Overcoming Obesity

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Is it possible...

That this girl is a cyclist? You better bet your butt I am! That's right, this girl loves her bike!

It's hard to imagine that I absolutely LOVE riding my bike and hitting the trails. Before buying my bike in late February, I hadn't rode a bike since I was... ummmm, let's see..... like EIGHT! Yea, eight years old. Well, I am not gonna just throw my age out there but come on people, that has been a while (LOL)!

In January, I made the decision that I wanted to try riding a bike. It seemed easy enough and well come on, everyone knows the saying: It's like riding a bike! So how hard could it be? Everyone remembers how to ride, oh yea, I can do this... I think, at least I can give it a try.

I began looking at stores and found a few that were a little over 100, being unemployed, I wanted to spend less than that. I checked online and found a bike for $96. SOLD to the lady in red, naturally, that was me and I purchased it. It was great because it was delivered to the store for free and they even assembled it for free.

The day I picked it up, I took one look at the seat and knew, I'd need something else. I grabbed the biggest, softest seat that I could find. Once again the store came to the rescue and put it on for me. I was excited and couldn't wait to get home and try it out.

As soon as I got home, I pull out my bike and hop on.... off I go. Oh man, this is rough, pedaling is hard... okay folk's, the saying is true, you do not forget how to ride a bike but let me be the first to say it was not as easy as 1... 2.... 3 and well, it is nothing like being eight years old again. No wheelies, no hands free, no racing... every bit of my concentration was focused on balancing, not losing control; of course pedaling was pretty important too.

Man that ride was tough, I honestly didn't think I could do it. I pushed myself and I was only able to do half a mile. With my son's encouragement, later that day I did another half mile totalling one mile on my first day. Biking was hard, and I was out of shape.

As much as I wanted to say forget that dang bike, I promised myself, I would try. I joined a group on spark which I need to walk/bike 500 miles in 2010 so that encouraged me to get up and get on that bike again and again... eventually, I was able to do one mile, then two and then three miles strait. I was thrilled when I pushed myself to 5 miles. For several weeks I have been consistently riding 5 miles several days a week. Occasionally I would push myself a little further and make it to 6.5 miles. Talk about being proud!!!

Well, today, I did something even more... I was able to ride 15 miles!!! Yes Fifteen miles and my highest speed today 21.7 MPH. Not only did it feel incredible, it made me realize how strong I am and how anything is possible if you try.

Four months ago, I had to fight with every piece of myself to complete half a mile and today, I accomplished 15 miles. So when I ask, is it possible that little ol' me is a cyclist... Oh yea, I am a cyclist!

For anyone out there thinking about riding a bike, don't be afraid, just try it. Not only does it get you up and moving, it get's you out of the house, there are some great trails just for biking and you can see some amazing scenery while you clear your head and build your muscles. If you think your too big, don't doubt yourself, there is a bike out there waiting for you. And don't forget the gel seat... your booty will love you forever!

Wanted to share a few pics, this is the gorgeous lake I rode today!!!


My bike (one day, I will get a nicer bike, but right now, I love this one, especially with my speedometer and odometer)


Yea, after 15 miles, I ROCK!!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Getting Back on Track

Every month I log my success, I usually do this the beginning of each month. Today is 6/15 and I had not posted my progress yet. Partly because I was avoiding it. I haven't lost much weight, okay there was the one pound but that is not exactly something to scream from the top of a mountain however it is a loss.

As I was reviewing my May goals and what I actually accomplished, I came to realize that my passion for my health is flickering... like a candle that is nearly burnt out, my flame has become weak. So what do I do? Throw in the towel, call it quits? Not hardly! It's time to recharge and revamp... I have come to far to turn back now.

I need to take it back to the basics. I know I said this a few weeks ago but since then I have had a cookie here, bought ground beef there, ate white bread at a party, had a handful of chips and then another... just plain comfortable and sure, I will have fries with that. The honeymoon phase is over, everyday it is slipping further and further away.

The reality is, I am tired of slacking; there is no more time for excuses, I am committed to my health and reaching my ultimate goal of overcoming obesity.

To putting on my shoes and getting back to the basics and back on TRACK!

T ime for my health and exercise everyday
R est at least 8 hours a night
A ccept my shortcomings and forgive myself
C elebrate my success
K eep record of daily calories and water intake

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Midnight Memories

Friday night around 11:15pm, my son and I had a sweet tooth! You know, one of those, "Ice Cream" would be really good about right now!

I explained to my very fit 14 year old that 11:15 at night is not the best time to indulge in hot fudge and ice cream. He then says, "if we ride our bikes and only get one scoop instead of two... it won't be so bad!" I realized that kid was onto something!

We jump on our bikes, ride to the ice cream store (which closes at 11:30pm) and made it just in time to order. Since they were closing, we sat outside in the parking lot and enjoyed our treats. We shared a few laughs and told a few stories and headed home. The weather was absolutely perfect, the moonlight was gorgeous and we had a nice little breeze.

On my ride home I felt peace and so much happiness. As we got home and I looked at my son opening up the garage door to put up our bikes, I realized... that is what memories are made of! Gotta love the summer!