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I'll agree too -- and I grew up with fitness being a relatively low priority in our family, so I'm not sure I've ever really been! (maybe that's better? I never lost it?)
Dog does make a good motivator, since he'll pester you to go. You mention being plenty sore -- I found myself overwhelmed by soreness the first couple of weeks, and feel like I was pretty fortunate to be able to just "wallow in it." I don't think I did much of ANYTHING else beyond the exercise those first days while I adjusted to what was a HUGE change in the sort of activities I was doing!
So anyhow, ENJOY the aches! It's delightful to know that you're hurting because you're doing good things for yourself. Not like a sore butt from bouncing on the hardpack snow too hard while skiing! My immediate thought was "that's going to be colorful!" and my butt wishes "butt helmets" existed.
(on the other hand, I was doing something good for myself when it happened, so that's better than hurting from sitting on it too much like used to be the case!)
Your posts strike a very familar chord with me too.
This middle aged crap sure sneaks up on us, doesn't it? The worst part is that it really isn't new -- we just seem to sudeenly realize it's here!
I think I was your age when I decided I really HAD to do something, especially since my family history includes long lives -- I figured it would be better if it's as healthy as possible! Maybe that's a 45-thing, kind of like the 13-thing that happensn to kids? Something about that birthday, and looking at ourselves and saying, what the HEY have I done to myself! It was over a year before I actually started doing anything beyond half-hearted dieting. Then came riding, and now this past eight months or so is when I have actually tackled the weight issue properly. I think you've got a jump on me there!
That's okay! I still do more driving past than I should, and of course have plenty of excuses for that. I had a major hissy about the price of gas at the bottom of our hill yesterday -- 12 cents in one afternoon! I just know they didn't get fresh stuff, but marked up the stuff in their tanks. Work is only about three miles away this afternoon, and I'm going to be wearing my new bike shorts and shoes to work. If I can get by without the car this year, I'm going to make more effort to do that! (and eew, I'll have to be a sidewalk rider -- that particular road is NOT bike friendly!)
I've got two bikes with the flat pedals, and I'm going to get a couple more pair -- so I can use those too. I just can't stand riding those pedals anymore! It was so funny when I started out with DH one evening, and wanted to pull up on them and my feet just left, y'know? We took off, and I just hollered AARGH! He asked what the problem was, and I said, pedals! He hadn't noticed either how much you really DO start using the upstroke until I said that!
Karen in Boise
You might want to join Bike Journal (www.bikejournal.com) to keep track of your mileage. It's a motivator for me. You can be on the Team Estrogen team and contribute to our team mileage goal!
Hi Girls ! I thought I'd check in. So far, I'm on plan, have done one ride per week up until now. Yesterday I rode 6 (coasted downhill for 3 miles, rode up for 3) Today , the next day I will do 8. I'm parking down off the steepest 2 miles from my house, just to get a more reasonable start on my training regimen. Monday is the 31st and my goal for March is to ride 10 and I'm confident I can do this. So far, as little as I'm riding, I'm on plan. THa'ts how one goes from Frozenstiff, Frumpy FortySix ... 40 lbs overweight and depressed, to a 47 yr old Lean Mean Riding Machine.
Saving Myself ~ One Bike Ride At A Time
Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin
1995 Kona Cinder Cone commuterFrankenbike/Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel Flow
2008 white Nakamura Summit Custom mtb/Terry Falcon X
2000 Schwinn Fastback Comp road bike/Specialized Jett
At the beginning, consistency is more important than distance. Get yourself out that door and on the bike on a regular basis (MORE than once a week!!). Just get out and ride for 15-30 minutes if that's all the time you have t spare. If you feel like doing more, then by all means go for it. Once a week is not going to do it though, IMO.
congratulations on making this important life change.
I RODE TWELVE MILES ! I know this is a drop in the bucket compared to what I use to do, and what I will do again, but I have passed my first month's goal by 2miles and that is progress . Sore, but very, very Happy.
Tulip ~ I just wanted to take the first two or three weeks really no-threat, so I didn't burn out right away. But I'm psyched now, to go as often as I can. YAY !
Saving Myself ~ One Bike Ride At A Time
Many drops turn the mill Keep those drops a-comin'!
Hi Jayjay, I haven't read the responses but I wanted to chime in with my own experience. I did increase by more than 10% on some weeks because I felt great. Take a look at my 2006 bikejournal if you want to see how I built up from being an absolute newbie to 100km in about 3 months (and that was on my mountain bike at the time.). Then I bought a road bike in July and rode even more! Now everyone is different so our miles may vary, and I was only 20 lbs overweight at the time so that could make a difference as well. BUT I was a complete couch potato who had done very little physical activity before I started.
Bikejournal for 2006
Good luck!
It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Elliot
My podcast about being a rookie triathlete:Kelownagurl Tris Podcast
Saving Myself ~ One Bike Ride At A Time
Jayjay, your attitude is great! So many people make excuses as to why they cannot get active instead of finding ways they can get active.
When I find myself making those excuses, I turn things around in my head, and then I'm usually out the door!
Hi JayJay - well done on the 12 miles! I am 42 and have taken up cycling due to my post-baby overweight body and bad bad health. I used to smoke, never exercised, suffered post partum thyroid dysfunction, hypertension and depression.
The pounds are coming off slowly, but the biggest effect of cycling so far is the effect on my mood. With every ride I feel lighter in spirit and more in control of my life. I am feeling calmer and more confident every day. Now I strap on my bike shoes, cram into my bike shorts and whip on my glasses and I am started to look as mean as all the others.
Bushranger
Doin' it for Ned
I agree wholeheartedly that the MOOD enhancing affect of it all is the main reason to do it. There is just so much hormonal overdose in general in mid age that the cycling just is the best ballaste. I've been a hiker for a couple years solid now, most mornings I go out with the dog, but that doesn't push me as hard as riding up the hill for a good long huff~n~puff. I would like the weight to gradually come off, but most important is keeping my head on straight.... because I can't have one without the other.
Saving Myself ~ One Bike Ride At A Time