Introducing myself

**Livin the Dream** · 08-02-2006, 06:54 PM

I've been lurking on this board for a few weeks. Many of the posts have given me inspiration, so I thought I'd say a big thank you and introduce myself. DH and I bought Trek hybrid bikes last year and have enjoyed the bike trails close to home here in Ohio. Our longest ride has been about 30 miles and that was last summer when I was heavier. I love the freedom of being on the bike. Over the last 8 months, I've lost about 55 lbs and am working on getting that last 30 lbs off.

As much as I enjoy riding my bike, I've always felt self-conscious because I'm not thin and fit. So many of your words have given me confidence -- I appreciate each and every one of you! Some of those words gave me the confidence to accomplish several "firsts" over the weekend. I rode 8 miles in 95 degree, humid weather on Sunday, by myself, on country roads with a few decent hills and an average speed of 11 mph. Wearing bike shorts. Now, this may not seem like much to many of you, but almost all of the 500 miles I've rode my bike have been with DH by my side. A year ago I wouldn't have worn shorts in public, let alone tight fitting ones and I would have scoped out anyplace I planned to ride to avoid hills. Plus, hot weather would have been a darn good excuse to sit on my butt and read a book! And, I really need to have the confidence to ride by myself because DH is content to take a 30 minute bike ride a couple of times a week; I have to coax him to do much more. I'm determined to make bike rides a big part of my exercise program!

I felt very good about that ride and I'm looking forward to reaching more goals. My distance goal for this year is 40 miles. Another goal is riding to work at least once. That may be next year, though. My commute is 13 miles one way on busy, curvy country roads with crazy drivers. I'm not quite sure I've got the nerves to deal with the nuts on those roads! What I may try is driving to a parking area for a bike path that is about 4 miles from work and riding from there. The bike path goes right by where I work. That would be a start.

Thanks again for all the encouraging words you post on this board. Looking forward to getting to know some of you!

Livin the Dream

**KSH** · 08-02-2006, 07:36 PM

Welcome to the board (well, posting that is)... and WAY TO GO!!!!

Losing 55 pounds is a HUGE accomplishment! And the miles you are putting in, are too! In fact, today, I was remembering when I took my boyfriend on his first bike ride, he nearly passed out after riding 10 miles. 30 miles is great!

OH... and wearing lycra in public... it's scary. But, it has to be done... and I figure I need to be comfortable while riding... and if someone doesn't like what they are looking at... well, they don't have to look.

Keep up the great work and you will reach your weight loss goals!

Welcome!

**Lise** · 08-02-2006, 07:40 PM

Welcome to the board! I know what you mean about the lycra--I wear a big ol' cotton/poly t-shirt over my bike shorts. Much more comfy and concealing than a bike jersey. Not 100% cotton--absorbs and holds the sweat too much. Enjoy your bike and getting to know us all here. Lise

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-02-2006, 07:53 PM

Welcome to TE! It is nice to see someone else from Ohio posting.

Congrats on the weight loss. This is a wonderful forum filled with great women.

**mimitabby** · 08-02-2006, 08:17 PM

LIvin the dream
you sound like a natural athlete. Welcome to the board. I cannot believe the calibre of kindness patience and the big word of the week Camaraderie that you will find here!

You are making a miracle happen; so keep sharing with us. We help each other.
Mimi

**Cassandra_Cain** · 08-02-2006, 08:44 PM

Welcome - welcome - WELCOME

I'm so happy to hear about your experiences. I find it so uplifting and encouraging that others, like you, are out there getting bit by the cycling bug and never looking back. From helping the environment, to bettering your health, and self-esteem - what's not to love?

It sounds like you've made great progress already. Best of all, I bet there will be a lot more where that came from.

This is a great forum, filled with really positive and upbeat women who all share a love for cycling.

**Kano** · 08-02-2006, 10:01 PM

First, welcome! Congrats on the weight loss, and on the solo ride! I don't do many of them myself, and those that I do, I'm pretty sure I don't push myself to ride with nearly the same intensity as when I'm with DH. He does serve his purpose when we ride together!

Now this lycra thing: When I saw two guys in lycra shorts, flapping open button down shirts and huge hairy beer guts hanging out loose for the world to see as they rode their bikes on a BUSY city trail, that's when I decided that I don't have to hide my not quite perfect body! As far from ideal as mine is, it's not like those, and if THEY can be seen by the world, well then.

And so I decided on being comfortable. Someday, maybe I'll look pretty good in those lycra shorts while I'm being comfortable!

Karen in Boise

**RoadRaven** · 08-03-2006, 02:21 AM

You say you've been inspired, well - stories like yours inspire us

Keep on rocking, Dream Girl!!!

**Livin the Dream** · 08-03-2006, 04:10 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome, all! I'm looking forward to joining in on more conversations. I'll have to keep in mind the vision of the beer guts in mind when I look in the mirror the next time I'm headed out the door in my lycra attire!

Bikingmom.... what part of Ohio do you call home?

**chickwhorips** · 08-03-2006, 04:19 PM

welcome to the group!

congrats and BIG HUG for the weight loss. you have great modivation behind you.

as far as lycra, don't think your ever suppose to really get use to it, just be comfortable with who you are and don't worry about anyone else.

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-03-2006, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by Livin the Dream

Bikingmom.... what part of Ohio do you call home?

I am south of Dayton and north of Cincinnati.

**Livin the Dream** · 08-03-2006, 04:33 PM

We're not too far from each other, Jennifer. I live about halfway between Dayton and Lima. We're down Dayton way all the time... Trader Joe's is my grocery store of choice, so we're in Kettering at least every other week.

**Bikingmomof3** · 08-03-2006, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by Livin the Dream

We're not too far from each other, Jennifer. I live about halfway between Dayton and Lima. We're down Dayton way all the time... Trader Joe's is my grocery store of choice, so we're in Kettering at least every other week.

I shop at TJ's all the time.

I live about 6 miles south of TJ's. My new favourite bike store is in Yellow Springs, not too near me, but not a terribly long drive.

**jeannierides** · 08-03-2006, 05:13 PM

I'll add my *voice* to the welcomes!

**Livin the Dream** · 08-03-2006, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3

I shop at TJ's all the time.

I live about 6 miles south of TJ's. My new favourite bike store is in Yellow Springs, not too near me, but not a terribly long drive.

Small world! Our favorite place to camp is John Bryan State Park right out of Yellow Springs. We bought our Treks just up the road in Springfield.

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