Perseverance - I made it!

[Pax]

That is excellent!!! The hill knows it lost... haha!

[Bike Writer]

Thank you for the encouragment. To me it really is a big deal, that hill got the best of me last year in more ways than one, my attempts at it were discouraging. I've made it a point to practice on hills and it does pay off.

The big plus is overcoming obstacles, I have RA plus osteo arthritis, one knee that's had total knee replacement and one that will need it soon and I've been working through some issues of shortness of breath this year as well as last year. Being able to achieve something physically is a huge mental boost. I used to be intensely athletic, water skiing and or golfing daily. I was adept and agile.

When diagnosed and suffering the consequences of this illness it was not only debilitating but downright depressing. I mourned for my loss and restrictions and was angry with my body. I felt like it betrayed me, I wasn't done having fun. Fast forward a few years and I found that perservance can have it's rewards. It was a very slow start and victories came in a few neighborhood blocks, then a mile and then miles with a plural.

This has been a big boost, I'll be 57 (YIKES!) very soon so this came at a good time.

[Velocivixen]

Congratulations on conquering that hill! Job well done. With this success under your belt there will be more & more that you'll do. Sometimes it's physical, sometimes mental and often a mixture of both. So it sounds like you've made strives in both regards related to this hill. Keep on doing what you're doing and have a great time. Thanks for sharing.

[OakLeaf]

That is YOUR hill now!

[Bike Writer]

that is your hill now! :d

:d:d:d

[hebe]

That is YOUR hill now!

Yep, you OWN that hill! Well done, and don't ever give up on having fun. You'll be unstoppable with two brand new knees too.

I conquered one of my nemesis hills this morning, a shingled bridleway that I have gradually been getting further and further up. It felt soooo good!

[Crankin]

Bike Writer, this is a testament to the power of how exercise can help you heal from just about anything. And your attitude is great.
57 is not old ; spoken from the perspective of someone that is closer to 58. Anytime I feel badly about something that is hard, like a climb, I remember that most people my age (or any age) are not out there doing what most of the people on TE do regularly, no matter what their age is.

[Savra]

Good for you for not giving up!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Anytime I feel badly about something that is hard, like a climb, I remember that most people my age (or any age) are not out there doing what most of the people on TE do regularly, no matter what their age is.

"Like"

[Bike Writer]

Yep, you OWN that hill! Well done, and don't ever give up on having fun. You'll be unstoppable with two brand new knees too.

I conquered one of my nemesis hills this morning, a shingled bridleway that I have gradually been getting further and further up. It felt soooo good!

Congrtatulations on your accomplishment as well!

To all the wonderful women of TE who are so supportive, I don't think I've ever felt so much of a sense of propriety over a hunk of asphalt ever before

[sundial]

Bike Writer, you are such an inspiration that you motivated me to tackle one really wicked hill. I haven't climbed it yet on my road bike with a compact double so after my ride I drove out to the hill, parked the car at the base, unloaded the bike, and headed up the steep hill. Before I knew it I had reached the top.

[westtexas]

That is YOUR hill now!

+1 million!!!

[GingerbreadGirl]

When diagnosed and suffering the consequences of this illness it was not only debilitating but downright depressing. I mourned for my loss and restrictions and was angry with my body. I felt like it betrayed me, I wasn't done having fun. .

Wow Bike Writer, I can totally relate to this. I've been lurking here for a week or two, contemplating getting back on the bike. I have lupus, I was a huge athlete (mountain biking, running, skiing, etc) until getting sick. I had a two year remission and got into casual biking with my mom, who has a cruiser, and back into running and weight lifting. Then last summer I had a relapse that put me in the hospital for a month and then bed rest for a long time. Since november, I have been on my feet and trying to get healthy again. I can relate to the anger and depression, and mostly the feeling of loss.

I knew if I didn't find something to bolster my spirits soon, I would never get out of bed again, so this week I tuned up my bike. I am terribly out of shape but I have this week off from work and have been on the bike path every morning. I am plodding along and so far I can only do about 3-4 miles. It feels ridiculous but I'm really hoping it will turn into the start of something.

So thanks for the post and inspiration. It's' nice to see others who feel the same way.

[emily_in_nc]

T
The big plus is overcoming obstacles, I have RA plus osteo arthritis, one knee that's had total knee replacement and one that will need it soon and I've been working through some issues of shortness of breath this year as well as last year. Being able to achieve something physically is a huge mental boost. I used to be intensely athletic, water skiing and or golfing daily. I was adept and agile.

When diagnosed and suffering the consequences of this illness it was not only debilitating but downright depressing. I mourned for my loss and restrictions and was angry with my body. I felt like it betrayed me, I wasn't done having fun. Fast forward a few years and I found that perservance can have it's rewards. It was a very slow start and victories came in a few neighborhood blocks, then a mile and then miles with a plural.

Good job, Bike Writer! I can totally relate. I was riding 3000-4000 miles yearly until I had a serious cycling accident in 2005. After that, I never even rode 1000 miles a year. My best year was 800 miles. I know I went through some depression also, and in part that was due to the pain I would feel every time I rode. I was slow and just couldn't ride the way I used to be able to. It was very sad to me that a single moment could change my entire life.

This year I went to see a pain specialist, who suggested a home TENS unit. I bought one and am able to use it during rides (electrodes on the back of my right ilium, and stash the unit in my jersey pocket), and it takes the pain from a 5-9 level to a 0-2 level. What a difference! I am over 1100 miles so far this year and feeling great!

Very happy for both of us!

[Bike Writer]

GingerbreadGirl,

One of the best things about this forum is the inspiration we get from one another. Reading about our fellow riders challenges us to go out and try things we otherwise might not. In some way people here serve as test pilots for things we contemplate...we read about their stories and say, hey I can do that too, or sometimes we find out not, but that's ok because otherwise we may only think about it but never make the attempt.

It sounds like you are well on your way, beginning something new and taking those first steps is 90% of the battle. Good luck with your efforts and congratulations for lifting yourself up and out. Happy riding to you!