Guess who I saw yesterday!!

socialite1

As I was pulling up to a stop sign, I spotted a woman on her bicycle. I slowed down to let her cross the intersection (I've been much more aware of pedestrians and cyclers since I've become one myself) but she waved for me to go ahead. As I waited for traffic to clear, I studied the woman. She was chubby, clearly not an experienced cycler. She had obviously waved me on so she could catch her breath because she was huffing and puffing and the only thing keeping her upright were the handlebars of the bike. Her face was red, sweat was dripping down her face and her bangs were matted to her forehead. The helmet she was wearing looked brand new but the bicycle looked old and rusty. She wore cut off denim shorts and her tshirt was clearly one she had gotten for free at a some local event years ago (we all own a few of those tshirts). Her sneakers looked brand new. As I pulled out of the intersection, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw her begin to pedal again. She wobbled trying to keep her balance but soon disappeared under the hill. She looked exactly like me 3-1/2 months ago.

It wasn't for a few miles until the thought hit me. I wondered if she was one of my friends on MFP...one of OUR friends. Or maybe she was a member of some other similar website. I wanted to turn around and catch up with her and ask her what her fitness goals were, how far along she was and if she wanted a partner to ride with sometime. A few months ago, she would have been some woman on a bike that I probably wouldn't have noticed. Yesterday, she was a friend that I silently cheered on.

voluptuous_veggie

This made me smile :-)

cnsmith2

That was a great post! Makes you stop and think for sure!

fakeplastictree

I love this!! I see people (in shape ones, not so in shape, etc...) walking, running or bicycling on the side of the road and it always makes me smile. They probably think I'm checking them out so either way it makes them feel good and it makes me feel good. GO US!!

mea9

Love this post! How much our lives open up...

godroxmysox

This made me smile...it's so much easier to appreciate someone else's efforts when we've been there!

KBrenOH

What a great post. That's a NSV for you I'd say!

Contrarian

This makes me happy. Thank you for sharing with us.

ash1220

This made me smile & also a little teary eyed. Just the thought of how something like trying to lose weight can bring people together and make us feel a connection with people we don't even know because we understand and can sympathize with the struggles involved. Thanks so much for sharing this story!

marywilsoncline

I love this. I am the same way with runners on the road now since I've become one myself

ckdub428

:flowerforyou: Love this!!

Goldenwoof

Awesome. Just plain awesome.

CorrieV1976

It's funny I see people like this all the time, I think to myself....i wonder if they know about MFP. If i get a chance in striking up a conversation I make sure i mention it. I dont want to offend anyone but I want them to know that I found a great site that has helped me in only 3 short months ....

Iheartsushi

Awww! This made me all tingly inside. :flowerforyou:

adidrea

I love this post!! It made me smile :flowerforyou:

ThePhoenixRose

LOVE THIS! I literally have goosebumps right now! Good for you! :flowerforyou:

ChristinaLConway

What a great post. That's a NSV for you I'd say!

Okay I give up, I have yet to find a dictionary on this site so I have to ask, whats "NSV"??

justle

brilliant post! thank you for sharing!

I'm normally that woman cycling (with the kids in the trailer) heaving away peddling like mad and getting nowhere fast but i keep at it!

I too love seeing others cycling or running etc and i find myself jelous that they're getting the time to do it and i'm not LOL!

paulahhhh

I love this story. Thanks for making my Monday a great one to start the week

Remember... You can't spell S_CCESS without U.

inotnew

What a great post. That's a NSV for you I'd say!

Okay I give up, I have yet to find a dictionary on this site so I have to ask, whats "NSV"??

NSV = Non Scale Victory

BhanGoes

Wonderful post!

Whenever I see 'heavy' people working out, I always want to cheer them on. And when I take my daily walk or go for a morning run or (god forbid) get in a swim suit and do laps at the pool, sometimes I notice people watching.

I think to myself, 'You shouldda seen me three months ago.'

To all of our fitness friends,
KEEP IT UP!

januarygal

That could have been me on my bike a few months ago, I am so glad I kept going and so glad you are continuing on your journey too and good luck to all the sweaty hardworking people on bikes everywhere. :drinker: cheers to you

mea9

What a great post. That's a NSV for you I'd say!

Okay I give up, I have yet to find a dictionary on this site so I have to ask, whats "NSV"??

Non Scale Victory

amelia_atlantic

Oh, I loved this!

I definitely find myself getting more inspired by bigger people or novices out exercising than totally fit ones.

It takes a lot of heart and determination to get up and finally DO IT. We all know that!

mea9

What a great post. That's a NSV for you I'd say!

Okay I give up, I have yet to find a dictionary on this site so I have to ask, whats "NSV"??

NSV = Non Scale Victory

LOL punch buggy:)

charityateet

What a great post!!! This gave me goosebumps.

Thanks for sharing :flowerforyou:

mindfulmunching

You are a beautiful person, thank you for the positivity!!! It spreads!!

NashvilleShelley

:happy:

Gwendalyne

Love this!

MayMaydoesntrun

You, my dear, are awesome. Thank you.

shanolap

LOVE THIS!!!