years where I've met some great women my age that are racing and love the sport. I do think that if I knew them before I had my first child, that I may have decided to wait awhile on children . . . but I don't regret the decision I made.

I need to make some friends that are in a similar place that I am. But everyone I know that has kids are inactive or they go to aerobics at the Y twice a week. I wish I had some friends with kids that also liked Adventure Racing and Mountain Biking and riding centuries! That would be awesome.

Important thing is limewave you got the taste of cycling passion before the kids..that'll sustain you.

Most of the women who I know personally (including sisters) who engaged in a sport prior to kids.. have picked up same or something similar thereafter.