Testy People

[bikerHen]

I was in getting my nails done this morning. The topic of gasoline prices/bills came up and everyone was complaining. Well I pipe up and say my bill was only $28.00 last month. Well did that open a can of worms. Some of these women were down right hostile. They said, I had a low gas bill because I ride my bike to work, like that's a bad thing? And there were plenty of reasons why no one in the room would consider doing anything like ride a bike. Ah well, I guess a nail salon is the least likely place to find women who would consider sweaty, physical activity a good thing! It was an interesting and suprising reaction. bikerHen

[Tri Girl]

Funny!! They're just being testy because they haven't burned off any stress (or fat) riding their bikes. They should give it a try. When I've had a rough day at work (like today), I'm amazed at how much better I feel when I've gotten home because my ride took it all away (that and riding by the gas station looking at that $3.15 price tag made me giggle).

Yeah, not a lot of fitness buffs at the nail salon I guess.

[teigyr]

They're jealous. They might not realize it but what else would explain the animosity? I've found that people who don't exercise get defensive when they're around people who do, even though they could do it themselves if they really wanted to!

I'm glad you said something though

[rij73]

They're jealous. They might not realize it but what else would explain the animosity? I've found that people who don't exercise get defensive when they're around people who do, even though they could do it themselves if they really wanted to!

I'm glad you said something though

Oh my, that is sooooo true! Some kind of inner competitor makes some people very nasty around someone who is doing something for their health. For example, certain female family members of mine seem very annoyed that I am exercising and eating right.

[Tri Girl]

I've found that people who don't exercise get defensive when they're around people who do, even though they could do it themselves if they really wanted to!

I wonder why that is? I, too, have family that acts like that rij73. Go figure. I think they feel threatened that you're taking actions that they've not been able to commit themselves to. Jealousy. Has to be it.
And I don't know why, but it makes me feel a teensy bit high and mighty when they get defensive (my posture gets better and I hold my head a little higher). That's not very nice, but when they get snippy and defensive it makes me feel better about myself (I know- not nice).

[spokewench]

I have avoided for years talking to non-cycling types about exercise, eating healthy, etc., cause it makes those types of people nervous if not defensive. I will give info if asked, but even then, sometimes limit it so as not to seem intimidating to them. It works best for me cause you do not make people want to do what you do by making it sound like too much work.

I don't talk about my exploits to most of my family members too much, suffice it to say, I rode 460 miles in a week on vacation and camped. They think I'm crazy and I leave it at that. My sister is proud of me though, she has pictures of my death ride experience and of tour of colorado cause she thinks its cool!

[northstar]

I do feel some pride when talking about how much I get done by bike. It's just a win-win for me. When people rattle off excuses I mention things like racks and panniers...and then tag on that my bike commute is almost 17 miles when I make it. (I'm currently a once-a-weeker.)

I really don't think most people even consider biking as a transportation option. Until they meet someone like a lot of the ladies here on TE, it doesn't really even cross their minds. So, I do pipe up once about how practical and cheap bike use has been, and I talk about how much fun I have. I try to kind of feel out how receptive the person might be when I decide if I want to engage in any further discussion. Some people get REALLY defensive when you ask them to get off their duffs. I used to be like that! And I figure, as expensive as gas is going to get, many people will HAVE to make a change sooner or later.

And on the jealousy stuff, it's very real, and really disgusting. I heard my sister in law saying the nastiest things about this day care mom who had lost weight and was running and so proud of herself. It was so catty...gotta wonder what she might be saying about me, since I'm training for a duathlon the end of this summer. Hee hee. I've been insulted for worse things.

[bikerHen]

Yes I think is was mostly jealousy and envy. I have the time and desire to get out and make myself and the world a little better. When I was leaving the salon, trying to get myself and my bike out the door without dinging my wet nails an older lady was coming in and held open the door. As I thanked her, she said to me in passing, "Good for you getting out and doing something!" It made my day much better.

My Mom passed away about the time I started to ride again. One thing she said to me literally on her death bed, was how much she regretted not keeping up her physical strength. Her weakened state did contribute to her death. She was so glad I was getting back into something I enjoyed and could continue doing as I got older. I will always carry that conversation in my heart and stay physically active as long as I can, for me and my Mom. bikerHen

[missymaya]

Thanks roadraoven and I do appreciate the support that this forum provides for me and all of the other people who ride for sport, work, exercise, or just good ole' fun .

[rij73]

I'm really glad this thread exists, because I thought it was only my family that acted this way.

I try very hard not to sound like I'm gloating or putting anyone else down. But, I guess it's hard for some people not to feel bad when I walk in the room just looking thinner and healthier, and they know it's cause I work hard at it and have made it a priority. It probably does make them insecure even though it's the last thing I want. I try to make it look like no big deal so they will feel like maybe trying it too. I definitely don't even brag or harp on anything, but it seems hopeless. Granted in my case it probably has more to do with the way I eat than the exercising, but they go hand in hand as far as I'm concerned.

[Python]

So far I haven't encountered any hostility. What I have found though is most people are interested or curious. One of my (overweight) work colleagues who is only 26 years old is now thinking on digging his bike out from the back of the shed. Others start looking dreamy (reminiscing of the days of their youth when they used to fly around on two wheels).

I also think a lot of them are now contemplating cheaper ways of getting from A to B. The price of fuel here is nearly £4 per gallon ($8), insurance is sky-high as is road tax. That's not counting the cost of putting the car through it's yearly MOT test and repairs, plus the cost of parking.

Since I started commuting to and from work I've saved well over £100 which has gone towards the cost of my new bike.

Then of course, there's the all-important health benefits. I'm very slim anyway but my leg muscles are toning up quite nicely, I sleep sooooo much better and awaken refreshed instead of like something nasty out of Night of the Living Dead I'm better tempered too (I tend to be very fiery).

Perhaps some people are jealous - and a bit frightened. Some are just plain lazy.

[MomOnBike]

I'm lucky. My co-workers pretty much accept the fact that I ride my bike, in much the same way that they accept that so-and-do drives that white car. No drama there.

My family just doesn't understand, but do accept. Mother, for example, called me a Ding Dong for planning to ride RAGBRAI this year, but there was love in her voice. My brothers want me to pack a gun along at all times. I just smile and tell them that I love them, too.

As I said, I'm lucky - and probably non-threatening. It's hard to take a fat old woman on a recumbent as a threat to anything.

[Geonz]

People *do* tend to assume taht I am somehow physiologically different. (They already *know* I'm psychologically different ) Some of my longtime friends knkwo I did spend many years as a regular old fashioned couch potato, and I love that I don't really *look* like an athlete - love handles persist- ... but most people are sure that they just don't have "it" in them. You don't have it until you make the time to build it. Once you have it, oh my, you don't want to lose it!

[kellichou]

I totally agree, Python! I am so happy at not having to use my car as much, and I LOVE how commuting makes me feel. I am SO much calmer, and I feel fantastic all day long.

As for me, I really want to get rid of my beer gut (having a significant other that I homebrew with for the past 4 years, plus a kegerator, has NOT helped), and keep getting healthier--stronger, faster, better! Plus, I already have awesome legs, and I want them to get more awesome.

And can I get an "amen" on the sleep bit! I agree, nothin' but sweet, sweet sleep.

Since I started commuting to and from work I've saved well over £100 which has gone towards the cost of my new bike.

Then of course, there's the all-important health benefits. I'm very slim anyway but my leg muscles are toning up quite nicely, I sleep sooooo much better and awaken refreshed instead of like something nasty out of Night of the Living Dead I'm better tempered too (I tend to be very fiery).

Perhaps some people are jealous - and a bit frightened. Some are just plain lazy.

[northstar]

And can I get an "amen" on the sleep bit! I agree, nothin' but sweet, sweet sleep.

Amen!