Cycling = Rejunivation?

When I started my cycling saga last August, I felt like a whale on that hybrid bike that the LBS put me on for a VERY beginners lesson (this is what a shifter is...and so forth). I fell over, and decided that cycling was just too dangerous for a 50 year old overweight woman.

Except....I couldn't forgot what those few minutes felt like in that parking lot BEFORE I fell over...

Joined a gym, started spinning classes. Spinning classes made me want to head back to the real thing...

Mid-December I bought my Trek, and Stella and I just took our first REAL ride (outside of training parking lots) this past weekend.

It is now 6 months after that incident in the LBS parking lot, I am 30 pounds lighter, and feel MUCH younger than my 50 years. Indeed, for the first time in a long time I am starting to notice men again :p

Could cycling be the long-lost fountain of youth? If exercise and just learning how to ride my bike feels like this in such a short time, what will I feel like after a summer of real riding :D This is, of course, assuming I don't crash and hurt myself, but nothing good is without potential danger - that is just life.

Ok, done waxing philosophical :) Stella is a great name for her though, it came from the movie "How Stella Got Her Groove Back". Never saw it, but the name stuck. I think my Trek is aptly named!

This almost made me tear up a little. Ok, it did make me tear up a little :)

Many many happy hours on your Stella, and may they bring stellar memories too!

awesome! good for you for not giving up.
Keep riding. i'm 8 years older than you...

I think cycling has done this for many people. It is always enlightening to hear stories like yours, Catrin. I started riding when I was a couple of years younger than you are. Although I was active, in a gym rat sort of way, outdoor activity totally changed my life and my priorities. And, I've found a lot of people much older than me who are doing amazing things that totally destroy the "public image" of what senior citizens are out there doing.
Keep riding.

I just keep thinking that if I am having THIS much fun - and I can barely ride at this stage - what will it be like when I am really used to it? It is certainly become much less about exercise than fun and freedom - until I start going up hill :o

I get philosophical when I am exhausted, and I had a 15 hour work day yesterday, LOL

this a great motivational post! way to go!

i'll get back to you in 6 months to let you know if it helped with my goove too...

What a fantastic story!!! :) WTG on your 30lbs. That is amazing. You and Stella sound like an awesome pair. I know that I can honestly say that I love to ride my bike. I have only been riding since August but it is my most favorite thing in the world (ok, second behind my family!)

Keep it up. I think that you have found a niche.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

Indeed, for the first time in a long time I am starting to notice men again :p

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Or, perhaps they are noticing you! ;)

Congratulations on the weight-loss, and for coming so far!

Way to go Catrin! It will be even more enjoyable for you as the weather warms up and you can really expand your cycling horizons.

Although I rode a bike for transportation and recreation in high school and sometimes in college, I just rediscovered the joy of cycling last summer. I started to try to get off of a weight-loss plateau while following weightwatchers- and the two together have helped me lose 20 more lbs. I feel so free and happy on many of my rides.

Looking forward to hearing your continued adventures with the bike.
Sharon

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

awesome! good for you for not giving up.
Keep riding. i'm 8 years older than you...

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A mere babe Biciclista, I am 2 years older than you. :eek:

Catrin, that was so lovely to read and I can truly understand how you feel/felt.

It is reading threads like this that just reminds me how I love getting back to this site.

Clock

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I just keep thinking that if I am having THIS much fun - and I can barely ride at this stage - what will it be like when I am really used to it?

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It will be wonderful.

I think cycling does make me feel younger (I'm 59). Not that I felt old before, just that I feel so good now.

I'm glad you are sticking with cycling, and having such a great time.

Pam

I have been thinking recently, that cycling for transportation is one of the things that actually comes through on its promises: lose weight, get rich*!

*or save money on transportation--not quite the same thing! But it is really amazing how expensive driving is.

(Could cycling be the long-lost fountain of youth? If exercise and just learning how to ride my bike feels like this in such a short time, what will I feel like after a summer of real riding.)

I've been feeling exactly the same way. I think I am 'youthing'. I started riding about a year ago (I'm 57). Three bikes later, I feel like I can go almost anywhere. The town has shrunk. I can almost keep up with club riders. 30 miles through country back roads in the sun is great fun. (This is California and yesterday it was 70 degrees, although it's supposed to rain all next week.)

My cholesterol went down 40 points, my weight went down 11 lbs., and my pants went down one size. But mostly I feel so much healthier than before. I realized that I can do more now than I could in my 20's. I'm no longer thinking about dying young (like most of my family) or becoming limited. I'm planning on cycling from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara in May.

How can you explain to someone that the 'fountain of youth' takes a lot of work? They think you are a little nuts. The secret is that it is actually fun. Last week I rode 97 miles in 4 days. I never imagined being able to do that.

I loved reading your post. Congrats on the 30 pounds and getting Stella! Enjoy riding her and clocking in the miles.

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Originally Posted by featuretile

(Could cycling be the long-lost fountain of youth? If exercise and just learning how to ride my bike feels like this in such a short time, what will I feel like after a summer of real riding.)

I've been feeling exactly the same way. I think I am 'youthing'. I started riding about a year ago (I'm 57). Three bikes later, I feel like I can go almost anywhere. The town has shrunk. I can almost keep up with club riders. 30 miles through country back roads in the sun is great fun. (This is California and yesterday it was 70 degrees, although it's supposed to rain all next week.)

My cholesterol went down 40 points, my weight went down 11 lbs., and my pants went down one size. But mostly I feel so much healthier than before. I realized that I can do more now than I could in my 20's. I'm no longer thinking about dying young (like most of my family) or becoming limited. I'm planning on cycling from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara in May.

How can you explain to someone that the 'fountain of youth' takes a lot of work? They think you are a little nuts. The secret is that it is actually fun. Last week I rode 97 miles in 4 days. I never imagined being able to do that.

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I understand completely! I am 51 and started riding 5 years ago. My cholesterol has dropped to the point that I no longer have to take rx meds and I have lost weight (not enough however-I'm still working on that). Besides that, I feel great and have developed a new confidence level. It's a lot of work but well worth it and so much fun doing it.

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Originally Posted by runningteach

I loved reading your post. Congrats on the 30 pounds and getting Stella! Enjoy riding her and clocking in the miles.

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I am getting more comfortable with her all of the time - I think the clipless pedals are the last hurdle - then all I need is time and to get better at emergency stopping.

I would have waited with the clipless thing - but my feet come OFF of the pedals (often at the same time) without it :eek:

Now I need a working on a companion for Stella...so she has company when I am at work...yeah, that's it :D

I love your enthusiasm! Cycling is incredibly empowering no matter what your skill level or goals! :)

Congratulations - I'm so happy you are having a great time. And getting healthier to boot! :)

Cycling definitely = rejuvenation for me, too. Riding is sheer joy for me most times. Last summer, while running an errand on my commuter, the clouds rolled in and it started to rain a warm, sloppy rain, and it felt GREAT. Like being a little kid again.

Riding definitely opens you up to so many things. Keep it up. You won't regret it.

Rejuvenation for me too, Catrin!

I've been riding for fitness for just on a year now. I've dropped two dress sizes, have so much more energy, and can handle the stresses and strains of everyday life with something approaching equanimity.

Now, I identify myself as a cyclist, as it's such a core part of my life.

In fact, my DH is so impressed with my new-found cycling fitness he's taking it up too. He wants to get fit enough so he can ride the Otago Rail Trail in NZ with me for my 50th birthday. Can't wait!

Keep on riding and having fun, and thanks for the inspirational post!