Anyone else feel this way?

Hi Everyone!

I really, really enjoy riding -- my husband and I just started on June 5th. Up until that time, the only riding I did was in parking lots. That's because I was PETRIFIED of traffic - big cars, Mack trucks, etc....

Thankfully, I've gotten over that, for the most part. We moved on to a bike path, and now we're actually on the road:D . (that is, when it's not raining out here :rolleyes: ). I'm grateful to this site and also a few people here who have shared some links with me regarding 'safe riding'.

Here's the thing -- sometimes, when I'm riding up a hill, it does take me awhile, and I'm huffing & puffing my way up the hill (mind you, they're not BIG hills....they are long & rolling though)... There are lots of cyclists out where we ride, and of course, they constantly pass me.
I certainly don't mind that they pass me - they're faster & more experienced riders....

I am overweight - I'd like to lose about 50 pounds. (I am 100 pounds less than I was in 2001 :) ).
I guess I'm just embarrassed about looking like I'm having a very difficult time getting up a hill. (I don't just "look" like I'm having a tough time, I really am).
But, it really is getting easier!!

I don't know WHY I even care what other people think??!! I am very proud of myself for getting out there & riding in the first place. It reminds me of when I was a very obese teenager & getting horribly made fun of.

I SHOULD be out there during the day, by myself, riding....but, I feel more comfortable when my husband and I are out together. Of course, I love going out & enjoying rides with my husband:) !

That will be my next goal -- going out for a ride by myself, AND feeling good about it!! :) I'll have to work on that one ;) .

Thanks for listening!!!

Denise

well, join the legions of other timid riders!
I have a friend who won't ride on the road at all!
And don't worry about puffing up the hill. I've been on both
sides of that equation, been passed a million times and sometimes
I pass people too.
If someone is passing you, you've made their day. they are thinking,
COOL, I passed someone!!

so when someone passes you, smile because you know, you just made their day :)

Don't ever be embarrassed that you might be slower, a little heavier, whatever. YOU ARE OUT THEIR RIDING! which is a lot better than most!

Riding bikes for me has always been a thing I do for health and fitness. I've done my share of racing, but bottom line, it is for the health benefits and the fact that it is JUST GOOD FUN! I always encourage people to challenge themselves - like go for a ride alone! If we sit around and never do the things we are afraid of, what is life all about?

You've come a long way! Celebrate that! And then celebrate the next stepQ

Keep up the good work - and play!

spokewrench,
I ride alone sometimes, but the longest ride alone i've ever done is 19 miles.
the longest ride with DH is 120! (in one day)
I am a lot less apt to try big rides alone.
that's a combination of timidity and LAZINESS.

Just think of it as inspiring those of us that are thinking of riding those country roads with hills. Seeing more people of different fitness levels out there would bring me joy. I too am afraid of cars due to no shoulders on the windy roads where I live, but someday I'm going to be like you:) after I've learned what I need to learn.

Denise - I think is is just human nature to be concerned about what others think, or more correctly, what we THINK they think. Most of the time, other people are not even aware of what makes us self-conscious. Others are just thinking about what others think of them (if that makes any sense). The funny thing is, when people tell me about the things they feel most self-conscious about, I always think, "oh, that's no big deal", but it is a really big deal to that person.

You have so much to be proud of and you've only been riding a little over a month!! As for me, I have a very hard time riding hills, as some of the ladies on this board with whom I have ridden can attest. I have to get off and walk while they wait patiently for me at the top of the hill. I think everyone feels like you do to some degree. Hang in there. Just think of where you will be with your goals 1 year from now!!

Happy riding,
Nina

Denise,

On the riding alone thing -- there's definitely safety in numbers! I don't blame you for not wanting to tackle some of the rides alone. There's certain roads around here that I've ridden with groups that I absolutely will NOT go on by myself. It mostly has to do with the amount of traffic and the amount of road shoulder.

Don't worry about huffing & puffing up the hills. Heck, I was huffing and puffing up a slight hill when this carload of guys drove by. One of them (Mr. Joe Cool) hung his head out the car window and asked, "What's up?" All I could think of to say back was, "My heart rate!"

On hills, practice usually makes perfect. I'll bet you'll be amazed in a few months when you BLAST up one of the hills that you're currently huffing and puffing on.

Keep up the great work!

Your sister in huffing and puffing,
Melissa

It did take me a while to enjoy riding on the road as opposed to paths and parks. Now I generally prefer the road as there are no walkers/runners in my way.

I also like to ride by myself. Oh, not all the time. But I have my own thoughts, I stop and have a clifbar on my own schedule, I set my own pace and my own route. I can stop, go, go further, go home, go in a store, stop and take a nap. Very nice!

Hi Denise,

I'm a fairly new rider too. I started on the bike paths and would only ride with some one. This year, riding has gotten a bit more serious for me and I joined a club and learned to ride in a group on the roads. I even started to wear spandex bike shorts with the group! Its only been the past month or two that I've been able to go out my door and ride around my own town by myself. The first time I did it, I was very self conscious but I did it and even made it back up my hill on my bike. Last night was a big breakthrough for me, I went out my door and did my town ride in my bike shorts! I'm over 50 and 50# over weight so I don't have a sleek, athletic looking body. I felt wierd at first but I'm over it and going out again tonight - in spandex.

The first time is the hardest. After that - you'll be good to go!

Good luck,
Patty

I am FAR more impressed and inspired when I see a heavier person out there riding, than I am when I see a racer type flying by...

don't get me wrong, racers are amazing at the level they ride at... but so are YOU. Don't forget that. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bikerchick68

I am FAR more impressed and inspired when I see a heavier person out there riding, than I am when I see a racer type flying by...

don't get me wrong, racers are amazing at the level they ride at... but so are YOU. Don't forget that. :)

---

What she said!!!

I am so impressed with your progress and how far you've come!! The comfort level with riding alone will come in time. In the meantime, who cares how long it takes to get up a hill or whatever. What matters is how you feel - and eventually, that you are making progress (like you had to stop fewer times or you felt you weren't breathing as hard or you went a little faster.)

And none of the speedier folks who pass you know anything about you or what you've accomplished. So if they make judgments (which they probably won't bother to anyway) - they are doing so with incomplete information.

Denise --

I mostly ride with my husband too. Once in a while I go out by myself, but I do avoid heavy traffic when I do!

Here's what I like AND dislike about riding with him: he rides faster than I do. I LIKE it because it challenges me to work a bit harder. He's one of those guys that these ladies who know more than I call a hammerhead, I think, and he probably pays for it, but I get a better work out when I ride with him than when I ride alone. I get an even better work out when I ride in a group -- especially a group of roadies! (I ride a hybrid/comfort bike, and work LOTS harder -- or at least a lot longer! to get there than they do!)

Karen in Boise

All of you ladies really, really ARE THE BEST!!!! :D Now, why can't we all live near one another???? ;) !

Thank you ALL so much for taking the time to answer my post!!

All of you are like a big group of girlfriends, and we're just sitting wherever, (campfire, restaurant, ice cream stand....etc...):D :D , and talking & exchanging thoughts & ideas. It's comforting to know that I can come here & be honest.

Quote:

---

Posted by Nina R. Messina: The funny thing is, when people tell me about the things they feel most self-conscious about, I always think, "oh, that's no big deal", but it is a really big deal to that person.

---

That is SOOOOO TRUE!!! Recently, when I was driving, I saw this woman who was very obese, walking.....and, I said to my husband, "Good for her - God Bless her!":D . I was honestly so happy to see her out there, where she has every right to be. And, some stupid young guys in the car behind me were making fun of her:mad: -- I just wanted to smack them!!!
Some people, I have to remember, are just plain ignorant!!!

God Bless all of you Ladies (and, everyone that you love)...

You've really helped me to think about a lot of things, and I really appreciate ALL OF YOU!! :)

Have a peaceful night & a beautiful weekend!!

Denise

"If you only knew how infrequently people were thinking about you, you wouldn't really care what people were thinking about you!" There's a saying that goes something like that.

It doesn't sound like you're worried about riding alone for the usual reasons - you're worried about it because you think if you're with your hubby people will think differently about you? Again, no offense, but I don't think people are thinking about you at all! Seriously! They're out suffering up the same hill. Remember - it doesn't get easier, you just get faster!

One more thing. Those of us who are larger (I could stand to lose half my current weight) are working harder to get up the hills - 'cause we have to haul all that bio-load. OF COURSE the guys who have to stand twice to cast a shadow on their weightless bikes blow by us up the hills.

It ain't fair, but that's the way it is.

We're getting more of a workout, though. :)

Denise:

I think you have achieved an awful lot and I'm very inspired by all you have done. Gosh, a 100 lb drop in weight is outstanding. You are out and about on your bike, enjoy that time. Please don't worry about those who pass you on a hill. If nothing else let them be your carrot and chase them. I hate mean people and those young men mocking the woman walking were so out of line. I firmly believe that what goes around comes around only it is at least doubled! You are a kind and gentle soul so please continue to be the positive person you are for we all benefit of individuals like you. Ride your bike and be proud of all you have achieved.

I definitely have felt that way, especially when I first started, and Makbike is right, you have every right to feel proud of your accomplishments!

I was thinking today as I slogged up the hills with my heart rate at max for much of my ride, that I'll bet those tdf guys don't have to work this hard (relatively, of course) for this long. (Well, ok, maybe they do but hey what's hard for them and what's hard for me are two different things...) That's why I'm always telling Erik to ride his mtb in the big gear if he wants to get as good a workout as I'm getting on my road bike. :D

Keep up the good work - I figure as long as we keep riding, we can't help but get better, and faster, and stronger, and more fit...

:D You ladies really are wonderful!!

Pedal Wench -- I think I had heard Dr. Phil say that comment before on his
show -- and, it really is true....

What CD does your cute rabbit have on his/her head?? :)

Mom on Bike -- Thanks for making me laugh :p . I do work very hard to
get up that hill!! After 2.5 hours on my bike, I really do feel
as if I've gotten a great workout :) !


Makbike -- I'm definitely a firm believe in "what goes around comes
around"..... I surely will hold my head up higher when
climbing up a hill! :cool:

Barb -- You've given me a new mantra -- "better, faster, stronger".
Thanks!!

Have a wonderful day everyone !!

Denise

As one of the "speedier" ones out there, I can say that I'm not thinking anything snyde or the like when I pass someone slower than me. When I see newer riders out there trying, I usually try to say something encouraging when I see them plugging up a hill or such. I was out on a club ride with the boys last week and there was a woman riding a hybrid, and she was going at a pretty good clip. I smiled as we passed her and told her to hop on (our paceline) :D That got me a good laugh, but I thought it was nicer than just blowing by her. She was really working hard.

My friend has started riding with me lately, and he's on the bigger side. We ride considerably slower than my usual pace, and that's fine with me. I'm just proud that he's out there giving it his best. In the end, that's all that matters. And the more you go out and ride, the faster and more comfortable you'll become. So keep it up :)

I think there is something about becoming overweight, that people start discriminating against us, and then we start doing it to ourselves.

I was partnered with a younger thinner woman some years ago for fitness testing, and I could perform 3 times as many crunches as her. But I didn't feel it was because she was thin. But when I couldn't perform something, I then had to blame it on my fatness. I was at a lecture once, and a woman nearby sat on a chair and it broke. She was thin. But if I sat on that same chair, I would have felt that my fatness broke it.

Oddly enough, I got a pair of lycra Terry cycling shorts and I feel so good in them. I know this is silly. But I think it is because they remind me that someone thought that overweight people care just as much about their health, and want to be active, and want clothes to be active in, as anybody else.

Yes some overweight people don't care about health, but many skinny people don't care about their health either.

But once I finish I ride I feel I am feeling better. Today I started reading a book by David Burns, who is knowm for the book "Feeling Good: the New Mood therapy" which has become a classic in self-help. He says that it is our thoughts that create our moods, and often these thoughts are unrealistic, and pessimistic, and sometimes just not useful at all. So he has many exercises to get at these thoughts that are so automatic and fleeting we are not even aware of them.

I suffer from severe depression, but I think that this book can help everyone deal with everyday frustrations of life.

There is nothing wrong with wanting company for a ride. But if it limits your riding, then you might try to find some other people to ride with. I find it difficult to take a fifteen minute walk. But if I say, I need something at the store, and I will walk there, I am more likely to do it. I don't know if this will work for you.

Good luck with the riding. If nothing else, perhaps a different time of day would be easier for you to get yourself out.

Mary

I am always getting passed or dropped on hills. At first I blamed it on my bike, wider tires, smaller wheels, heavier. (the bike not me)

Then I graduated to a road bike, smaller tires, bigger wheels, lighter. (not me - the bike - I gained a few pounds so we are now about even again:)

I was still getting passed.

I went to the doctor "Dr, Dr, what can I do ? ? I can't breathe when I climb hills,please make my lungs better - I want to be able to climb a hill without dying"

Lots of tests later I discovered I was functioning on 65% lung capacity and was chronic asthmatic (I used to just be exercised induced). Very expensive medicine later my lungs are much better although still not perfect

I started to do weight training in December and riding a lot in April, again with the only goal of climbing hills easier. Every time I went out for a ride I tried to climb at least one good hill - I thought "this is only 10 minutes of my life"

I still can't breathe and huff and puff all the way up. My friends are no longer quite so concerned at my condition - very red face and heavy breathing. I still get passed regularly, BUT at the beginning of the summer I could only go 6.5 tops up my measuring stick hill and last week I went up at 7.0

Progress - Not perfection

Hang in there, I wish I could say they get easier but they don't - you just get faster and the pain goes away quicker :)

plantluvver and eclectic,
a lot of wisdom in your two posts! Plantluvver, you have figured out a lot of stuff that a lot of people never become aware of.

and Eclectic, your experience with ASTHMA! proves that a lot of things are just NOT what they seem.

keep pedalling gals...

mimi

Here's the thing -- sometimes, when I'm riding up a hill, it does take me awhile, and I'm huffing & puffing my way up the hill (mind you, they're not BIG hills....they are long & rolling though)... There are lots of cyclists out where we ride, and of course, they constantly pass me.


Oh boy, have you ever named my tune!

So a month ago I finally got around to reading Heft on Wheels by Mike Magnuson. And on page 46 and 47, he also names my tune. I take encouragement from this. It makes me smile:

"When the attacks begin - meaning that someone blasts off the front of the pack - we are climbing into these hills...And at the back of this long string is where I'll be: 255 pounds of sweat and hard breathing and guts churning with Gatorade and PowerGel and the Taco Bell that I know I shouldn't have eaten for lunch. The farther into the long climbs, the farther I drop back, till I'm as much as 600 yards behind everybody and all alone, with only the roadside flowers and dogwood trees to see the effort I'm putting forth."

"But the diamond in every hill's lining is that if you go up, you'll eventually go down and....I am, like Frosty the Snowman, the greatest belly-whomper in the world. The little guys relax on the long descents, to recover and gather their strength for another climb, and this, of course, is the proper way to cycle - ride hard, recover, ride hard, recover - but the long descents are my only chance to catch up, so I click into the biggest gear I can crank and I let it rip..."

"So if I'm out there riding with you, and you think you're a bad@@@ cyclist, a hammer, a machine, and you're feeling all smug about yourself because you're a few hundred yards ahead of me on that long, long hill, let me tell you buddy, if I can see you on the road ahead of me, if I'm anywhere close to you, I'm really kicking your @@@".

It's not zen, but it works. If you want zen, try this the next time you are passed:

"You're harshin my mellow, man" :cool:

Denise - a lot of people here have already said some really nice things and shared some great stories...but I had one more thing to add.

I've only been riding a year. I started last summer as a way of getting a greater cardio challenge than I could get any other low-impact way. I am about 30 lbs overweight and it's all in my legs. Put me in bike shorts, and I look AWFUL! Standing in my bedroom, think I look like an idiot. On my bike, kicking ***...and I don't care. I know I look heavy, but when I can bike faster and longer than a lot of the skinny girls, I feel great about myself. Keep it up and no matter what your size, you'll feel it too!

That said...I want to tell you a little secret about most people on hills. I'm good at hills. It's my specialty for some odd reason (I'm very, very grateful for this!). When I'm passing other people on group rides, I RARELY even notice how they are huffing and puffing. I'm too concerned with getting my gearing just right, or monitoring my own HR, or where the hill ends, or how far ahead of my husband is... basically, I'm more worried about how I'm doing to notice the people I might be passing. In fact, on Saturday, I was extra careful to not huff and puff too much AS I PASSED someone, because I didn't want them to think that I was over-exerting myself to show off! ;)

Really, just keep it up. Feel good that you are out there and that you are improving!!

Thank you all so much for your responses -- everything -- things you have all shared & the sharing of your experiences!

My husband and I went out yesterday in the blazing afternoon sun, 97+ degrees with 70% humidity. We've had soooooo much rain in May & June, so it was great just to be out & not waiting for "perfect weather".

We planned on riding a 14 mile country road loop that we did last week, and we did -- but, this time we turned around at 7 miles -- for a total of 14 miles.

The day was just TOO hot -- but, we did climb the hills, and I actually did go up one faster than I had last week -- which felt great. To be honest, I brought all of you ladies along with me in spirit ;) , and we made the hill together!

plantluvver -- The only other rider I know is my husband. I've got a few
girlfriends, but no one else rides bikes. So, I will make it my
goal this week to get out at least one day by myself. Perhaps
I'll make a riding friend when I'm out & about. :) Or, I really
might enjoy going solo.

eclectic -- You're right -- PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION :D

betagirl -- It means a lot to someone when they hear something positive
from another human being, even if it's just a smile & a "hello".
I know that to be true. And, I'm happy that you're riding with
your friend. I'm sure that he appreciates the company soooo
much!! :)

Beth-Ro -- Thanks for the book recommendation. Thank you for making
me smile :D !!

GLC1968 -- I DO feel great to be out there and I can definitely tell that
I am improving. It really is such a good feeling. I've been
paying much more attention to my gearing, too - When I first
started riding, I didn't know how to shift -- Proper gearing
really makes climbing A LOT EASIER - PHEW!! :cool:

I hope that you all are having a beautiful & peaceful day -- to you & yours!!

Thanks again!

Denise

OK so I'm old, need to lose 60 - 70 pounds and can't climb well. BUT, I still ride and am proud of what I can do. For all the people that pass me up hills, they are still alot of people I can past, maybe not uphill but going down (weight does have its advantages) and on flats.

So never ever feel bad about how you look and how you ride. The point is you are riding. I ride with a fairly large club. Most of the folks I hang out with afterwards, are the strongest riders in the Club you know the folks that can do a century in 5 - 6 hours. But I'm still a member and they still treat me as a friend. In fact, they are in awe of the fact I do a century in 7 - 8 hours. No way any of those guys can be on a bike that long.

Anyway what I am inartfully trying to say is be proud of your accomplishments. For every one of you are 1000 people sitting on a couch doing nothing but getting old fast!

Regarding that Heft on Wheels quote:

Man, that's me. On my faired recumbent, as heavy as I & my bike both are, you just don't catch us on downhills. (there was this pack of 3 teenage boys recently...) :D OK, I'm sure someone can, but I'd make 'em work for it.

I ride for the downhills. DH catches up on the next uphill.

Denise,
I have only been on a bike for 6 days. Yes, at age 37 my husband and sons thought it was about time mom learned to ride. I was terrified. Each day my confidence grows stronger. At first I only rode in the cul-de-sac. At first when I went out I thought "all the neighbours are watching". Then a wonderful quote from Richard Feynman came to mind (actually his wife said it to him quite often), "what do you care what other people think?". You know what? I do not care. I am not ashamed that my children can ride circles around me. I am proud that I have conquered my fear of bikes and I look forward to being able to go out a ride every day. Even after 6 days I am beginning to get the urge to race-oh not anytime in the near future, but maybe next year in one of the local club charity races. Only time can tell.
Whew, that was longer than I intended it to be. Long post shortened. Enjoy your time on your bike. Do not compare yourself to others and who cares what anyone thinks. Enjoy yourself and be proud that you are going up hills! Some of us have not been that brave yet.

Hi Ladies!

bcipam -- You are not old!! You know, I really am having more fun riding, and I'm not so self-conscious any longer, which is wonderful :) !!

Quote:

---

posted by bcipam -- For every one of you are 1000 people sitting on a couch doing nothing but getting old fast!

---

Isn't that true -- I really hadn't given that much thought!

Bikingmomof3 -- Welcome to TE and to the wonderful world of cycling :) !!
I'll bet that your husband and sons are very proud of you, too! It took me awhile to be comfortable on the road -- I stayed in parking lots for a few summers, until June 5th of this year. My husband and I decided that I might be able to enjoy riding if we tried a bike path, which we did. Now, we enjoy riding on beautiful, scenic country roads :D.
It was like I was paralyzed being around cars & trucks (while on my bike). I was much too nervous to enjoy anything.

As someone else said here on this thread... PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!!

Have a peaceful day everyone....

Denise

Denise,

I had to rerad this thread to be sure, but you started out worried about your comfort in traffic, and in less than a week, you are giving out the"wisdom of experience" to Bikingmomof3.:).

How's that for progress?;)

How is the soloing gong?

Mary

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GLC1968

Put me in bike shorts, and I look AWFUL! Standing in my bedroom, think I look like an idiot.

---

YEAH, you look as idiotic as all cyclists, with a mishapen head, goofy looking clothes and playing on a child's toy!:rolleyes: ;)

Mary

Hi Mary:

I had to re-read to see exactly what I had posted.... ;)

Quote:

---

Posted on 7/17/06 -->> plantluvver -- The only other rider I know is my husband. I've got a few girlfriends, but no one else rides bikes. So, I will make it my goal this week to get out at least one day by myself. Perhaps I'll make a riding friend when I'm out & about. Or, I really might enjoy going solo.

---

It's still "the week of the 17th", and no, I haven't gone out solo, just yet....
So...there's still time...

I had stayed riding around in parking lots for 3 summers, so.....I've made really good strides this year, in a month & half...

I'll be sure & let everyone know when I head out myself....because, that will be something victorious, for me, for sure!

Have a peaceful & great day everyone.

Denise

I ride the brakes all the way down, and I know this wastes all the energy I put in on the way up. So there is no anticipation of coming down, only releif that the climb is over. :( (And these aren't even hills, they are less than 5% grade.

I'd better follow Denise's example, and get back to the parking lot and learn how to brake. I've read interesting articles and realized how much I have to learn about riding technique and skills.

Mary

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by eclectic

I am always getting passed or dropped on hills. At first I blamed it on my bike, wider tires, smaller wheels, heavier. (the bike not me)

Then I graduated to a road bike, smaller tires, bigger wheels, lighter. (not me - the bike - I gained a few pounds so we are now about even again:)

I was still getting passed.

I went to the doctor "Dr, Dr, what can I do ? ? I can't breathe when I climb hills,please make my lungs better - I want to be able to climb a hill without dying"

Lots of tests later I discovered I was functioning on 65% lung capacity and was chronic asthmatic (I used to just be exercised induced). Very expensive medicine later my lungs are much better although still not perfect

---

**Thread hijack in progress**

Wow - could have written that myself! I have about 62% lung capacity too! What can we do about it? I take my asthma inhaler before I ride, but I huff and puff all ride long while no one else is. Does the very expensive medicine help? Mind sharing the name of said very expensive medicine???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

**Thread hijack in progress**
Wow - could have written that myself! I have about 62% lung capacity too! What can we do about it? I take my asthma inhaler before I ride, but I huff and puff all ride long while no one else is. Does the very expensive medicine help? Mind sharing the name of said very expensive medicine???

---

Me too. I have asthma, but it's mild, and even with albuterol before a ride, I am huffing and puffing WAY more than anyone else I ever ride with, and much slower up hills no matter how light my bike. Any suggestions or tips much appreciated!

Emily

Emily,
I have mild asthma, which originally was exercise induced. Two winters ago, I had "a mild cold" for about a month, and the doctor put me on Advair. In summer, I am pretty symptom-free, but I ran out of Advair, and after a few days noticed that my breathing was a little rougher. Something I would not have noticed, except by comparison.

Also, my nurse practionor has told me that this medication allows "retraining" of your respiratory tract. To me, that sounds like reversal of the asthma, but I've never investiagted.

You may give the Advair a try.

Mary

Mary,

Thanks for the recommendation for Advair. I have my yearly physical coming up soon, so maybe I'll "ask my doctor if Advair is right for me", just like in the commercials. Thanks!

Emily

P.S. I tried Accolate (a different type of allergy med) for nearly a year, but it didn't seem to make much difference in my breathing, if any, so I stopped it.

Hi Everyone:

I have had asthma since age 19, and am currently on Advair 50/250, Albuterol ("rescue inhalor" - use prn), and Singulair.

Now, (this is what I've been told), when someone is on Advair regularly (twice/daily), you should really not need to use your rescue inhalor (albuterol) a lot -- but, it is suggested to use before & during exercise.

My breathing has become more concerning to me, in that it's almost like I am "forgetting to breathe". It has been this way for awhile, and I've been medicating myself with more Albuterol, without relief. Just yesterday I started getting a little bit dizzy -- nothing alarming though.

I made an appointment to see my internist today.

I was checking on the internet, and came across this interesting link that I wanted to share with everyone.

http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/pran.html

I'll mention it to my doctor & see what she has to say. When I am biking though, I am huffing & puffing very involuntarily, so.......I'm not sure what's going on.

Wishing everyone a happy & peaceful day!

Denise

[QUOTE=Pedal Wench]"If you only knew how infrequently people were thinking about you, you wouldn't really care what people were thinking about you!" There's a saying that goes something like that.

ladies - it's really crazy how warped our minds get - from our own doing. ya see - I am new (about 3 wks) to cycling - and I am one of the ill-mentioned skinny ones - I am 5'6" about 118 lbs - and I am STRUGGLING STRUGGLING STRUGGLING to get up hills. The longest ride I have gone on is 25 miles - and I couldn't wait for it to be over. I started a journal on bikejournal.com so I could track my miles - and between the other peoples stats on that - and this - I feel like a HUGE loser that I can't ride more miles at a time.
I also HATE seeing myself in the mirror in that goofy helmet - cellulite-enhancing bike shorts -and I can't find a nice fitting women's jersey to save my life. I am extremely insecure about what I think other people are thinking - and I hate that - but insecurity comes much more naturally than confidence, so.....I am working on that.
Truthfully - many of the cyclists that I see when I am out are bigger or older than me - and they are KICKING MY ***! I feel jealous more than anything else.

Cheri,
i'm one of those skinny gals too.
It took me a few years to build the strength in my legs to where i could ride more than 10 miles without feeling lifeless.
I would say to my husband, i'm all pooped out, i have no poop.. .
I didn't need food, water... I simply needed to build muscle. and it took a long time. I'm still not fast, but i can go forever now.
Hills will really kick you, but just get down in your granny gear and keep pedalling. I never get off the bike unless i am breathing too hard. (I'm 54, after all)