Mind over matter!!!

[LunaB]

I am 55 years old, about 22 pounds overweight, and got my racing bike (a Cannondale) last autumn. Before that I had done no cycling and no other strenous sport. At the same time I signed up for a famous Swedish sportive, Vätternrundan, 300 kilometers (187 miles) around the lake Vättern. I hadn´t trained much this spring, due to work and bad weather, and the race turned out to be the worst in history, with horrible weather - cold and rain and 25% of the participants quitting due to cold and misery.
But - I made it!!! I started cycling at 02.54 in the morning and after some miserable stops, shaking with cold, I finished in Motala at 22.43 the next night, totally euforic! 19 hours and 47 minutes, out of which probably 14 hours cycling, and I was the happiest person of all 23 000 (!!!) starting. I didn´t do it with fitness or physical strength, but with my mind.
It just goes to show - if I could do it, we all can! The sky is the limit -I am still overweight, not in a very good shape, and older than most cyclists - but I did it. Not fast, not in great style - but I did it, and I am SO happy!!!!!

[smittykitty]

Congratulations. You should be so very proud of yourself. You are very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

And welcome to TE!

[Catrin]

Congratulations, that was an awesome achievement! Thanks for sharing this wonderful accomplishment with us

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, that is truly a remarkable achievement. I am sure I could not do that! You should be very proud!!

Keep up the good work!

[murielalex]

Totally impressed and inspirational! I'm almost 52, 25 lbs overweight, and just picked up cycling a few months ago, and am totally addicted. I have a 165-mile, two-day charity ride I'm signed up for in November. I was just starting to doubt myself, but your story just motivated me! Thanks!

[SueDavis]

Congrats!!!!!!! What an accomplishment!!!! I truely believe in mind over matter.

[Owlie]

Wow! Congratulations!

[MGM]

What an achievement, congrats to you! I'm 57, been riding a bit longer, and I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it. But, mind over matter is correct. And perservereance. You've got both, and achieved a remarkable goal. Good for you!

[lovelygamer]

Your story is remarkable, thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your accomplishment!

[AppleTree]

LunaB, very inspiring story. For you to have accomplished that after riding for such a short time...incredible. We never know what we can accomplish until we DO. I learned that last summer in my first double century ride (at 54!).

You will remember that happiness for the rest of your life!