I'm back (again)

Just got back from our long weekend in Boston, with my boyfriend's brother and sister in law. They are both avid (and I mean AVID) cyclists. If you want to take up a sport where you can eat like a pig and be skinny, that's the one. Granted, they eat healthy, but they eat all the time. They also cycle almost every day and it is nothing for them to do 40 miles in a day. I find that pretty incredible....but then I realized something....I don't think I could eat enough to keep up the strength. It's pretty amazing, actually...and it's pretty expensive. They took us to a bicycle shop the other day, and some of the bikes were over $5000. But talk about an endurance sport! We've been watching the Tour de France on tv, and I am starting to think that its the best sport to get into to keep you in shape. Well, it's thundering and lightening here and I better get off the computer before my brain gets fried. Take care and enjoy your fourth! Joan

I want to get into cycling so bad! I found a great bike for about $300....still a little pricy for me. Did you get to bike with them while you were in Boston?

No...I didn't bike with them. I didn't have a bike with me, and I could NEVER keep up with them in a million years. I like to ride just for the activity and the scenery....they do it like it's their job. They ride fast, fall down, get hurt, all that good stuff. I'm not up for that!

I loved cycling when I was young but haven't done any since I got really fat. I refused to be a rolly polly moving target for teens. I don't really have an excuse now, but I just haven't bothered, I guess. I didn't bike to race though, but I was doing between 12 and 24 miles a day when I was young. It's really not that bad. But for marathons, I do know a wls patient that did one and he did have some issues with energy near the end. I think the thing is that if you did that you might even choose to drink regular Gatorade if you don't dump on it. Between that and snacks like trail mix it might be able to have a good enough mix of carbs fat and protein to keep you going. I think for him he probably just didn't plan for enough food. And remember, you can make more room by drinking. Not something we ever usually try doing, but in that situation I think I would make an exception. It would be interesting to see, but I think depending on the person, they could do it. Now you got my "wheels" turning...wondering if I should revisit this old pastime....hmm... Dina

My most successful stint at non-surgical weight loss involved cycling. I got up and rode every morning at the crack of dawn. I didn't ride more than 5 or 10 miles, but I was faithful and eventually lost 80 pounds over a two year period. The Man used to be a bicycle patrolman and loved it. My brother-in-law rides 50 miles every weekend and is in great shape. You've given me some inspiration. I think I'll see if I can get my bike back from my son. I've got a very expensive mountain bike that's just collecting dust. Thanks, Joanie. And I'm glad you're back! Connie

Glad you had a good time, Joanie, and I promise I will move mountains to meet you and Ray the next time you are heading north and passing through my neck of the woods. I would dearly love to meet you! We are trying to buy new bikes for the family -- all 4 of us -- biking together has never happened for us before and we'd like to be able to take it up as a family hobby now that we can. I'm not talkin' 40 miles though! My guess is that your brother and sister inlaws don't have children! Who could possibly find that kind of time when kids are in the picture??? Take care, sweetie, and let me know the next time you're heading to Boston. Reenie