Were you athletic as a kid?

[Cha Cha]

Growing up, my skills and thus interests were in two major areas - academics and music - and I did really well in both. In middle school, the first half of the year our gym class was swimming lessons. Hated it. Even regular gym was better than that...

Really got into aerobics in high school / college (early-mid 80s) and enjoyed that a lot. I've taken various dance classes since then, and while I have very little talent, enjoyed it a lot. It's hard to stay mad or upset about anything for long once you strap on some tap shoes!

Started riding actively in December, and am so hooked!!! Last evening my DBF and I were riding indoors with the Spinervals Bending Crank Arms dvd, and it so rocked. Sure was hard, and I imagine I"ll have some major soreness tonight, but whatev. There's one part when Coach Troy says "This is serious training for serious athletes", and my wonderful sweet DBF said "That's what you are!" Coming from him especially (and he is a very serious athlete), it felt so amazing. Between that, the sense of accomplishment I felt, and all the endorphins, he said my eyes were sparkling after the workout. Whoo hoo!!!

So yep, it sure is a rush! And at 42, a very very different way to think of myself. Very cool.

Amy

[emily_in_nc]

Growing up, my skills and thus interests were in two major areas - academics and music - and I did really well in both. In middle school, the first half of the year our gym class was swimming lessons. Hated it. Even regular gym was better than that...

Really got into aerobics in high school / college (early-mid 80s) and enjoyed that a lot. I've taken various dance classes since then, and while I have very little talent, enjoyed it a lot. It's hard to stay mad or upset about anything for long once you strap on some tap shoes!

Started riding actively in December, and am so hooked!!! Last evening my DBF and I were riding indoors with the Spinervals Bending Crank Arms dvd, and it so rocked. Sure was hard, and I imagine I"ll have some major soreness tonight, but whatev. There's one part when Coach Troy says "This is serious training for serious athletes", and my wonderful sweet DBF said "That's what you are!" Coming from him especially (and he is a very serious athlete), it felt so amazing. Between that, the sense of accomplishment I felt, and all the endorphins, he said my eyes were sparkling after the workout. Whoo hoo!!!

So yep, it sure is a rush! And at 42, a very very different way to think of myself. Very cool.

Amy

Amy - We sound kinda similar growing up (except that I was not seriously into music, just academics -- and boys!) I too discovered aerobic dance, starting in college. Started going to the gym after college and taking aerobics classes, which was the first really athletic thing I'd done in my life, but I was not in very good shape compared to now - I only dabbled in it compared to the things I do for fitness now. Asthma held me back at that time somewhat as I didn't take any medication then, so that limited how hard I could push myself.

I started road cycling in my 20s and rode off and on (sometimes several years off at a time) since then, but only really got "serious" about it at age 42, just like you. When I was called an "athlete" for the first time in my life, I was 43. I can still remember what a high it was to be called that!

I don't road ride as much now as I used to for a variety of reasons, but I cross train like crazy. I now hike, run, walk, kayak, sail, mountain bike (very much a newbie), lift, ride the trainer, and still, sometimes, road ride. Yes, I am an athlete now at almost 46 years old, and d*mn proud of it!!!

Good for you for making the transition too!

Emily