Great topic spokes.

I honestly believe that cycling saved my life...or at least my health. I was a runner before cycling found me and I battled eating disorders (anorexia and bulemia) for years trying to be light light light and fast fast fast.

When I started racing mtb, I noticed that the female bike racers were a bit larger and sturdier than my running sisters. I discovered that I needed the extra muscle mass to do well riding off-road. That, and a little extra butt-cush sure is nice on the ol' sit-bones If I want to be lighter and faster, all I need is a quick (but often expensive) upgrade to the bikes.

I still run, but it's more about endurance and enjoying the scenery now. I still have bad body-image days, but in general I'm satisfied with my fitness, I don't own a scale, and I eat pretty much whatever/whenever I want .

The other thing that cycling has brought me is a social life. All of my friends ride/race.