Starting Again at Ground Zero ....

[HermitGirl]

I just joined, and this is my first landing spot. I am getting back on my bike TODAY after gaining so much weight and literally ruining my life with it, and all the anguish that comes from being significantly overweight -about 50 pounds and I'm only 5'2" - almost 47, middleaged and full of angst, marriage at risk, the whole ugly reality we can find ourselves in... ....but the good news is, now I'm ready to do something about it !

I use to ride a lot, about 10 to 15 years ago; mostly the 25 mile mountain road loop I live very near to, but occasionally further distance, once even had ridden a century. I also was passionately into mtn trail riding, and rode a lot with really fit riders, but all of those glory days feels like a lifetime ago now. All I really want is to get out of this hell, and to be able to ride my Mountain Road Loop again , once or twice a week, and to bike commute occasionally to do some errands in town. So, needless to say, I have the bikes, the clothing, (but I can't fit into any of it, untill I lose at least 10 pounds). I have all the gear and know-how from a once empassioned cycling lifestyle over a decade ago. All is left for me to get maybe as much cameraderie here as I can muster, and motivation to start all over again from Ground Zero.

I am a perfect example about how time just flies and a person can totally lose focus on a passion. Bicycling was once such a passion that I took my fitness and metabolism for granted, and I never thought it possible that I could gain this weight and let my whole bike social circle become total strangers. I have learned that I enjoy being a solo rider mostly, because I live in the mountains and I don't like to drive to ride. I have to just start with short rides, down on the hip of the mtn maybe, but I am literally afraid to be seen by the riders out there with whom I use to ride with in fit days. Today I am going to go for 5 miles.

I really need all the cheering and empathy from you riders, because I really feel like a beginner all over again. I know progress could go potentially very swiftly once I start turning those pedals. I also know that although I eventually want to have a once/twice a week ride maintenance, I'm going to have to go more often , to lose the weight first and to arrive at a maintenance cycling routine. The thing is, I hike everyday with our very energetic young dog, about half an hour minimum, so it's not like I'm able to add a rigorous training schedule. I just need to find what works now, and will work for a lifestyle, but feel clueless right now. ~Jen

[katluvr]

Jen,
You are in the right place and on the right track!
You are making the first steps...it will happen!
So "chin up" and start making those little goals and baby steps.
Congrats for making the committment!

[Biciclista]

Welcome to TE, get on your bike and tell us about it!

[alpinerabbit]

Don't be embarrassed. Be proud that you got back into the saddle.
Maybe you can also take longer walks with the dog. I hear they like going for an hour a day.

Surely you only need one new pair of bike pants and an existing functional top and you're ready.

*whistles* I think the metaphor is "back to square one"

[HermitGirl]

Wow, thanks ladies ! First off, I do go often an hour of hiking a day, and it's very good for my base health (I really am quite healthy). I think the dog (3 yr old German Shepherd), aka "my personal trainer" , has been the excuse I've used for not riding. Hiking is good, but it hasn't taken the weight off like cycling will do. I've actually gained a lot of weight on my disciplined hiking schedule I've been off and on with since we got the puppy 3 years ago !!! I know , I know.... what on earth am I eating???? lol


When it warms up this afternoon, I am going to get on my bike, and I'll check back in then. I think I can maybe squeeze into my old threadbare stretched-out size med shorts and large tights, and DH's turtleneck shirts. Thanks so much ! Just having contact with you all makes all the difference, I live a very isolated life.

[arielmoon]

Welcome!

Think positive all things are possible!

[gnGracie]

Welcome and kudos!

Good for you for getting back in the saddle!! You should be patting yourself on the back. I'm a new rider (just started around April or May), so compared to a lot of these ladies I'm pretty sure I'm a pokey butt, but I sure am feeling better and stronger and enjoying my rides. I finally have my ride up to 12 miles and think I avg about 12-13 mph. However, I'm in NW Florida and don't have the mtns and large hills a lot of you ladies have to cope with, so I don't know how much of an accomplishment some people here would consider that; I'm happy with it, though.

[sundial]

HermitGirl, welcome back and please.......don't be a hermit.

You know, this time of year is so spectacular. Lights. Decorations. Gorgeous sunsets. Crisp air. Starry night. There is so much awaiting you if you'll just take that step out the door. Don't be your own worst critic. Get on and ride. Whether it's just down to the end of the road, around the bend, or a lonely back country road, just ride.

[Dogmama]

I have a two year old male Shepherd who INSISTS on his daily walks - so I use his morning walk as a warm up for my bike! When we get home, he gets his breakfast, I hop on my bike and he takes his nap. Everybody is happy!

Be sure you don't push really tough gears on your bike for awhile. Your muscles will get stronger much faster than your tendons & ligaments. Spinning at ~ 90 RPM will exercise your heart, raise your metabolism and keep your knees happy. Intervals are your friend for losing weight. Be sure that you incorporate some weight training and watch your diet. Don't use your cycling workout as an excuse to load up on carbs. As you get fitter, your body will learn to burn fat preferentially over sugar.

And be careful about whining about being "old" - 47 around these parts is just about right!