deaconbam

I am fat and diabetic. The two often go hand-in-hand, and I am getting back into cycling to combat both. Words of encouragement often matter a great deal to people who are overweight and taking positive steps to get the problem under control.

In another thread, I asked for advice on buying bibs. Most replies were very helpful. However, I received the following:

"larger" people of the world: do us all a favor and cover the spandex with a baggy short...

Very nice, very supportive...yet people like this are often the first to say, "Why doesn't he/she do something about his/her weight problem?" Maybe it's just one more sign that the amount of intelligence in the world is fixed, but the population is growing.

pinkrobe

I guess they don't teach tact in schools anymore. I would ignore comments like that if you can. It can be very difficult to lose weight, especially when you have another factor complicating things. Wear your bib shorts on the bike if they enhance your riding experience and make you want to commute. Dismiss those who would try and diminish your efforts. They're not worth your time.

chipcom 

If you want to post to an internet forum, you'd best grow some thicker skin. Yes, it would be nice if we all lived in blissful harmony, always polite and well-mannered to each other, even taking warm showers together and singing kumbya, but that ain't the way the world is. We have to deal with the world as it is and change it by our own example, not griping about the bad example of others.

As a larger type feller myself, I agree that spandex and such is for the skinny folks...people like to see me...but not ALL of me.

bilder

I am a chubby guy as well. 5 foot 5 and 220#. Just getting into commuting as well. Figured it is a good way to loose some pounds as well as save a few bucks on gas.

I don't really care what others say about me. I am fat and I know it. I actually joke about it with my friends who got me into commuting. As long as I am working to remedy my wieght I am happy with myself and will continue to work on it.

Dont' let others get you down. Just do your own thing and reap the rewards of a healthier life.

RonH

I try not to judge people because I've been there.

Here are a few words of encouragement for you -- and others.

I weighed ~245 pounds (6'-0" tall and size 44 pants) in 1999. In the mid 80s I wasn't quite as heavy and enjoyed cycling, so decided it was time to get active and do something about my size.
I did some research on bike brands I was familiar with and got a Raleigh R600. It was a real challenge going more than a few blocks. When I finally worked up to 3.5 miles I was bragging to everyone. Little did I know that 3.5 miles wasn't that big of a deal.

In June 2000 my department at work was downsized and I ended up being unemployed for almost 10 months. Had lots of time to ride.
By the time I got another job I was down to ~210 pounds.
Started bike commuting a few months after I got the new job. It was 14+ miles each way. I decided to bike commute 2-3 days a week (I was 56 years old at the time).
After 3 months of commuting (and eating like a horse) I was down to 185.
I've managed to keep the weight off, except for a few pounds I put on this past winter following surgery (the doctor said no riding for 3 months ). I've been commuting again since mid-March and those few pounds are coming off.

I have a physical every summer and my doctor, who is a recreational cyclist, says my cholesterol is low enough that he only checks it every three years, and my BP is in the normal range.

So for those of you who get discouraged by the cruel or unkind or uncalled for comments of others, don't give up hope. Just grit your teeth and keep trying. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
You can do it.

jyossarian

I'm larger and at risk for diabetes since it runs in the family. So I exercise and watch what I eat and don't wear lycra too much except on long rides (usually organized rides over 30 miles) where I cover them up with shorts cuz there's no place to put my wallet, keys, loose change, cue sheets, etc. As for people saying tactless stupid things, learn to let it roll of your back and ignore the haters. The achievement of losing weight will feel better than gaining it and will be something eternally skinny people can never comprehend.

slvoid

I have no problem with fat chubby diabetics in tight spandex and it just so happens that I'm faster than most of them so I'm not stuck behind them staring at their butts all day (no offense, its just the reality of the situation). I don't enjoy staring at that jiggle any more than someone would enjoy my t-shirt with a high resolution autopsy print on it.

What I can't stand are the fat chubby diabetics who put on spandex, get on a $5000 road bike, taco the wheels, then whine about it like they're god's gift to cycling. Otherwise, to all you other fat diabetics out there trying to get into shape and lose weight, ride on!

Little Darwin

I love this... Thanks! It is now written on the white board in my cubicle.

Also, I appreciate your concern, as someone at 300+ aiming for 200 and coming from 420+ I have learned to ignore the idiots who don't know the first thing about being overweight or losing weight.

My favorites are the ones that think it is only 10 times as hard to lose 100 pounds as it is to lose 10... I could lose 10 pounds in a week... I would do things that are unhealthy, and no way could they be continued for 10 weeks... or even 5. Let alone the emotional front. It is hard to keep losing weight when you feel so much better after losing 50 or 100 pounds. Do I know I will feel better after losing another 100 pounds? You bet! But, it is difficult when I already feel so good compared to where I was.

When I sit on the exercycle, and set it at the maximum weight (which is still below my actual weight) and pedal for 1:40 at 90-100 rpm and level 3, burning 500+ calories and recording 24 miles, I know that I can outdo most couch potatoes that are a fraction of my size... that is enough to keep me going in a stationary world.

If I can keep my leg strength that hauls my bulk at 14 mph on a bike, I will be doing nicely when I weigh 2/3 my current weight... I know that people can't do the things I can with an extra 100 pounds, and I know I can't even walk up stairs carrying the extra 100+ pounds I have already lost.

Don't worry about how you look... If they are behind you, then that tells them everything they need to know! If they pass you, then strive to catch up to them... if not today, then some day!

Or perhaps just tell them politely, "I really would prefer that you quit staring at my butt." followed by either "I'm not that kind," or "You're not my type."

To the people like the moron you mention in your post, I would like to say: Leave me and my Spandex alone, because I am sure that you would rather see me with it than without it! If my girth offends you, then YOU buy me the shorts you prefer since you are the one who cares!

chephy

I just don't understand comments like that (and I've been skinny all my life too ). People are entitled to wear whatever they bloody want so long as it is legal (no nudity or offensive messages on clothing). What makes those people think that you're supposed to compromise your comfort to fit their aesthetic preferences?? It's the same sort of folks who tell cyclists to get off the roads, expecting them to sacrifice their legal choice of transportation for the convenience of motor vehicle operators just because. A**holes, to put it mildly.

deaconbam, I wish you success with your weight loss, and don't pay attention to every moronic comment out there! And I suggest those skinny people who issue such comments do us all a favour and cover their overactive mouth with their hands before they utter more disgusting nonsense like this.

Sammyboy

Just console yourself with the fact that there is NO excercise you can take which helps stupidity........

Praxis

I'm 6'0", 170ish. It doesn't bother me. It's a person. Some are big, some are small, some are men, some are women. Get over it, haters.

In people as in other things, there are some forms I enjoy more than others. I'm not going to hassle someone for what they wear; if it offends me (it doesn't) there are plenty of other places to look, anyway.

Besides, the double standard pointed out is real. "Get out and exercise, but don't make me have to look at you" Puh-leeze. *You* try commuting with an extra 100lbs every day. I know I couldn't.

DataJunkie

I thought that comment was a tad rude. My reply was a lame attempt at disagreeing with it. However, rude people abound on the internet. The anonymity of the net breeds insensitivity.

Keep working at it and you can achieve whatever goal you choose. Just don't stress about missing a goal.

Little Darwin

Perhaps it is because I am also older than most people who are blatantly rude (I am 49) so I have age on my side... I don't get many negative comments (at least that I hear), but I have thought about my responses in case I need them, and one line in reserve is:

I'll bet I can get down to an average weight before you can get up to an average intelligence.

Or some variation like "I know I can lose 10 pounds faster than you can gain 10 IQ points"

Of course, maybe it is my karma that I am prepared with the statement and will never get the chance to use it.

eubi

Overweight people are the new smokers.

Some people have to pick on someone to make them feel better about themselves.

Keep up the good work. My father got his weight down from close to 400# to 180# and made great strides in controlling his diabetes.

slvoid

Or suggest certain people cover their overly sensitive ears. It goes both ways.

DataJunkie

WE ALL SUCK!

chipcom 

OMG, I am a big (though hardly fat) guy, I smoke and my dad died of diabetes...I AM A SOCIAL OUTCAST!

crtreedude 

Interesting thread. First of all, full disclosure, I am 6'2" (just shy a tad) and 216.5 this morning. To me, this is about 26.5 too much. Fine, it is dropping quickly now - just a few months and I will be there.

I have always struggled with weight that I can remember. Often the issue for me is that my weight can grow - and no one is saying anything - so I fool myself.

Down here - there is no politeness. Likely to be called Gordo as a nickname.

No, it isn't right for a person to give you a hard time - wear what you want, and ignore them. By the way, statistically - they are liable to be fatter latter in life, and hopefully you will be the skinny one.

I mean, in reality - there isn't a lot of us that are movie starts or super models, right? I suspect many of us aren't that easy on the eyes - and it might not have anything to do with weight.

Just tell them if they don't like it, close their eyes - they might just be dumb enough to do it while on a bike...

crtreedude 

By the way - warning - don't ever allow people to discourage you from riding based on snide remarks. You are only hurting yourself - not them.

timmhaan

i'll never judge anyone who is out there trying to make themselves healthier. as long as they're doing something it's all good. everyone looks strange in spandex and skinny dudes can look dreadful as well.

squeakywheel

Don't worry. All the skinny people will be the first victims of the next famine. I know some people who would pass out if they missed one meal.

vrkelley

If you're been on this commute forum for any length of time, you're aware that many "large" commuters are now much smaller and stronger. Ignore the fools and just keep going

DataJunkie

Speak for yourself. I'm damn gorgeous!
Please ignore the fact that when I pass by children cry, women hide their purses, dogs yelp and run away, and glass tends to crack.
What matters is how I feel about myself no matter how incorrect that is.


At least my wife's female friends seem to like me. My life sucks

rideabike

Sorry that you were insulted by someone. i agree with the comment about growing thicker skin if you are going to post in an Internet forum.

That aside, I like to see large people on bikes, running, walking, whatever. I give them credit for exercising.

Ricardo

Have you seen the "Weight Loss Club" thread? I visit it everyday. And it is now over 70 pages of weight loss success stories. Lots of motivation there.

Ricardo