NurseWizzle

I'm 36, weigh approximately 330lbs. My highest weight ever was 464lbs. I'm a nurse who works overnight on a psychiatric unit. The overnight schedule really messes up with my sleeping and eating habits.

I tried this biking deal about 6 years ago, bought some sort of mountain bike from an acquaintance from church. I tried riding to the mall one day, only 1/2 mile away. Couldn't do it. I tried one other time, couldn't do it. So I gave up.

A few weeks ago, on an unseasonably warm morning, I laid in bed alone while my wife was at work, and thought to myself... you know what, if I had a bike I would be out riding right now! I began looking around at bikes. I went to my local bike shop and rode a few there. I went to a sporting goods store and rode a few more there. Then I went to a local bike co-op type thing and rode a few more. In the end I ended up getting the first one I tried, the silver Electra Townie 21D. It was the only bike out of the dozen or so I tried that was comfortable.

This was about a week and a half ago or so. Because of work schedule, church commitments, being sick, weather, etc, I've only been on three rides. According to MapMyRide I've gone a total of 14.62 miles on the three rides. A huge improvement over not being able to get to the mall that long time ago!

TrojanHorse

Good luck to you - it only gets easier.

Welcome to the Clyde board.

Duane Behrens

Hey, good for you! And keep riding!

330 lbs is a lot to overcome as you know. It will take a LOT more than occasional bike rides to get to the weight you desire, whatever that might be. I hope you'll get there.

I'd suggest filling a ziplock bag with carrots, celery, boiled eggs, etc. - healthy foods - each morning. Carry it with you while biking or not. Eat these throughout the day while reducing (hopefully eliminating) fatty foods.

You'll get there. You've already made a great start. DB

Little Darwin

It is great that you found a bike that works for you.

15 miles in your first 3 rides at our size is very good. At 365 my first ride was 6/10 of a mile around my flat block, and I laid the bike on the lawn so I could go into the house and rest before I put it away...

Keep up the good work.

MikeRides

Good luck. As TrojanHorse said, it only gets easier as you get the base miles in. We'll be here to root you on as you ride

CommuteCommando

If I am not mistaken IA is pretty flat, and that helps a newby clyde. I had to deal with hills. Keep it up, it sound like you have a good start on the weight loss. Remember diet and exersize are good, but have to be taken together.

10 Wheels

Keep going....Five mile rides are best for new riders......

Tim_Iowa

Great start! I'm a shrinking clyde (270# three years ago, #225 now) in Cedar Rapids. When I started, I could only ride 5 miles or so on the trail. Now I'm doing 50 mile days and bike commuting to work.

You have a way to go but you're starting right. The bike trails on the north and south end of town are flat and easy. Ride short stretches and rest, that's how you add distance. Keep air in your tires so they roll easy.

Don't push yourself so hard that you stop enjoying the ride. If you enjoy the ride, you'll ride more. The more you ride, the fitter you get. The fitter you get, the more you enjoy the ride. It's a simple cycle that works if you do.

rec3036

always enjoy the ride... there is no race worth winning unless you enjoy the ride...IMO

Bill Kapaun

Good start!
On your "off" days, still try to at least ride around the block. That little bit helps to keep your "bicycle fitness" from reverting.

NurseWizzle

Yesterday was my day off, but had to go in to the hospital for a training session. It was nice out so I decided to ride. A little over 5 miles each way. The ride from Hiawatha to the hospital wasn't too bad; the way back was a little harder! I'm pretty proud of myself though, on the way back I only had to stop once and that was for about 30 seconds to walk up a hill.

If you guys click on the MapMyRide link in my signature can you see the ride details or not?

rec3036

yes we can

TrojanHorse

As you no doubt have concluded, commuting on your bike is a great way to get the miles in. Great job! You can start adding detours on your way home when you feel up to it.

As for that calorie counter, I'd ignore it. It will do you no good to replace whatever calories you theoretically burn while riding. Have an apple or pear or something when you get where you're going if you're peckish.

gman214

Keep it up! I just got my bike. Before I was riding my stationary bike 10 miles each workout session! Watch your diet and keep moving! GOOD LUCK!!