Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread. I've spent the past 1/2 hour reading it, and will bookmark this one so that I can re-read it when I have more time.
I want to keep it handy for future reference when my mileage increases .

I also want to check out the link (http://tinyurl.com/jvcwc) that Nanci added.

The longest I've spent riding my bike (so far) has been 2 & 1/2 hours, and I started riding 2 months ago. I drink A LOT MORE than my husband -- both water & gatorade. The weather out here the past two months has been for the most part, hot & muggy. So, I am sweating a lot!

I can drink 3 bottles of water (24 oz. each) & 16 oz. of Gatorade during a 20 mile ride. Also, a larabar or Clif Bar. On the ride home (car), I'll have a bit more gatorade or water and a fig newton or two.

My breathing (when going up hills) has gotten a LOT BETTER.....but, it's still nice to stop & take a break, (catch my breath/slow down my breathing), quench my thirst & have a piece of the larabar or Clif Bar.
I personally find it necessary to stop & take a break. If I didn't, I know I wouldn't catch my breath and riding would become a horrible activity for me.

I've been drinking a lot of water for over 25 years. I'm not diabetic - my blood sugar tests have always been normal. I'm on some meds that can make my mouth dry, so water does help. But, I just like water .

For breakfast, I'll have stoneyfield low-fat banilla yogurt with Dorset Super Raisin & Date cereal ('luxury muesli') , a banana & coffee with skim milk.

If we're planning a mid afternoon ride, I'll have a cinammon raisin swirl peanut butter & raspberry preserve sandwich on oatmeal bread (maybe 1 & 1/2 sandwiches) and glass of skim milk.

I am DEFINITELY not hungry AT ALL after riding -- (great appetite suppresant). I assume that this is normal? I would be fine with just a piece of fruit and maybe some popcorn for the evening, and have breakfast the next morning. Is this okay to do sometimes?

I should add that, at present, I am 5'1", and weigh 185. (I've lost 105 lbs., since 2001). I DO want to get down to 145 eventually....but, I'm really in no big rush. I wear a size 14, (at least for today ), and I am happy with myself. <<-- it took MANY YEARS to feel OK with how I look, but I sincerely do !

I learn so much here on TE . A big THANK YOU to all of you who share so that beginners like me can learn!

Peace & Love,

Denise

p.s.
Originally posted by Dianyla:
Actually, you wouldn't have seen the hair anyway. I put a pair of pantyhose on my head and stick the braid down one leg, wrapping the spare leg around the base of the braid. They're black opaque hose, so they don't necessarily look like pantyhose.
Dianyla -- How long is your hair?? When I see your Avatar, I always say to myself, "what pretty hair she has"...... I'm just curious.

p.s.s.
Originally posted by SadieKate:As I've said before, the TE Girls' Hill Training Program has forced me to learn to eat differently.
What's the TE Girls' Hill Training Program? Thanks !