Then and now...

[ScotiaLass]

A few years ago I was extremely unfit, extremely overweight and extremely depressed.

Today I'm not perfect; I'm still not as fit as I'd like to be, I'm still overweight (but heading in the right direction!) and still have moments of depression.
I also have arthritis in my upper & lower spine and my knees, as well as Fybromyalgia.
But I refuse to lay down to all that life has thrown me, because I'm a stubborn moo!

So, in honour of this, here's a couple of before and after photos - feel free to have a good laugh!

September 2012

My graduation at Dunfermline Abbey



And in April 2014...

Me with Priscilla at the Falkirk Wheel

I hated posting these photos but I wanted to give some encouragement to anyone reading this who has a lot of weight to lose, who is unfit, or unwell - mentally or physically.

It can be done, so grab those handlebars and get out there!
Laura

 

[clid61]

Chapeau Laura!

 

[ianrauk]

Very well done to you.

Who's Priscilla?

 

[Ganymede]

You look absolutely lovely and it is brilliant to hear from you about your weight loss and improved mood. You are such a great presence on these boards too, so I am very pleased for you indeed.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Very well done to you.

Who's Priscilla?

Oh, Priscilla is my Specialized 29er

 

[ianrauk]

ok

 

[AndyRM]

Good on you @ScotiaLass, a good friend of mine suffers from fibromyalgia and I've seen how badly it can affect her, it's a horrible and misunderstood condition.

 

[gavroche]

You are a perfect example to us all to what cycling can do for people. I think you deserve our admiration.

 

[Saluki]

Well done you.
Since starting cycling properly, I too have seen mental health and physical improvements (not today though). Cycling is just the best.

 

[derrick]

Have had a lot of social rides of late that all end in the pub, my belly is getting bigger, and i have to go to the pub again tonight.
I do like to see people pushing themselves on there bikes, to many people are happy to sit around all day.
Keep it going @ScotiaLass,

 

[Rustybucket]

Well done - keep it up!

 

[ScotiaLass]

Thanks all. I intend to keep at it.
I started cycling again last October (so it's my one year anniversary!) and I cycled all through the winter - it was great!
It's not easy, physically or mentally, to get out there some days, but who said life was easy?

It's thanks to all the wonderful people on this forum that I have been able to do this.
As well as depression I suffer with anxiety, which is why I tend to stick to the same routes. I would love to try new routes and I am gradually expanding on that, but my ambition would be to go on a tour of the Highlands/Islands of Scotland. It's something that will happen one day!

Thank you all again, you are all so helpful and inspiring

 

[stephec]

That's a rather lovely smile in the first picture, what course did you do, photography related?

 

[ScotiaLass]

That's a rather lovely smile in the first picture, what course did you do, photography related?

It was my HND in Photography

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@ScotiaLass forgot to say that she is also a cycle ride leader now, with her own Belles on Bikes group