Looking for Newbies with a large amt of weight to lose..

[Zen]

Forgot one very important point- don't be in a hurry to lose weight.

Two or three pounds a week is a safe amount.

[Jenn]

You GO GIRL!! You ride your booty off!! I know how intimidating it is but you just have to say.....Screw it, "This is about me." and GO.....GO...GO...
I'm not a small (typical cyclist) build by no means!! I'm 5'8" 195 so I'm not small. You can do it and you will, since you have before. It's all new to me, so I'm so hooked it's scary....I wore shorts today, I haven't worn shorts in 5 years!!
I know it's hard getting started again, but you CAN do it, you WILL do it and you will love the results, you know that since you've riden before. Go for it and if you need anything I'm here!!!

Jenn

[ace]

Hi Polliwog, and welcome! I can relate. I had over 100 lbs to lose, lost 85 lbs with Weight Watchers a couple of years ago (and I still basically do WW), but have gained some back. The good news is I've stayed 50 or more lbs under my top weight. I still have 60 lbs to go to my goal. Anyway, my advice about the weight loss is slow and steady. I think it's easier taking it off than keeping it off (especially for those of us who are compulsive overeaters), so long slow progress just gives you the practice you'll need to keep it off once you hit your goal.

I have loved getting into biking. It's given me a reason to be fit, which means when I'm losing weight, I'm doing it so I can be better at something I love to do. Hills are definitely a challenge for me at this weight, but part of that is because I have a bum knee right now. I wouldn't say I have any body image issues on the bike- I just feel really happy and proud that I'm able to do what I do.

Be really kind to yourself with your training program- it's 100% ok for you to be exactly where you are. If you stick with it, you'll progress.

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

-Amy

[esmerelda]

H Polliwog. I, too, have begun riding to lose weight -- 50 lbs. (Already lost 10.) I do a number of activities and wanted to add another sport to keep some variety in my exercise.

I just bought my bike a week ago. I don't have a training plan, per se. Just to exercise 5 times/wk for a min of 30 min at a level 6 or 7 (on a scale of 1 to 10). Target heart rate 135. Other than that, I'm letting my body tell me what's right for that day.

How are you training? I'd love to keep in touch!

[rebran]

Hello Polliwog- - -I started with IDC and loved how I felt after class. I bought my bike at the end of March and I don’t know why I didn’t start earlier. I have about 50 lbs to lose but I don’t weigh myself on a regular basis - I have gone down two dress sizes and my body image has improved greatly! I feel stronger and healthier!

As far as training program (this is what I do). . . .I spin 3X’s a week, lift 2X’s, and I am on my bike 4X’s a week. I started out at 6.5 miles up’d to 10.4 and now I am at 26 and I am ready to add some more miles next week.

No advice for rolling hills as I have not yet found any in my area. . . but there is so much information and knowledge here. . . .

Best of luck with your training! You will do great!

[Darby361]

Congratulations on getting out there! I can relate to where you are. Two years ago I lost 100#s through proper eating (not diet!) and exercise. I had to start slow, but each week I saw improvements in both my body and my strength. It can be frustrating and you will have ups and downs, so I suggest you journal your weight loss and exercise amounts - this will help so much when you hit a slow time and you can see your progress on paper over time. "So I haven't lost any weight this week, but look, I lost 4lbs over the last 3 weeks!" The rewards are worth the work! I am with you on losing weigh this summer. I have maintained for 1 year, and now I am ready to take on the last 25#s! This is our summer to become the fittest women we can!
Whoo Hoo!
Trish

[Tuckervill]

www.sparkpeople.com for your journaling and keeping up with your exercise and nutrition. Free eating plans and SHOPPING LISTS, which is what I love.

I have at least 50 lbs to lose--so far I have lost 14. I just got back from vacation so I have to catch back up.

Good luck. You CAN do it. Remove all doubt.

Karen