500 miles!!!

[Toni]

This may not be a lot of mileage for you TE women, but for me it is a huge milestone!!! Let me explain......

In May of 2006 I realized that I weighed 183 lbs. (I am 5'4") I had not weighed myself in months because I knew I had gained weight, and I didn't want to deal with it. It is the most I have ever weighed. So I decided to do something about it. This should probably be in the weight loss thread, but it does have to do with commuting!!

I joined the "phat" class at the hospital where I work. It cost $1200.00 a month PLUS $100.00 per week for the food. If you are an employee, the $1200.00 cost is waived, you just pay the $100.00 a week for the "food". I use the word "food" loosely. You drink 4 shakes a day for a whopping 800 calories a day. You meet with a dietitian and behavioral therapist weekly and the doctor once a month. You are monitored BIG time. Lab work, EKG, etc. It's a good program. They stress the importance of exercise. Find something you like, something you can continue for the rest of your life, yada, yada, yada.

I had no solid food for 2 months 10 days. While I was in this program I was asked to ride in the Tour de Pink, a bicycle ride to raise money for mammograms and breast cancer support in general. So I am thinking I've ridden bicycles off and on throughout my life, I can do a 12 mile ride. And it's a good cause.

So I go out and buy a Trek 5000 (WHICH IS AN INCREDIBLE BIKE!!) and I ride the 12 miles and all is good in the world (I wish).

I then decide that maybe I should try to ride to work every once in a while. I don't want my Trek stolen, so I go and buy a Specialized Sirrus. Words can not express my absolute joy in riding this bike!!! I love it!!!! It is a 20 mile round trip ride, and yesterday it was raining and windy but I was determined to reach my goal of 500 miles before the new year. As I was riding home I hit 500 miles and screamed out loud.....it was great........my co-workers think I am nuts, as do all the people looking at me trying to stay upright in that dang wind.......

I really thought I would get into the road cycling, and I plan to at some point in time, but for now it is all about commuting to work.

BTW - I am at my goal of 123 lbs. I could not have reached it without riding my bike.

Thanks for "listening".

Toni

[crazycanuck]

Way to go Toni!!!

I'm doing the happy dance for you... *happy, happy, joy, joy*

Do you ride home or to work into a headwind? Any suggestions as i battle headwinds & sidewinds on my way home which can't be avoided!!!

keep riding dear!

c

[KayTee]

Toni, congratulations - what a fabulous accomplishment! I really got a lump in my throat reading your story. What a strong woman you are!

[Toni]

I ride into a headwind going to work...if there is no wind I average 12-14 mph,with the headwind I am lucky to average between 8-10 mph. On the way home it is a sidewind. I just have to keep my balance. As I ride I just keep telling myself "this will make you stronger".

[HipGnosis6]

I love my Sirrus. But I haven't ridden significiantly since I got hit by a car in August. And I've gained weight. Or to be fair, more weight. I started packing it on when I started school - and quit bike commuting. School's been great for me in other ways, but it's been hard on my social life and hard on my waistline. I've been trying to figure out how to manage a bike/bus commute....

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on your incredible weight loss, Toni!!! Now that you told us the amazing story of your transformation, we need to see before and after pics (I just love looking at people change themselves).
Way to go!!!! 500 miles and 60 lbs- you are truly an inspiration my dear!!!!

[runningteach]

Congrats Toni! You look great. Too funny about getting another bike.