NoNo, congrats on all your accomplishments. It sounds like you have a wonderful attitude. Unfortunately, it also sounds like your family is unsupportive and critical in general and that your issues extend well beyond cycling and weighloss.

In dealing with the problem people in my life, all I can really do is to ask for what I need and, when if and when they aren't able to meet that need, then to make sure that it gets met elsewhere. And if a conversation starts to turn abusive or hurtful then I say, as politely as possible, that I must end hang up the phone or leave. It sounds like you have reason to believe that your family isn't going to change, but I would still encouarge you to have a conversation about what your needs are. I would further suggest that you try to avoid a "confrontation." Use "I" statements and be specific about how their comments make you feel. You might check out a book called "Difficult Conversations." The "Dance of Anger" is also very, very good.

I'll be honest that I've sought therapy for my own problematic family. My counselor likes to point out when it seems like I'm "going to the hardware store to get milk." Meaning, there are a lot of things my family just can't provide for me and I have to look elsewhere. I'm not suggesting that it's easy to change what should be reasonable expectations of the people in my life who are supposed to be loving and nurturing, but the alternative is to beat my head repeatedly against the wall. When my family fails me yet again, my counselor likes to ask me, "okay, now what"? In figuring that out, I realize that I'm empowered to take care of myself, regardless of how my family is acting.

It may be that you have to limit your family's role in your ongoing quest to be fit and instead get support from friends or training partners. Or on TE. We're good for that! In the end, the support you provide yourself is really what's going to matter. There's always going to be someone trying to tell you that you're too thin, too fat, too fast, too slow, doing too little, doing too much, etc., etc. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn to love yourself deeply for all that you are and all that you have and will accomplish. And to love yourself for your failings, too.

I wish you the best on that journey!