Eclectic -- I'm with you: 20 pounds and flying up hills sounds GREAT! It seems I remember reading something about every pound of weight lost makes a significant difference on hills, and so I guess I have that to look forward to! I can climb them now, and it's making me stronger so that when I don't have as much a)) to haul up them, I'll really haul a))!!!


LisaSH -- I've told DH, I've got a killer butt and an awesome six pack, just no one can see them yet! I think I'm looking forward to being able to see them myself -- I can feel 'em growing in there!


DDH, something I thought of in response to how long does it take... Sadly, it takes as long as it takes! The good news is, you're not alone in the process. I know it sometimes feels like it, but I think your thread has showed us that more of us are on this journey than it sometimes sounds like here where we see all these amazing rides being discussed! Our team-mates have simply been on the path longer than we have. We can look at the small stuff with pride! Quitting smoking is HUGE, riding ten miles today, or even five, and an accomplishment like getting ALL the way up the hill, even at 4mph, huffing and puffing, but not stopping -- that's all good! Next time, I'll do it in 4.2 and be even more pleased, and some day, I'll do it without the granny gear!

You and I have a similar path to travel -- we're almost the same height and weight. I'm a few years older. I've decided I'm not in a rush -- at least not tonight -- but some days, I wish I could simply find the zipper and let the inner me out! So, hang in there, kid -- we'll struggle along together with our new friends!

Karen in Boise