what's in shape for you?

[atombessy]

I'm curious about everyone's weight/height and how it corresponds to your riding and eating habits. For instance, I weigh about 140lbs, I'm 5'3, and just getting started "getting in shape" bikewise. I think I'd like to be a muscular 130lbs to be in ideal riding condition, and although I've done low carb diets to try to loose some weight/stay healthy I've found even two short rides a week are impossible without carbs. What do you guys consider your ideal riding shape? What kind of diets are you on (not to loose weight persee, just nutritionally)?

[Veronica]

5'5", weight 150 - 155, 21% body fat, (tested at the Davis Sports Med. Clinic), clothing size 10

I eat whatever I want, but do pay attention to portion size. I lost 30 pounds a few years ago just by decreasing intake and increasing output. I eat some carbs and protein at every meal.

Through the winter I do Spinervals or Spin class 3 - 4 times a week. Plus any outside rides I can get in. I think I'm in ideal shape when I'm riding and swimming a couple of times a week. But it's hard to fit it all in. In Spring/Summer/Fall I ride between 125 - 150 miles a week most weeks. More if I have an organized ride to do. My average pace on a solo ride (no drafting) is between 14 - 16 miles an hour, depending on wind and terrain.

Veronica

[Irulan]

what a great topic.

I've never been over weight, but I have been buff, about 6% bodyfat, back when I used to spend 3 hours a day in the gym. ( 20 years ago)I've had two kids, and my life is now about balance.

I'm 5'3, wieghed in at 122-25 for years after the kids were born, a good wieght for me. About 6 years ago, after getting treated for an anxiety disorder and starting some medication that I now take daily, I put on a bit and now wieght in right around 130-2. A caliper bf test put me about 22%.
I struggled with this for a bit, but I'm now getting comfortable with it. My hubby says I was too skinny before, the guys have let me know I have buns of steel and a great a** so what more could I ask for? My frame is medium/small, I've always tended to be more fleshy on the bottom than the top.

food... I've always been a fan of moderation in everything. I've never really dieted. These days, I focus on trying to get enough fruits and veggies in and to not eat too much. I try and snack on protien not carbs. I don't have much taste for a lot sugar and junk carbs, tho give me chocolate any day. I get bloated if I eat too many low quality carbs, I can feel it right away. I eat more small meals spread out through the day, instead of two or three big ones.

I've found it impossible to be an active athelete and eat lo-carb.. can you say "bonk"...?

My workouts consist of : winter anywhere 2/4 days a weeks at the gym for either a spin class or the eliptical, plus weights and maybe a day or two of skiing too
Summer riding 2/4 days a week and walking.

anyway, I"ll post a swimsuit photo if you will

Irulan

[Veronica]

Great shot Irulan!

Here's my favorite swimsuit photo. Taken two years ago off the coast of Maine. That's the captain of the boat jumping into the water with me. The water temp. was about 52 degrees. We had to do it twice since Thom missed the shot the first time. The things I do for his art.

Veronica

[MightyMitre]

Hey there! - remember me?

I've been away for a while but thought I ought to call in and say hello. I used to post a lot when I was at work, but my job role changed so I don't get so much time now.

Cool pics - you girls both look great! Picture of the summer are so good at this time of year for getting the motivation going. It's still a good while till it warms up here but summer shots always reminds me the good weather is just round the corner and I've just got to hang in there....

[Veronica]

Hey, I'd been wondering where you were! I tried to e mail you one day, but you have it set so I couldn't. I just missed your posts and wondered what was up. Glad to see you back!

Veronica

[MightyMitre]

Yes - dipped out there for quite a while so thought it was time I dipped back in.

Nice to see there's still plenty of familiar faces. Might fix my email address just in case I go missing again

[kpc]

I'm 5'7', 138 lbs. this is the most I've ever weighed non pregnant. I feel much stronger than i ever have and have way more energy. But my joints hurt when I run, so I have to limit that. I'd like to lose 5 lbs and see if it helps. But not enough to actually not eat what i like. I eat lots of good food, mostly vegetarian. But have meat several times a week. And treats such as ice cream and chocolate at least once a day. I'm sure that if I stopped working out I would be heavier, I eat way more food than anyone at work. I go to the gym before work for 45 min of weights or treadmill/bike/stepper 4 days a week and then on the weekend I do something fun for an hour or two. Once the weather warms up, I'll start riding outside for two or three hrs on weekends and a coupla hour rides during the week. I'll cut back on the gym. Believe it or not the exercise is more for fun and mental health. I have a desk job.
I haven't had any testing, I just do what makes me sweat and breathe faster.

[Irulan]

hey, I didn't think V would take me up on the swim suit pic so here goes. I've always felt bottom heavy, even when I was body-builder buff. This is way back on one of my crazy idaho rides, I actuall brought swim bottoms with me so I wouldn't have to dunk my bike shorts. kpc is right aboutexercise being for mental health, fun and fitness and not just about trying for pencil thighs. The tan lines' a giveaway as to what I like to do, eh?

[Adventure Girl]

Originally posted by Irulan
The tan lines' a giveaway as to what I like to do, eh?

I love your tan lines... Funny, though, I hate when I see them on my legs!! The pic is cropped, so we can't tell, but I bet you have the white feet to complete the ensemble!!

During the summer, the only time you don't look out of place is on your bike! I personally like a sundress (with spaghetti straps) with little strappy sandles and bike tan lines. Nice!!

[RdDezert]

Great pics!
As for myself, not having a scale in house for myself (twists my thinking!), using my clothes as my guide, and trying to get out nearly daily for SOME-thing. Even if it's errands, or egads! domestic goddessness. But then, a good book read all day is great shape for me too.

[annie]

Love those photos! I gotta get myself a digital camera....... Just don't want to spend the bucks right now, too many other places to spend it when you've still got 4 kids in school, two in college.

Anyway, I'm ALMOST 5'2, let's say 5'1.5. I weigh in at 120-122 depending on time of month. I have been able to keep it steady around that weight all winter this year, which for me is great. I usually put on some winter fat. Once I get out and start putting on the miles, I will probably drop about 5 lbs. without trying. I don't really diet, per se, just try to eat healthy. And definitely watch portion size! One thing to remember is that muscle does weigh more than fat. I've been faithfully lifting weights for about 4 months now. So I hope for most of my weight to be productive. I guess I will find out when I get out and start climbing the hills...... no matter how hard you try to make it at spin classes, it just is not the same! I usually spin 3-4 times a week, either x-country ski or hike a couple times a week, lift weights twice. When the biking season starts here, I work up to 150-200 miles a week. I am just waiting for spring...... I want to get out so badly! I envy those of you discussing your rides already!

[Spannah]

Hi all-I'm posting from the UK. although I've got loads of girlie mates I race with no one has set up a womens forum like this and I don't have the skills to do it so thought I'd join yours! Its interesting because its the same kind of chats us UK riders have - I guess bikes and women are the same the world over!
Anyway at the moment I weight in at around 126lbs, I'm 5'4", I think its a bit heavy for me as when I was racing really hard I got down to 119lbs which is were I want to get back to. My thigh's are carrying a load more muscle now and I'm riding stronger than ever so may be thats unrealistic. the lads I work with call me "sturdy" and tease me a bit but as long as they are powerful and win me races I can put up with having sturdy thighs! Does anyone know what pro women weigh in at and what their body fat is? I am a cat 2 at the moment and aiming for my elite licence.

Anyway I work in the bike trade and spend loads of time dossing around on the internet so expect to hear loads more from me!

Hannah.

[Irulan]

one of my ride pals is Cat 2 and rides for Terry. She was just recently tested at 18%, adn she's getting a lot of conflicting advice from her different trainers over what's appropriate.

Irulan

ps, welcome, this is by far the most active women's cycle forum on the web that I know of, and there are quite a few interenatioal folks, ,not just US. ( UK, Aus, Canada to name a few

[modbike]

hello all, just squeezing in here....;-)
I just bought a road bike, after lusting for it all last summer...(Lemond Reno, 52cm, starter's bike...)
I am 5'7" and weigh about 160lbs...most of that is on my trunk, my legs are fairly muscular....
I am def. trying to loose weight by working out and cutting back on portions,
but I come from a family that loves to eat and cook well, lots of cream sauces and such...and I am not yet at the point of giving up that amazing taste....
anyway, that's me....and fairly happy.....