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Returning to an old hobby
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StuartH



Quit Date:
September 12, 2008

Posts: 105
Location: Cromer, Norfolk - UK

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 4:26 AM    Post subject: Returning to an old hobby Reply with quote

I used to love cycling - really love it. Was mad about bikes, road bikes - not into the off road thing.
Anyway, for a few weeks now I have been thinking about starting again as the UK spring is nearly upon us.

So, I thought I should pick an event some time in the future to concentrate myself on. As it's near me and through some great countryside.... I picked this one - http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=199
Also, it's sponsored and in aid of the British Heart Foundation.... since my father died of smoking related heart desease I figure that thats a good reason too!

Then I thought... If I am going to train for that, ride in it and try and get fit again after spending 20 years avoiding excercise at all cost, I better have a bike!
I have saved over £700 by not smoking so far, so I thought this will be my "treat" and I will buy a good one. I bought this - http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/114057.html

The cost of that and the essential accessories/toys that go with it will take up almost all my savings but what the heck!

I intend to get fit again, and what better way than with something you love.
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Kissimee



Quit Date:
-

Posts: 772
Location: St. Louis, MO

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 9:05 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice, Stuart!!! Now isn't that a much better way to use your money? Very Happy

Congratz on saving that much, on saving your life from nicotine, and on returning to something you love.

Have a great day!!!
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I can NOT control the addiction because if I could, it would NOT be an addiction...BUT I can control ME, the addict.
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kannprint



Quit Date:
April 10, 2004

Posts: 4988
Location: St. Louis, MO

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 10:17 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a wonderful way to enjoy your savings -- both monetary and physical. Please keep us informed as to your training, etc. Congrats!!
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LIVE WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH.
Jo
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kevin
Site Admin


Quit Date:
-

Posts: 9538
Location: cincinnati, oh

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 8:52 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

that's a sweet bike, stuart! there's nothing like seeing a tangible reward from your quit; especially one that brings its own set of benefits. happy cycling! Smile
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keep choosing life!

kevin

the zen of the quit
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pinkpearl



Quit Date:
June 30, 2007

Posts: 1667
Location: Illinois

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 9:18 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

great idea stuart. let us know your cycling progress Smile
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essie662



Quit Date:
April 14, 2004

Posts: 3388
Location: MI

PostPosted: February 17, 2009 9:41 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds great, Stuart. Excellent way to reward yourself. Have fun! Smile
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Essie
4/14/04
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Mary Dude



Quit Date:
June 15, 2004

Posts: 4803
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

PostPosted: February 18, 2009 1:00 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Be sure to get a good helmet! Be safe and enjoy!! Way to go!
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Smoke-free one day at a time!
Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness!
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StuartH



Quit Date:
September 12, 2008

Posts: 105
Location: Cromer, Norfolk - UK

PostPosted: February 18, 2009 4:16 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm really looking forward to it now - can't wait for the weather to turn a bit more spring like so I can get out and about (not much fun cycling in the damp English winter!)

Last time I rode a bike any distance was 2005 and I was still a heavy smoker.... I'm going to be interested to see the difference in my performance Very Happy
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nicfirth



Quit Date:
July 17, 2008

Posts: 383
Location: England

PostPosted: February 18, 2009 11:18 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Stuart, nice bike and you such a petrol head I'm shocked Shocked

Anyways glad you went for a road bike, not easy to go mountain biking in Norfolk Razz I hope you find it a good ride and I'm sure your performance will be great now!

I'm reaping the benefits In my martial arts now. Stamina is greatly improved, and recovery time is much less. I'll be taking my next grading in March/April and should be taking the Black belt in Nov/Dec.
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StuartH



Quit Date:
September 12, 2008

Posts: 105
Location: Cromer, Norfolk - UK

PostPosted: March 2, 2009 6:28 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Finally picked the bike up from the shop on Saturday (28th Feb), and took her out for a short "shakedown"... only about 5 miles.

Was struck by a few things.
1) Man this is a good bike - leagues ahead of anything I have ever ridden, so smooth and so "complete". Incredibly responsive. I'm so very happy with my choice now.
2) How good it felt to be doing it! I didn't go very quick, or very far, but on the inclines it felt superb to be breathing hard and pushing myself a little. It's been too long.
3) That it really is "like riding a bike".... you never forget! I'm going to really enjoy this Very Happy

I hope your grading goes well Nic, I remember them from my competitive Judo days.... lots of fun, but hard work too! Good luck.
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kevin
Site Admin


Quit Date:
-

Posts: 9538
Location: cincinnati, oh

PostPosted: March 2, 2009 11:19 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smile
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kevin

the zen of the quit
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StuartH



Quit Date:
September 12, 2008

Posts: 105
Location: Cromer, Norfolk - UK

PostPosted: March 12, 2009 11:13 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Another couple of rides down, a total of 25 miles or so for the 2 together - the first I took it relatively easy as I was still very much learning about the bike and where I am at, fitness wise. The second one I pushed quite hard and really enjoyed the feeling. I hadn't pushed my body so far for many years because I couldn't. As soon as I started breathing hard I would have to stop because I couldn't get enough air in.

Now I can sustain the excercise for the 45 minutes or so it took to do the 12 mile circuit and recover quite quickly afterwards.

Now that's a tangeable improvement! As I get more and more practice I should be able to push much, much harder. Loving cycling again Very Happy
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kevin
Site Admin


Quit Date:
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Posts: 9538
Location: cincinnati, oh

PostPosted: March 12, 2009 11:32 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

that's awesome, stuart! glad to hear it! Smile
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kevin

the zen of the quit
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nicfirth



Quit Date:
July 17, 2008

Posts: 383
Location: England

PostPosted: March 12, 2009 11:48 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's great Stuart a few more rides and you'll amazed how quickly you get very fit. Keep it up and you won't even be stiff the following day! Shocked
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essie662



Quit Date:
April 14, 2004

Posts: 3388
Location: MI

PostPosted: March 12, 2009 11:57 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

WTG Stuart! Glad to hear you are enjoying this so much. Isn't breathing a great thing!!!!!!!!
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Essie
4/14/04
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