I need advice. All I can get.

[cusepack]

Congratulations for acknowledging to yourself (and the forum) that you want to return to cycling. Once you begin cycling, you'll realize how good it makes you feel and you'll want to continue - dare I say it's almost like an addiction - once you realize how good it makes you feel, you'll want to do it again and again. And, this good feeling automatically flows over into other areas of your life - sometimes without your ever realizing it. You'll also realize that if this makes you feel good, you will indeed make time for it . . . taking care of you in essence is taking care of others as well. If you're not doing well, how can you give and assist others? You deserve as much care as though you care for, but, it's a matter of acknowledging it, believing it, and going out there and doing it.

Keep yourself motivated by the forums, by watching cycling DVD's, by joining a cycling club and, once you begin losing weight (which you will), that will be very strong motivation to get back in the saddle again and again.

[Bikingmomof3]

Welcome and congratulations for making the first steps to improving your health. There a re a lot of very knowledgeable women on this site. It is also great for support and motivation.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You don't need to "power walk" to lose weight- I just walk briskly for 3 miles most every morning, and by doing that alone I have s-l-o-w-l-y lost 20 pounds over 11 months without dieting. That's about 1.6 pounds per months. Could have lost more with cutting back food, but am happy with my acheivements so far. Actually, those 11 months went by very fast and now I feel like i'm "suddenly" 20 pounds lighter. Great feeling.
Now I have added biking to the mix, and my weight loss is happening a bit faster (haven't given up my walking though).
My best advice to you is to keep your bike rides FUN so that you do them more often. Don't make them into a drudgery that you'll start avoiding. Start SMALL with easy goals! When you acheive them, you'll naturally want to do more bit by bit. Remember, this is NOT like some crash diet. It's a lifestyle change, so take your time and make it enjoyable. If you love doing it, you'll do it more!
First, congratulate yourself on your great new attitude. Then, reward yourself with a little spin around the block or down to the store. Make it part of your life. Buy yourself a "lucky shirt" or a nice pair of walking shoes.
You ROCK, girl!!

[DDH]

Thanks so much everyone. I was so sad this morning. I actually made myself get on the scale. OMG, I have gained 15 lbs since I quit smoking a little over a month ago. I'm so depressed and am determined to get my bike out and start this thing tomorrow. I cannot stand myself, and my legs are letting me know they can't stand it either. LOL

I think just coming to this board and reading your stories and watching everyone else's progress it will motivate me.
Someone told me it takes 21 days to form a habit. I don't know if that is true or not, but if it is, keep your fingers crossed for my first 21 days.

[eclectic]

First of all Many many many congrats, pats on the back and yahoos for quitting smoking - you are already on the way to doing the hardest thing.

I quit smoking many years ago and of course the weight gain ensued - I was a social, oral stimulation smoker more than a nicotine addict. Instead of eating, eating, eating, I would buy mini packs of raisins and eat them one at a time (about as long as a cigarette took) then go brush my teeth

I started walking about 4.5 years ago and walked slowly and not terribly far. The key was I did it everyday, amazing how fast endurance built up. Within 7 months I could do a slow run for 3 miles ! ! ! I was lucky to find a walking partner with a similar schedule - when she didn't want to go I did and vice versa so we always went. If I didn't have time for an hour walk I walked for as much time as I had. The key was we only missed 6 days in 7 months (that wasn't a goal it just happened) She has now moved but the exercise habit was engrained (I really miss her alot she was the best walking partner ever)

I started cycling 4 summers ago casually and more seriously last summer. I don't always feel like going so I'll say "I am just going to ride the trail a little ways and go slow" once I am out there it feels great and most of the time I go further.

As I told a dear friend who also has a hard time fitting any exercise in over all other responsibilities "Your health has to become the priority, the world will still function and other people can step up to the plate you don't need to do it all. Sometimes you need to be selfish in a good way"

Determine your priorities. Once you do that it is WAY easier to say no or I will help you later

Go Girl And keep us posted!

Eclectic

[eclectic]

Suggestion: Stay off the scale for awhile (see a previous thread on losing weight)

If you start riding and walking you probably will lose weight eventually but it takes awhile to get the metabolism reved again and you are going to be developing muscle which weighs more than fat so the scale can be depressing and hard to see progress

Instead grin and bear taking some measurements They are a way better indicator than the scale. And try on some pants and a shirt that are a little (not a lot) snug, try them again in a month BEFORE stepping on the scale

MOST of ALL just start and keep us posted

[eclectic]

I just thought of Floyd and the TDF

Don't get discouraged and beat your self up if you miss a day and don't get out.

Floyd bombed the 2nd day in the Alps, dropped over 8 minutes, everyone ruled him out of contention for winning the race

He thought about it, let it go, regrouped and went on to win.

Don't let a missed day drag you down

[mimitabby]

yeah, be sure to measure your calves (sp?) and your thighs!!

and if you gained 15 lbs from quitting smoking, you're doing good. I heard
the average wt gain is 20 lbs from quitting smoking. so get on your bike!