I'm a newbie here

**mjmalloy** · 05-05-2006, 09:47 PM

Hi all, I am about as new as a newbie can get. I'm MJ, I'm 31, 3 kids. I need to lose about 140lbs or so more. I have lost about 30lbs already. I purchased my bike, just a Schwinn from Target, about 3 days ago. I did 10 minutes last night, and thought I was going to die. Face bright red, sweaty, heart pounding in my ears! I am not giving up, I am just starting out. I have a LONG way to go, and nothing stopping me. I am really glad I found this forum. I noticed a few other large women posting, so I felt comfortable enough to join in. I used to weigh about 330, and I am now 296, ultimate goal is about 160ish or so. I'm about 5ft 8in tall, and wear a size 26.

My husband bought a bike a few months ago. He is training so he can join his mom for 2 days on RAGBRAI (it's a tour ride across Iowa, she does the whole trip). He is doing wonderfully, he rode 30 miles yesterday. I am so proud of him. He has encouraged me to give it a try, so I am. I haven't been on a bike since I was a teenager. It's so much fun, but I am not good at it...of course! I'm a little wobbley and very unsure of myself. I rode a few days, just in front of the house, yesterday decided I was going to actually go for a ride around the neighborhood. Nope, not going to happen again for a while. I need more practice. We have too many hills around here...I walk the bike up, and I clench every muscle in my body on the way down...not used to the speed (haha, my max was only 12mph!). I think I will stick to riding in front of the house for a while longer, get a little more confidence in myself.

Anyway, I guess that is a little about me. I tend to ramble..so forgive me. I am glad to be here and I am finding the tips on this board quite usefull.

MJ

**KnottedYet** · 05-06-2006, 06:21 AM

Hooray! Welcome to this wild bunch!

I'm a newbie, too. The folks on this board are very cool, and very helpful. Ask any questions, don't be shy!

You said you're riding in front of your house because of the hills. Do you have a school nearby? I ride on the outer edge of the track and in the grass of the soccer fields of a school near me when I'm trying something new. It's flat, no traffic, and I can concentrate on the bike.

Keep riding!

**stella** · 05-06-2006, 06:59 AM

mj

welcome! it is great that you are riding! riding is great and this is a great on-line community.

keep it up and keep us posted!

**bikerbabe** · 05-06-2006, 09:08 AM

Hiya MJ

Welcome to our little community here...... Im really glad you have decided to start riding I started riding a month or so ago and now I am totally addicted especially because I get to spend time with boy friend doing something I enjoy.... apart from the obvious.....lol

..... everytime I go out on my bike my confidence builds up and up and yours will too along with strength and fitness too...... You will find all the help and support here on this forum just ask away someone will always be able to help you with anything that you are unsure about....... and before you know it you will be addicted to riding as much as me and many others are

Take care and have fun......

**Andi** · 05-06-2006, 09:29 AM

Congratulations on taking the first step. As the previous notes stated each time you go out and ride you will gain in confidence. I have walked up a few hills myself. Last week I made it up a hill I have always had to walk and boy did I do the arm pump - YES!!! when I made the top. It made me feel so good.

We live in the Spokane area and have some great paved trails to ride. Every week we meet new people and wave at the friends we have met. Don't give up and soon you will be riding with your husband and mother-in-law.

Keep us posted on your progress.

**Popoki_Nui** · 05-06-2006, 09:35 AM

Welcome. MJ!!

Congratulations for getting started cycling, and a whole new lifestyle. Before you know it, you'll be zipping around your neghbourhood and up those hills like a teenager again! Enjoy!

~Sherry.

**Trekhawk** · 05-06-2006, 01:20 PM

Welcome and congratulations on the new bike. You have already crossed the biggest hurdle - getting out there. Things will get a little easier with each ride.

**J-hawk biker** · 05-06-2006, 07:27 PM

Hi MJ! I know where you're coming from! I started riding my Wally World bike about a month ago. The first day I could barely ride 10 minutes and now I can easily ride for an hour without being winded. Keep at it and you will be amazed at how quickly you improve. I've lost about 65 lbs and I am hoping to loose another 65 on the bike.

**Faust** · 05-07-2006, 10:48 AM

Hi MJ! I am so glad you posted I am also new to riding and bad out of shape.first ride 8 minutes. I kept reading all this stuff about 30 minute rides were a good starting place OMG! I like to ride but I felt really bad that I couln't ride far or long. Forget about cadence, breathing and all that other stuff

I have been riding for about one week and today I rode 13 minutes. So I know that I am doing something and eventually I'll get better.

**short cut sally** · 05-07-2006, 06:51 PM

Hi MJ, congrats on the determination to get out and ride. Each time will get a little easier for you, 10 minutes turns to 15, 15 to 30 and before you know it you will be doing the long rides with your husband and mom-in-law. Good luck and have fun, having fun is the best part of riding a bike, no matter what age or weight one is at..ENJOY..shelly

**Starfish** · 05-07-2006, 08:30 PM

MJ, you are an inspiration. Thank you so much for posting, and let us know how it's going! Welcome!

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