I'm baaaaccckkkk . . . .
 

Hey!

I used to post on here pretty often. About 4 years ago, I picked up biking as a way to exercise, and hopefully lose a few pounds. With 40 rapidly approaching, I set up a pair of goals for myself:
> Get under 200 lbs (I was nearly 240 when I set this objective).
> Be able to bike 40 miles by the time I turned 40.

Well, I was able to do those. I felt great! I worked in a long ride of 57 miles, and got my weight down to about 195 for a while.

For a while . . .

I didn't completely quit riding, but I certainly was not pursuing 100 mile weeks any longer. The weight came back. With work stress and more time on the sofa instead of the saddle, I eventually got all the way back up over 240.

This year I decided to change that. I decided not to make firm goals for myself. For some reason, I think that once I "checked that box" it was easier to stop doing what got me to that point. I just decided I was going to try to lose some weight, and I was going to ride more. If I don't get in 100 miles, I don't sweat it (and I haven't gotten to 100 yet). If I don't lose a bunch of weight, that's OK, too.

It's working. I'm down about 25 pounds so far since February. And, I got in my longest ride of the year today at 51 miles. I've been a little embarrassed about coming back -- not exactly the model one should emulate. But, I got a lot of support here before, so I thought I'd pop in and say, "hi." This is a good board for info and inspiration.

Welcome back and congrats on the recent weight re-loss and on getting back on the bike again. Keep it up.

Welcome back and good job on the weight loss. Keep it up! :thumb:

This is my favorite subforum here too. This is the friendliest group of people I have ever seen. In fact, I don't plan on leaving this forum when I reach my weight loss goal. :)

Welcome back! I think many of us have been on that rollercoaster, I know I have!! The main thing is you're getting back in the saddle, absolutely no reason to be embarrassed!

I've done the yo-yo before too, and I know how detrimental it can be to retrace your weight loss steps. However, it seems that once you make a firm decision on changing your lifestyle for the better, exercise more, and eat healthier, the battle is 2/3 the way over. All you have to do now is watch the weight melt away :). I would say good luck, but I don't believe in it. Keep on track on you'll be 20 lbs lighter in no time :D

Howdy and welcome back to the forums! I know I have been on that roller coaster before, your amongst good folks here, I'll cheer ya as you go.

Welcome back, troutbreath. You sound like you have some good ideas. Keep it up.

Don't say that! You are well worth emulating. You didn't give up and got right back in the fight.

Way to go! :thumb:

Welcome Back !! Great job on the weight loss, and just go out and enjoy the rides.