Testy People

[rij73]

I'm really glad this thread exists, because I thought it was only my family that acted this way.

I try very hard not to sound like I'm gloating or putting anyone else down. But, I guess it's hard for some people not to feel bad when I walk in the room just looking thinner and healthier, and they know it's cause I work hard at it and have made it a priority. It probably does make them insecure even though it's the last thing I want. I try to make it look like no big deal so they will feel like maybe trying it too. I definitely don't even brag or harp on anything, but it seems hopeless. Granted in my case it probably has more to do with the way I eat than the exercising, but they go hand in hand as far as I'm concerned.

[Python]

So far I haven't encountered any hostility. What I have found though is most people are interested or curious. One of my (overweight) work colleagues who is only 26 years old is now thinking on digging his bike out from the back of the shed. Others start looking dreamy (reminiscing of the days of their youth when they used to fly around on two wheels).

I also think a lot of them are now contemplating cheaper ways of getting from A to B. The price of fuel here is nearly £4 per gallon ($8), insurance is sky-high as is road tax. That's not counting the cost of putting the car through it's yearly MOT test and repairs, plus the cost of parking.

Since I started commuting to and from work I've saved well over £100 which has gone towards the cost of my new bike.

Then of course, there's the all-important health benefits. I'm very slim anyway but my leg muscles are toning up quite nicely, I sleep sooooo much better and awaken refreshed instead of like something nasty out of Night of the Living Dead I'm better tempered too (I tend to be very fiery).

Perhaps some people are jealous - and a bit frightened. Some are just plain lazy.

[MomOnBike]

I'm lucky. My co-workers pretty much accept the fact that I ride my bike, in much the same way that they accept that so-and-do drives that white car. No drama there.

My family just doesn't understand, but do accept. Mother, for example, called me a Ding Dong for planning to ride RAGBRAI this year, but there was love in her voice. My brothers want me to pack a gun along at all times. I just smile and tell them that I love them, too.

As I said, I'm lucky - and probably non-threatening. It's hard to take a fat old woman on a recumbent as a threat to anything.

[Geonz]

People *do* tend to assume taht I am somehow physiologically different. (They already *know* I'm psychologically different ) Some of my longtime friends knkwo I did spend many years as a regular old fashioned couch potato, and I love that I don't really *look* like an athlete - love handles persist- ... but most people are sure that they just don't have "it" in them. You don't have it until you make the time to build it. Once you have it, oh my, you don't want to lose it!

[kellichou]

I totally agree, Python! I am so happy at not having to use my car as much, and I LOVE how commuting makes me feel. I am SO much calmer, and I feel fantastic all day long.

As for me, I really want to get rid of my beer gut (having a significant other that I homebrew with for the past 4 years, plus a kegerator, has NOT helped), and keep getting healthier--stronger, faster, better! Plus, I already have awesome legs, and I want them to get more awesome.

And can I get an "amen" on the sleep bit! I agree, nothin' but sweet, sweet sleep.

Since I started commuting to and from work I've saved well over £100 which has gone towards the cost of my new bike.

Then of course, there's the all-important health benefits. I'm very slim anyway but my leg muscles are toning up quite nicely, I sleep sooooo much better and awaken refreshed instead of like something nasty out of Night of the Living Dead I'm better tempered too (I tend to be very fiery).

Perhaps some people are jealous - and a bit frightened. Some are just plain lazy.

[northstar]

And can I get an "amen" on the sleep bit! I agree, nothin' but sweet, sweet sleep.

Amen!

[Geonz]

I am thinking, after an interesting thread on bikejournal, that I want to infuse my comments about biking on the roads to include that it's not just "hopping on the bike," because riding in traffic - even the relatively light stuff we have - is 'way different from tooling around as a kid. Lots of people think riding is so very scary - and sometimes it is, but often it isn't *because* I've learned how to do it and how to "read" traffic and ride as a vehicle.