Starting out

[Melalvai]

I live in Omaha and this part of Nebraska is not flat!!!!

Omaha has a nice group called "Activate Omaha", I know a couple of the ladies who run it. Get involved with them and you will learn a lot about cycling, especially about cycling in traffic but also about the local bike paths and rides and so on.

[Lesley_x]

Hi guys, thought I'd come back and update since you've all been so lovely.

Pretty pleased with myself today. Managed to ride just over 5 miles in the one go without feeling like I was going to die. Took me 30 minutes at 10mph, with a few stops for some water.

I seem to get an initial feeling of 'I can't do this!' within the 1st ten minutes of my ride, I think it's just a psychological barrier from being sedentary for so long. Once I get past that I feel like I could ride forever It's funny that my first trip out only 9 days ago took me 15 minutes to do 1.5 miles at 6mph.

Is this a significant improvement? My mood, energy and general wellbeing has improved at a surprising rate!

Oh, and I almost got run over for the first time today too by a young girl coming out her driveway head on, didn't see me. Scary!

[PamNY]

Lesley, yes, that sounds significant to me -- the more so if you have hills, which I believe you mentioned.

I experienced the initial "I can't do this" feeling -- in fact, I still do when I'm starting a longer or otherwise more challenging ride. So glad you have mood/energy benefits already -- for me, that is a huge motivator.

That driver does sound scary -- thank goodness it turned out okay.

[Lesley_x]

Thanks PamNY.

I'm still not losing any weight. I experienced a weight loss of 4lb then it has started to go back on despite me cycling 5-6 days a week?!

Not sure what is going on there.

[Catrin]

Thanks PamNY.

I'm still not losing any weight. I experienced a weight loss of 4lb then it has started to go back on despite me cycling 5-6 days a week?!

Not sure what is going on there.

Putting on muscle perhaps?

[navybeetle]

I am trying to take off the lbs too. Sometimes it is better not to weigh yourself but rather note how your clothes, bras feel. Crazy?? Last week I rode a few times, watched what I ate (not too closely) and I "feel" lighter, My bras fit better, my shirts are a little more comfortable so I am encouraged to get out there and ride and clean up my diet. I have often heard that muscle weighs more than fat. I think it is true. When I work out alot my body "feels" better but my weight does not drop a whole lot. I also think it is good for us to sweat out excess water but still drink alot. When I increase my fluids like water or decaf sun tea I "feel" better. Go with how your body FEELS, not the scale. I think as women our weight can fluxuate especially when changing daily exercise and diet routines. Be patient, keep riding and I will too

[ColoKate]

Awesome Lesley, congrats! Since I started biking almost every day a month or two ago, I noticed I dropped a few pounds and then went up just like you. However my clothes fit better, my pants are less tight, I stand up straighter and I feel more mindful of what I'm eating. I hope it's more muscle! I sure feel better and have way more energy.

[navybeetle]

Omaha has a nice group called "Activate Omaha", I know a couple of the ladies who run it. Get involved with them and you will learn a lot about cycling, especially about cycling in traffic but also about the local bike paths and rides and so on.

Thanks so much for the lead to the active omaha webpage. They are doing a great job. I will visit the site often to see if I can help in any way and to maybe find others just starting out (or starting over in my case).

[WolfGirl]

Thanks so much for the lead to the active omaha webpage. They are doing a great job. I will visit the site often to see if I can help in any way and to maybe find others just starting out (or starting over in my case).

I'm looking for a similar group for Madison (WI)...hope there is something! I still feel really newbie myself. (When I got back on the bike in 2006 after 15+ years off the bike, I thought I was going to die after 3 miles! I also remember being afraid to ride out too far, in case I'd keel over and not make it home. Now I have more confidence; it's a good feeling!)

[Lesley_x]

Today, I am a very happy girl! Just over 10 miles at 13mph. I couldn't believe it when I pulled my iPhone out my pocket to see that. I also had my chain slip off today and had to frantically phone my other half for instructions on how to reassemble it!

I rode with a friend yesterday (who is very experienced) and it has really increased my confidence. I think that's why I went the extra few miles today!

I think you guys are right, I think I need to go on how my body feels as opposed to what the scales say. And I can say with some confidence that compared to two weeks ago, I am healthier, fitter and happier But not any lighter lol

[navybeetle]

Today, I am a very happy girl! Just over 10 miles at 13mph. I couldn't believe it when I pulled my iPhone out my pocket to see that. I also had my chain slip off today and had to frantically phone my other half for instructions on how to reassemble it!

I rode with a friend yesterday (who is very experienced) and it has really increased my confidence. I think that's why I went the extra few miles today!

I think you guys are right, I think I need to go on how my body feels as opposed to what the scales say. And I can say with some confidence that compared to two weeks ago, I am healthier, fitter and happier But not any lighter lol

I think that is what really counts. I think if you keep up with all that you are doing you will notice your clothes fitting better despite lack of weight loss. Your body is changing. That is what is important! Like wolfgirl said, we get better the longer we stick with it.