[peachness]

Hello everyone! This is my first post here - I've been a lurker for a little bit - and I was wondering if I could get some input in an issue I'm having.

As the title says, I purchased a new mountain bike yesterday and am really excited to start riding. Problem is ... I'm extremely anxious/nervous about actually going out in public on the darn thing. I love bike riding ... I used to ride all the time 7-10 years ago. But for some reason, lately I get really embarrassed about letting people see me exercise. It's this way for everything; walking, jogging, lifting weights, etc... In fact, I get really embarrassed just walking into a store or to my mailbox. Has anyone else had a problem getting out there and doing what needs to be done because of insecurity? Is there any advice you all can give me on how to get over this? I really want to succeed and fix this terrible mistake I've made with my body and any advice is most appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

P.S. I hope I have this in the right forum. If it isn't, please let me know.

[ValRock]

I used to be the same way!! Then my husband said "you know what! Either you can sit around the house and complain about it and stay fat or go out and do something about it!!! Chances are the people that see you aren't going to be thinking 'oh look at that fat girl making an idiot of herself' they're going to be thinking 'wow! good for her!' " and it's true!!! Go shopping for a few exercise outfits that make yourself feel good and get out there... the hardest step is always the first one!!

[kittymuse]

It's hard, but you just have to ignore the other people. I always feel like everyone is looking at me, but in reality I'm sure they all have their own concerns and aren't hung up on watching me.

I HATE wearing shorts, but I find that I have to while biking. I just have to do it. You can bet that the minute I'm off my bike I cover up!

Good for you for buying a bike. Go out and have fun!

[OneKim]

I've had to get over the same exact thing recently! My husband bought us a pair of bikes after I offhandedly mentioned that I'd like to ride...I was a little surprised when he showed up with 2 mountain bikes not long after I said that! LOL.

I was really embarrassed the first few times I rode because I had to walk up hills and I'm sure everyone could hear me breathing! Even had some girls (large girls) standing in their yard tell me to 'mush mush'...glad I was breathing too hard and exhausted or there could have been a fight! But then, ya know...I thought...I'm out here, literally working my butt off and they're standing there gabbing, drinking soda and smokings cigs (I'd JUST quit smoking the week before)....I should be telling THEM to 'mush mush'! I've passed them several times since then, not walking up hills, riding faster and stronger...and they've commented that I'm not walking! HA on them...wonder how many pounds they've gained since I've started riding?

I could never go to a gym to exercise because of the self concious factor, but biking is different! I've started not caring at all. They only see me for a few seconds. It helps that I wear sunglasses...I feel shielded from the world for some reason...lol. Odd huh?

If biking is big in your town, you'll be passed by 'roadies'. These will be skinny guys, head to toe lycra, bikes that cost more than our monthly salaries, high tech and ZOOMING. Don't let them bother you"! Chances are those guys have been biking for years! Besides, you're on a mountain bike...those knobby tires are going to slow you down! I didn't say this to discourage you...I'm trying to prepare you...lol. I watched a guy pass me and then effortlessly pedal up a hill that kicked my butt to the point that I almost stopped and turned around a few times! Then I thought it through. I wanted to throw a rock at his skinny little tires.

I went from riding for 30 minutes and being exhausted, to riding for 2 hours and feeling GREAT! In a matter of about 2 months! You can and should ride. It's a great way to get exercise without putting alot of stress on the knees and such.

The key to having a good ride is to stay hydrated, eating right, before you ride (carbs..not ALOT and not bad carbs, but like..oatmeal, something like that..healthy carbs) and not trying to push yourself. The improvements will come faster than say, starting running...

We have a biking challenge here in the exercise forum. Doesn't seem to be alot of participants, but those that do post a good bit! It's 500 miles, but no time limit. That seems very daunting, but the miles add up so quickly!

Do you have a cycle computer? I got one at Walmart for about $10 and it's great! Gives avg speed, time, mileage, high speed. It's really interesting to see your results! It's also a great motivator! To keep track of it all, I use bikejournal.com It's an amazing tool for me! To see those numbers climb just make me want to do more and more!

This is terribly long...lol..sorry, but wanted to get the point across that you CAN bike and shouldn't feel odd about doing it! Get out there and ride!

Kim

[AnneWonders]

I bet you look just great on your bike! Get a pretty jersey, a nice pink helmet, and some baggy mountain biking shorts. You'll look fabulous.

As far as what other people might think when they see you: Most people won't think anything. They are just going about their business, with things to do. Some people will admire you. Some will be jealous. And what a sad sad life anybody who makes fun must have! Can you imagine having nothing better to do than stand around waiting for someone to ride by and then say something? How bored they must be, how empty their life. These are not people you should let influence you. They will disparage anyone, skinny people, fat people, kids, men in lycra, anyone, just to make themselves feel better. No need to feel singled out. Personally, I pity them. And sometimes I flip them the bird too, depending on my mood!

And finally, even roadies start somewhere. One day I was having a bad one, struggling up a hill, and a roadie came by, rode with me for a bit, told me how great I was doing and took off. It made my day! And, yes, I got up that hill, extra weight and all.

Happy riding!

Anne

[peachness]

I just wanted to thank everyone for your suggestions, stories and support! I really, really want to succeed with this and I'm just going to have to suck it up and do it!

Thank you!

[WaterRat]

I was thinking about your thread while I was riding my bike tonight. I ride on a bike trail which is right beside a main commuting artery, so lots of passing cars. No one paid the slightest attention to me. In fact, I saw a friend turning into her street and waved. She didn't recognize me with sunglasses and a helmet. Get out there and enjoy your new toy!

[ryan57401]

I used to be the same way I mean my whole life!! I was always worried what other people thought and etc i have been overweight my whole life. So when i first bought a bike i would always wait til it was dark out to bikeride so noone would see me lol!! In a way it was good cause it was cool. But after awhile i outgrew my shyness and worrieness and said what the **** and now i go in the day biking or jogging!! I just tell myself just like the people say in the last posts (which are good by the way) who cares what people think!! I am not the center of the universe people arent going to pay attention to me or care what i do. I hope this helps

~Ryan~

[peachness]

Thanks Pat and Ryan! I don't know how I missed your responses!

I'm actually going to start biking when it's darker out. It is cooler and people won't necessarily notice me. It's still an issue and I struggle with it, but my desire to be rid of this gross flab is stronger.

I also have the Power 90 DVDs and plan to use those as well. In fact... tomorrow morning is the first day of that!

Thanks again!!

[OneKim]

I do all my jogging at night, so people don't see me...lol. I don't have a problem riding during the day now, but jogging...I can do without anyone watching me. Maybe cause I jog for 2 minutes and walk...hehe.

Kim