Eating disorders?

[shootingstar]

So all your cycling friends are only those that race?
It's doubtful that even if you left racing at any point in life, all those racing cycling friends would disappear if some are good regular friends, unless racing is the only focus for them.

I dunno. Don't worry about what others think. Do what you love to do.

Tell us a little more about yourself about cycling, other than just the weight issue.

And do you cycle just for commuting, travel, too? Doing other types of cycling will get you exposed to other cyclists who are strong cyclists but they don't race..and may not necessarily worry about weight for racing purposes. the world of cycling accommodates all kinds of people.

Wishing you inner peace and more enjoyable cycling, pressure-free.

[indysteel]

((((sunrise)))). I'm not sure what advice I can really give. Shame on that coach for talking to you about weight in that way. It's totally irresponsible. Of the female racers I know, few of them are what I would call thin. Most of them are exceedingly muscular, so putting all other issues aside, I'm not sure it was even "good" advice.

Have you worked at all with a therapist or nutritionist? Is there anybody on your team that you could confide in?

I'm typically of the belief that when we engage in addictive behaviors, then we have to remove ourselves from environments/people that trigger those behaviors. So, while I think you should continue to ride, I have to wonder whether doing it competitively--at least with your current team--is the best thing for you. Unless and until you can tolerate anybody in your circle pressuring you about weight, then it's no different from an alcoholic going to a bar and being unable to resist being offered a drink.

But that's a drastic decision, and I tend to think it's one that you should talk to a therapist about. If you would stop competing, I do hope you continue to ride, ideally with people who don't equate being fit and healthy with being thin.