Hey Kat! Welcome to the TE board. I'm about 90 miles north of you -- in the "Carpet Capital." You're right about the hills in this area, but if you keep riding, and as Lisa said, keep your goals small and doable, you'll find that the hills that are wearing you out now will be easy in a few months. Don't increase your mileage more than 10% per week, and pay attention to the signals your body gives you. If your body says it needs a slow, short day, then make it a slow, short day. When you have more energy and feel like going farther, go farther.

I'm positive you'll find that riding is much more fun than walking laps -- you actually go somewhere on that bike! I'll bet you also find that you start to lose the weight without much effort if you keep pedaling. Congratulations on finding this great sport and this wonderful group of women. Keep us posted on your progress.

KB