Emotional moment

About 15 years ago I was what some would call a die-hard-cyclist. I rode at least 5 times a week at least 30 miles a day. I was as thin as a rail and in great shape. I got hurt at work and messed up my knee which still gives me problems to this day. Two years later, surgery and 50 pounds later I gave up cycling because of the injury although the doc said that cycling would help my knee get stronger and help me loose the weight I gain during my injury phase. I just couldn't pedal the bike. I still look in the rafters and see my bike there and long for a day that I could ride again. I really love my bike. So its christmas time and I am out shopping for my kids (ages 15 to 8) and bought them all new bikes. While I was looking around I saw a beautiful bike that was calling me. Being a cyclist, I look at the good bikes so its a bit pricey but I wanted to check it out. I actually got on the bike and rode it. What memories it brought back. Newer bikes are lighter now and the pedaling components are easier to use so I could actually pedal the thing. I started to cry right there on the spot. I couldnt believe it. When I gave up cycling I was nearly 200 pounds... I'm at 158 now with 23 more pounds to reach my goal and where I was when I was cycling. I just havent been motivated to exercise at all, but last night... that bike and me.. we were one. If I could of I would of kept going.. it felt that good. I bought the bike and I will be picking it up on friday. I dreamed last night that my kids and I are cruising down the bike paths at the beach. It was a wonderful thing. I feel alive again and the dream of cycling again and with my kids may just become a reality very soon. WLS has truely given me my life back... I cant tell you how emotional I am right now... I have wanted this for so long and I am getting it back.. I'm back to the person I use to be and there's no stopping me now.

Carla, that is so wonderful. I am really pleased for you. You've been talking about exercising and now you'll slot right back into it. Your dream will become a reality biking with your children, and they will enjoy the fabulous family time you will all have together. Just one thing, though about your last sentence - I dont' think you are BACK to the person you used to be, I think you are a NEW person, who can do all and more than she used to do. Pedal to your dreams...........

very true.. I am a new person... This journey has and I am sure will be teaching me a lot of things that I will maintain the rest of my life. I dont want to go back to old bad habits that got me where I was.

That was beautiful. Your dream and your goals are a reminder to us all that we CAN achieve anything we want if we work hard and believe in our selves and our goals. Good for you! Kathryn

Mazel Tov! I'm so proud of you! Your post brought up an interesting thing though, I have nothing to look forward to, i've given myself no goals for this year! I really love belly dancing, probably not to the extent you love cycling though. I think 2007 will be the year that I dance out in public with the troupe, man i hope now that i've written that out i have the actual balls to do it. It takes ALOT to get out there in a costume and dance in front of people and make it look real and pretty and not be tall and reed thin! Be Well and Thank You! ANDI

Oh my gosh Carla, you're making me cry now! That was simply beautiful to read. This is what it is all about. Getting out there & living this new life that we have been blessed with. You have found your replacement passion. I used to have a passion for food, & I am looking for my replacement passion. My husband is afraid that it is shopping (truthfully it seems to be sex right now). I, like Andi, love to dance. Maybe I need to go ahead & sign up for belly dancing or Latin classes. I am so proud of you! Darlene

Moments like that make the hard work worth while!