Newbie from Oz

[Bushranger]

Hello all - thought I would introduce myself. I am 42, three kids (5, 7 and 9 months) am a SAHM studying psychology, renovating, and ebaying madly to save to go to the UK to see relatives.

After the birth of my son, my thyroid went wacko and my health was pretty bad. Before I fell pregnant I didn't exercise and smoked like a chimney. Not being happy with the drugs I was put on for my thyroid and accompanying palpitations and blood pressure issues, I started working out at the gym, and just before Christmas last year decided I wanted to take up road biking. My dh put a deposit on an Giant OCR2 and after four months of ebaying treasured possessions, I picked it up a couple of weeks ago.

So far I have been on a ride a week with some friends (about 27 miles) and try to do 2-3 spin classes a week, as well as try for strength training 1-2 times. Plus a run if I can fit it in.

I am loving how this makes my mind feel, as much as my body. I love I have muscles on show at last, and that I have lost 9kg (20lb) since Christmas.

But most of all I love being on my bike. I feel more peaceful now than I have in years - more confident, calmer. My blood pressure is way down, my thyroid is probably normal (haven't bothered to have it checked) and I am sleeping as well as you can with a 9 month old bf baby.

I am still working on getting my bike to be a good fit, and learning loads every day. I can't wait to jump on here a whole lot more and get to know you amazing ladies and all the knowledge you have to share.

Bushranger

[crazycanuck]

Howdy! Where in aussie are ye? *waves* hello from Perth

As another poisin with a thyroid issue, cycling is one way to help it!

Have fun out there!

[Bushranger]

Hi there - I live in north east Victoria - Ned Kelly country - hence the user name.

[mimitabby]

welcome to TE!

hang out here; it will help motivate you. And what's a 9 month old BF baby??

[Bushranger]

He is breast fed. bf, as opposed to BF for boyfriend. Sorry - I still have my mumsy parenting head on!

[Zen]

I thought maybe she had a big fat baby

[crazycanuck]

Hey Bushranger,

How far are you from Ballarat/Bendigo/Horsham? When we drove to Horsham from Perth (on our way to melbourne) I never really saw that many cyclists out there.

Have you found the magazine The Australian Cyclist? There's normally tons of info about cycling on the east coast plus great tips.

Have fun!

[Bushranger]

We are about two-ish hours from those places. There is a lot of cycling going on around here, and getting bigger all the time. I am near the mountains, and we have a lot of flat roads as well, and some great hills nearby, so a really good mix. I went on a "bonus" bike ride today (totally unexpected) and saw dozens of riders out and about.

[sgtiger]

Welcome! Looking forward to getting to know you too!

[tulip]

Welcome! I love these stories of people taking responsibility for their health and life. Congratulations on such positive changes. Your kids will thank you too (no smoke for them, and a great role model!)