my total for the year so far is 1515 miles. I cycle for fun/fitness. I have lost somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 pounds, but have decided that the number on the scale is not all that important to me even though it is still astonishingly high. The blood work numbers have always been good (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc...) so I imagine cycling will continue to keep them so. My proudest accomplishment was completing my first century 3 weeks ago on a cold, wet, miserable day. I was also pretty proud of myself for muddling through a very challenging (for me) tour of California in May (although I did resent remarks by fellow riders expressing surprise that I was "making it". --Insert fat lady rant #346 about stupid assumptions people make here--)

I started cycling again last march and I've come a long way away from that first uncomfortable 5 mile ride (sub 10 mph pace). I am now comfortable riding on the streets and with other riders. This is actually a huge change for me. Hills aren't so intimidating anymore. I have gained the patience to grind up them and the courage to fly down them. Most of the time... I haven't found myself in tears over a scary down hill for, oh, at least two months. Averaging ten mph was a challenge when I started, and now I can (but not very often) achieve 13-16 mph if I feel like pushing it.

I'm not sure what my goals are for the future. I guess I would like to continue getting faster and going farther--but only as long as it continues to be fun.