I used to be very self conscious of my thighs - and still am to some extent (poor body image is a hard habit to break); all those girls with skinny pins seemed so much more attractive.
But then a strange thing started to happen, as I got more into cycling, and my legs grew stronger, I started to appreciate the fact they could power me along and get me up hills; I'd picture those skinny girls with their stick-thin legs and smile to myself because I knew their legs would never be so strong or as powerful.
My legs are my trophy, my motor, my pistons, my accelerator (and even sometimes, my turbo fuelled injection engine!).
Sometimes I sit on the couch and flex those babies and we engage in a little mutual appreciation session - I can see dips and hollows and muscles that never used to be there.
I've now got calves - I never had calves before in my life! I'm so excited! In the words of "The Incredibles" Edna Mode: That's a new feature!
It's all good!