Athena - Journey Update
 

I have posted a "journey" thread but wanted to start fresh.

And hoping PhotoJoe might work his magic to make my images side by side for comparison - tho once I previewed...not probably helpful as the two images are different sized...but I think you still get the idea here. I am about 19 lbs heavier in the first picture. :o


April 7 2012:

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...x-picture2.jpg


August 5 2012:

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...cendingGMR.jpg

I would gladly help, but honestly, there isn't much to work with on the top image. Why don't you get a recent shot of you standing, and let me do a side-by-side with the burgundy shirt shot. That will show the progress much better. Or, I can crop into this one:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2.../IMG_2063A.jpg

That would work... use that one above or crop in using one of these....whatever works best. Thanks :thumb:

Taken with club members 8/4

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...hot18-4-12.jpg


http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...hot28-4-12.jpg

Here is maybe a good comparison tho closer in weight....

June 23: walked every hill

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...ckBayRoad4.jpg



August 5 - lost about 8 lbs but gained muscle so look even better and CLIMBED GMR

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...la/MeonGMR.jpg

You don't need my help. That last post says it all! You're doing great!

Nice! Gina says Wow! Only a month and a half :thumb:

Was reading the Pride vs Common Sense thread and it got me thinking about my experience with the two LBS I frequent.

I have to say that I was lucky as my experiences with the LBS' in my area have been very positive. I started out last summer at 257 lbs :o...
I walked in to the LBS after having the inspiration to use my upcoming bonus on a new bicycle while at lunch and having a beer or two :beer: while reading my kindle.

I walk in not having any clue what type of bike I wanted other than knowing I didn't want a mountain bike (had one at home in the garage already and had deemed it unworthy of riding to help me lose weight).

Here is my Mtn Bike (ironically purchased from this same LBS many years earlier...1998):
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...nMesaGSMTB.jpg

Tho the LBS sales associate may have been inwardly rolling his eyes, he asked me what type of riding I planned on doing and based on my answers, he steered me over to the FX line (was at Trek dealer). We test rode a couple and I put my $ down on the lowest end model as money was an issue. When it came time tho to complete the purchase, I decided I wanted to get at least the next model up. So that is how I ended up with my Trek 7.2 FX WSD.

Here she is after getting her home:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...rek72FXWSD.jpg

And me the first time I made it all the way to Seal Beach on the SGRT (have shared this pic before):
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...ach7-10-11.jpg

I figure that the LBS guys all figured that what happened with the mountain bike would happen with the hybrid...I would ride it for a bit and then stop. Pretty much spot on....Bought bike on July 8.

Here are my totals:
July: 97.89
August: 13.70
September: 20.42
October: 30.05
Niovember: 81.01 (I got my Garmin 305 in November along with my trunk/panniers for commuting so got me to ride a bit)
December and January: 0 miles

Weight as of Feb 21, 2012 when I finally got my bike out this year: 255 lbs...I had done NOTHING as far as using the bike to get fit. Just as the LBS employee probably surmised. I was appreciative of his not treating me in that way...he treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy...even was encouraging. I was thankful that he didn't try to upsell me to something that I was going to end up let gather a lot of dust.

So in February I got a kick in the butt that proved to be the thing I needed. I got my bike out and rode to El Dorado Park and I was DYING...I stopped here to catch my breath as I was SERIOUSLY winded:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...gonFeb2012.jpg

While sitting here catching my breath, I was checking Facebook and saw a post on my LBS page about a ride a women's cycling group did from their shop recently. I checked out pictures and requested to join the group. I saw that I might fit in alright despite my size and type of bike. I showed up for my first ride wiith them and there was a good sized group.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...ure3-24-12.jpg

The two guys in the picture work for the LBS I got my FX at but different location. I ended up buying my 3.1 madone about two weeks after this from the guy on the right as he was riding sweep this ride and the one the following week that I also did...and he was very encouraging and supportive of my efforts and not once did I feel he was being condescending or just blowing smoke....

I have even been offered a job as a sales associate by the GM at the LBS as a result of my hard work getting to this point and my enthusiasm for the sport. Thinking of taking him up on that...

I was going to say - who's that woman with the goatee?

I thin you have inadvertently hit on one of the big benefits of group rides, especially if it's the right group for you. You're much more likely to hit the road and actually ride. :) you might go farther too.

Found this short video on my computer after upgrading iMovie. Turned it into a "before" / "current" deal.

Nice, you really are doing a very good job! :thumb:

What an inspirational story. Thank you for telling it.

Figured update here...haven't really lost any weight since early October. Have ran into an issue with my left knee. Got out and rode today with minimal discomfort (wore my patella tendon support under my knee support). I recently had measurements for fit done and today was first ride with cleats in new position on the shoes.

I even managed a PR!
http://app.strava.com/activities/33361793
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/253355203

For reference me July 2011
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...ach7-10-11.jpg

Today in my new club jersey (tho I am no longer riding with the club...but I just got the jersey)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...ps42ecd608.jpg

Not the best picture but I put camera on the water fountain and used the timer. I took this one too using the trash can (which was lower so had to sit for the picture...not as flattering):
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...psafbdc2b5.jpg

looking good!

I'll bet the guy in the delivery truck would have GLADLY taken a picture or two for you! :innocent:

Ha ha, you beat ahultin on that segment... woo hoo!

If I recall, we had a gnarly headwind from the coyote creek bridge down to the beach... like are we even moving level headwind. :notamused:

Oh, and A - if you want some super awesome long fingered gloves look into a set of these puppies - Gore Men's Mistral Gloves. They block the wind, keep the hands comfy without being hot & sweaty. I love 'em. Gore makes different models if you want something different but they're terrific IMO.

Athena - Journey Update
 

Today was NICE ....no wind at all.

Beachgrad....keep up the good work. You are inspiring.

Excellent job Beachgrad. :thumb:

Nice, glad to see you riding again but take care of that knee!

You look mah-velous!:thumb:

Weighed this morning and am down to 218! :D

Learning about IT band and stretches as I feel knee is related to IT band and hip. Have ortho doc appt on Jan 11.

Beachgrad05 I think we're pretty similar sized Athenas. Next time you're in north TX you should join me on a ride. Bring that pretty Madone with you.

You got it! Have a cousin currently lives in Dallas and he is a cyclist :cool:

218? Dayum! You'll be smokin all the Femile Forum riders on GMR soon! :thumb: Me too the way you're going!:D

So...it has been about a year since I got "serious" about cycling.

Here is my ride from 3/31 on my hybrid (I thought this was tough)
http://app.strava.com/activities/7609597

this was last Sunday:
http://app.strava.com/activities/45735335

this was my ride yesterday:
http://app.strava.com/activities/46104619

Mileage totals thru today 3/28/13
March 2013 391.04
February 2013 352.96
June 2012 347.66
December 2012 336.06
September 2012 306.32
May 2012 291.08
November 2012 245.29
July 2012 227.84
October 2012 217.63
April 2012 212.90
March 2012 198.47
August 2012 145.00
January 2013 105.41
February 2012 88.30

Me on my first century with AHultin's son:
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w...03223869ac.jpg

Looking good :)