Originally Posted by LaurieD

Hi Kitty, I am 55 years old and have struggled on and off with weight my entire adult life. While I’m not diagnosed as T2D, I am the only woman in my family who hasn’t been. However, I am insulin resistant (started out with all the signs of metabolic syndrome,) so when you come right down to it, I need to lead a lifestyle as if I were diagnosed T2D.

Here is what I do now: I get out on my bike and have fun. Left to my own devices, I can be a severely obsessive, over-thinker. This trait helps in my profession, but as far as the rest of my life, it can be a real joy stealer. I am new to cycling. I have been cycling for one month. That’s it. During that month, I have challenged myself some because it’s in my nature, but not obsessively so. Instead, my main goals are to enjoy being out and about (I mostly work from home) and to get some more exercise. I started out being able to go five miles. I’m now up to 12 on most days. However, I don’t force myself to do big hills. When I am ready, I will conquer those bigger hills. I’m learning and exploring and enjoying. And I love it. One thing I have learned is that, if I make something a chore, it’s not going to be fun anymore. I won’t let my own head steal the joy from this new thing I’m doing.

As far as energy, it has improved a lot over the past few months. A lot. Before getting into cycling, I had gotten back on a good diet (had fallen away from that and was feeling crummy.). Being on a healthful diet, which for me is rather low carb, made me feel more energetic and I started to naturally want to become more active. So I began walking on a treadmill desk while working. Then, as I felt even better, I found cycling. Please note: I am NOT one of those types who thinks my diet is the way for everyone. I think we all have to find what works best for us. It’s a journey. Over the years, I have found that a rather low carb diet just works best for me for all the results I am after, so that’s what I do. YMMV. However, I did want to share that I’ve have no problem with stamina on low carb. At this point, I frequently can come in from my hour or so of cycling and go straight to the treadmill desk (gotta get back to work) and walk a few more hours with no problem, and still feel well. So, if you need to be low carb, you might find it can be compatible with cycling for you. For me, I feel that the thing that has improved my cycling/exercise ability the most has been consistently getting out there and doing what I can. And not pushing myself to the point of frustration (and subsequently giving up) has allowed me to keep doing just that. The more I do this cycling thing, the more I’m able to do more OF it. I know it’ll take time before I’m strong enough to do some of the stuff that the folks who’ve been cycling for years can do. That’s okay. The good news is, I don’t have to be on par with them right now. Or ever. I’m beating my own records, getting healthier and having fun. How freeing!

Sorry this his is so long. I just want to share, though, that cycling has been so fun for me, that I’m choosing to just enjoy it, even though it is also clearly a tool in my health arsenal. In the past few months, I have been able to lose weight, too. I’m down 39 lbs, so about halfway to my goal weight. That’s another journey that I’m just trying to take as it comes, even when it feels frustrating. I will get there, just as my strength, energy and stamina continue to improve just by getting out there, doing what I can, and enjoying it.

Best to you, Kitty!