Smiling Today ...

Machka9
Machka9 Posts: 26,067 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been into cycling since I was about 6 years old. Grew up in a cycling family. I rode my first century (100 mile ride) in 1994 and was actively into long distance cycling up till my early 40s.

Then I kind of had to take a bit of a break after developing DVT on a flight to Australia in 2009. My husband and I still did some events with Audax Victoria, but not to the same level as we had before. In 2012, we spent about 8 months travelling the world, and while we did do some cycling we probably should have done more. :grin: I put on a bit of weight. Too much good food out there! Things were unsettled for the next couple years ... moving, job changes, etc..

In 2014, I was going through various perimenopausal symptoms, hit my highest weight ever ... and I started to think that this was it. After being such an active person, I was now old and dumpy and would be for the rest of my life. But in late 2014, I decided I wasn't ready for that yet and began by being more active. Then in February 2015, I joined MFP.

In 2015, I lost the weight and started getting back into the long distance cycling events again. In 2016, my husband and I completed a couple 200 km events, a 300 km, and a 400 km ... and about 400 km of a 600 km (an unusual health issue kind of got in the way of that last one).

This year, we're trying it all again. We're in the midst of something Audax Australia has called a Petite Year Round Randonneur. We're attempting another Century-A-Month challenge. And we're participating in various other long distance events. I'm cycling up the hills and mountains around here and I've actually picked up speed!

In February, I cycled my 100th century (100 mile ride). I've done an additional 75 longer rides, but that was my 100th 100. :) Also just last weekend we got our first 200 km randonnee in for the season.

I'm smiling today because today I turn 50. I'm 50, right in the middle of my normal BMI weight range, and I'm active again doing what I love. :) I'm smiling today because there is hope for the future! :)

Replies

  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    Happy birthday! You should be proud! Congrats!
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Happy birthday (even though it's still Wednesday here in the US)!
  • HippySkoppy
    HippySkoppy Posts: 725 Member
    What a lovely, positive account.

    I wish you continued success in all areas of your life especially your loved cycling. From a fellow Tasmanian's point of view I think this Island holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the World as well as very diverse and challenging terrain.

    <3 and Happy Brithday!!!
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Happy Birthday and great job! I'd say there's LOTS of hope for the future for you!
  • ronjsteele1
    ronjsteele1 Posts: 1,064 Member
    A very happy birthday and what a wonderful journey to 50 to celebrate!
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    edited March 2017
    Happy birthday! Thank you for sharing!
  • Madwife2009
    Madwife2009 Posts: 1,369 Member
    Happy birthday and happy cycling :) Totally admire you, would love to be able to do the rides you cover but I'm not ready yet.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,488 Member
    Hope your day was filled with joy, wonder and a bike ride.

    I love your cycling tales, positive attitude, and have great admiration of you, and your accomplishments.

    Happy 50 young woman.

    Cheers, h. <3
  • ladyreva78
    ladyreva78 Posts: 4,080 Member
    Happy half century :smiley:

    Here's to another 50 years of riding your bike!

    (Can't you just imagine yourself tugging along up that mountain with 100 grinning like a fool the entire way :wink: )
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,067 Member
    Thank you very much everyone. :)
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,067 Member
    HippySkoppy wrote: »
    What a lovely, positive account.

    I wish you continued success in all areas of your life especially your loved cycling. From a fellow Tasmanian's point of view I think this Island holds some of the most beautiful scenery in the World as well as very diverse and challenging terrain.

    <3 and Happy Brithday!!!

    Tasmania is very scenic ... and definitely has diverse and challenging terrain!! I've never lived anywhere so hilly before! That was certainly a motivation to lose the weight. I need to be light to get up the hills. :grin:
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,067 Member
    ladyreva78 wrote: »
    Happy half century :smiley:

    Here's to another 50 years of riding your bike!

    (Can't you just imagine yourself tugging along up that mountain with 100 grinning like a fool the entire way :wink: )

    There are a small number of cyclists who are still riding in their 80s, 90s and one in particular who is riding at 105. I can only hope!
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,067 Member
    Smiling even more today! :)

    March Exercise Totals
    Walking Distance (km): 90.6
    Walking Time (min): 1132.5
    Cycling Distance (km): 1002.7
    Cycling Time (min): 3231.8
    Stairs Climbed Number: 108.0
    Stairs Climbed Time (min): 86.4


    Totals
    Total Distance (km): 1093.3
    Total Distance (miles): 679.3
    Total Time (min): 4450.7
    Total Time (hr): 74:10:45


    For the first time since December 2011, my husband and I have cycled a 1000 km month!! :D

    Not only that, but we also hit 7500 metres of climbing. 7530 metres (24705 feet) to be exact. :D

    And the month isn't even quite over yet. :)
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,488 Member
    Your feats amaze me. (( <3)) h.
  • leanjogreen18
    leanjogreen18 Posts: 2,492 Member
    That's amazing!

    Happy naming day!
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