Noticeable changes since you started?

[northstar]

As I was riding home last night, I was thinking about how different I felt from even three weeks before, when I got my new bike. I had been out a couple of times prior to that, but the MN winter had kept me indoors and fairly sedentary until that point. I thought it might be fun to share some things we've noticed as new riders.

1. I am more awake during the day.
2. I sleep through the night, and I sleep well.
3. My legs feel stronger, more powerful.
4. I can breathe! When I was riding the first week or so, I'd get to the top of a hill and really feel like I was suffering to catch my breath. I noticed yesterday that my breathing was consistently nice and even, even when my thighs were burning as I worked my way up hills.
5. I am perkier/more positive during the day.
6. I'm proud of myself!
7. My DH is proud of me!
8. I am more conscious of what I eat. I fin myself asking if it will be good fuel for my ride.
9. I've gotten to know parts of town I had never seen before.
10. I am skipping the coffee shop because I'd rather have another jersey or pair of shorts than a latte. (So I make my coffee at home instead!)

Just a start.

[LadyinWhite]

• down several pant sizes
• My bottom is no longer my least favorite feature!

[short cut sally]

1) appreciating the natural wonders that mother nature has to offer us.
2) stamina and motivation not to walk up that hill

[mimitabby]

1. muscle tone
2. stamina
3. I am not as cold as i used to be! (wearing lighter clothing)
4. I have some knee socks that are no longer comfortable!

[northstar]

Oh, I totally agree about the appreciation of nature. I recently encountered a wild turkey wandering along the Mississippi River...in downtown Minneapolis! It's fantastic to hear the birds, and I always seem to be identifying plants along the way.

[AuntieK]

The biggest thing I've noticed is that I don't have the devistating anxiety that I used to have. As a matter of fact, since I've started riding, I've turned into quite a daredevil. I find myself wanting to try things now just for the thrill of it. A far cry from the girl who couldn't even go for a car ride without freaking out we we going to be in a horrible car accident!
I think once you've descended a mountain on a bike going nearly 50 mph wearing only shorts, shirt, and helmet (and, of course socks/shoes), you know you can do anything!

[indysteel]

I'm much more confident about nearly everything.

I think of myself again (and it had been a long time) as an athlete.

Between cycling, spinning and yoga, I spend very little time at home and, if I am at home, I spend very little time on my couch watching tv. Even when I'm home, I'm more likely to be doing something, e.g., washing all my workout clothes.

I have new friends.

I think of food, first and foremost, as fuel so my diet has improved.

My thighs--outer and inner--don't jiggle and my butt doesn't sag.

I went down a dress size.

I'm much more toned and (thanks to both yoga, lifting and some fat loss), my arms look cut for the first time in my life.

I hate shopping for anything but cycling clothes.

I've seen way more of home state on my bike than I ever have in my car.

I'm stronger than I realized, physically and emotionally, which has led me to redefine what I can and cannot do.

I know what a hub, derailleur, seat stay, headset, crank arm, bladed spoke, cog, etc., is.

Despite having gotten over my love for stuffed animals as a kid, I've discovered that I can still unselfconciously talk to and love dearly an inanimate object (my bike) as if it were alive.

[roguedog]

I can see some leg muscle!

My wallet has lost some weight

I'm hungry all the time

I discovered spinning and that I like it

I now have a hobby (vs workaholic)

I just feel better

People avoid mentioning the words "bike" and "cycling".. and even "what'd you do this weekend" around me

[alpinerabbit]

1. I am more awake during the day.

Me, not really. I am always a slacker.

2. I sleep through the night, and I sleep well.

yeppers

3. My legs feel stronger, more powerful.

Yes, but not the day after a hard workout....

6. I'm proud of myself!

I'm just amazed. If you had told me any of this 2,3 years ago I'da laughed out LOUD.

10. I am skipping the coffee shop because I'd rather have another jersey or pair of shorts than a latte. (So I make my coffee at home instead!)

I already have a load of jerseys and with almost every event we are attending, there will be more...

My wallet has lost some weight

yeah.... mine too

[stacie]

confidence

[lauraelmore1033]

--doing dishes doesn't make me sweat anymore
--I don't feel apologetic about using the roads anymore
--I don't have to wait for the neighbors to go inside before I work up the courage to ride past their houses wearing lycra clothing in all the eye-hurting hues of the rainbow; I just go when I want to.
--I spend a lot of time on rides thinking, "there used to be a hill here, where did it go?"

[pastrypam]

Stronger.

Amazed that I can ride so many miles under my own power.

Learning to like myself in spandex.

On days I ride I feel thinner and healthy.

I make better food choices.

More confident and positive about everything.

I hardly ever have brain fog anymore.

I think clearer and faster.

I have something else to think about other than work problems and it helps to destress me.

[stacie13]

I've only had about 5 rides, 150km so far, but I already feel in mucho better shape. The appetite instantly got better once I started riding, just don't have the interest in the junk food when I'm cycling regularly for some reason. Must need better foods for fuel.

There really isn't a downside to all this is there?!

[Kimmyt]

I want to do more.

I like the way I look in spandex.

I catch glimpses of myself in mirrors and go, 'wait, is that me?'

my other sport/hobbies have improved as well

my consideration of distances has changed completely. also hills.
-----> me: i rode 63 miles today them: what, 63 miles are you crazy? me: yeah, i totally wussed out and should have done the full century
-----> me: oh man, that hill looks fun me(thinking): did i really just say that??

[northstar]

Yes! The perception of distance has totally changed. Pretty much anyone who saw my bike in my classroom on Wednesday asked how far I had to ride home after school. When I told them about 16 miles, they nearly fell over. 16 miles sounds like a nice ride to me. My longest ride to date is about 40 miles...so 16 sounds like a piece of cake!

Hmmm, a downside...can't think of one right now... I'm a healthier, busier, more grounded woman...