Coaching for a real fatty with mental issues

spinndrift

Currently I'm 18 stone after getting down from nearly 23 stone.

I got down to 17 stone then did LEJOG in June for which I had got really focussed but once it was over I fell off the wagon BIG time hence being back up to 18 stone.

Now I have agreed to ride Paris to Blackpool next June with the lot I rode LEJOG with and I'm crapping myself that I can't do it so I'm thinking about getting some proper coaching or something to help me focus, train, diet properly.

I'm worried that if I go for a fitness test/training plan/coach that I'll be laughed at - I now this is really stupid but I have crap self esteem.

Would you consider it a good route to go or should I just stick with getting a trainer at the gym to help me and go my own route on the bike with something like time crunched cyclist?

Thanks for reading.

Percy Vera

Get back on the wagon and start doing what you were doing - it was working the first time round.

It sounds like after you achieved your goal, you let your hair down a bit - that's no problem - the pros do it after their race season.

You've now a new goal, so start and build up slowly.

If you find you're a bit stale find someone to go out with, change routes etc.

If you would like a coach/trainer - contact a few, decide which you prefer and try them out for a month or 2. You won't be laughed at, they'd welcome you - coaches will coach anyone for anything - you don't have to be elite.

Well done on doing LEJOG and losing so much weight!

BillyMansell

Blimey, you don't set yourself small goals do you?

You've nothing to be embarrassed about and a lot to be proud of. not a lot of people could achieve what you've done so far and still hope to do.

At your level of training I don't see what you'd hope to gain from using a coach - it seems like you just lack motivation and confidence at times (which I feel on a daily basis) and no-one can instill that in you but you, just try not to beat yourself up when you haven't got it.

To keep you on the wagon, as well as setting big, long-term goals you should look at setting some short and mid term goals as well - set yourself and keep records of weekly and monthly targets on the bike or at the gym, try to mix the riding and routes up a bit to limit repetition and try to include other people in your activity either in cycling with others or planning routes that include visits to family or friends.

Then if you start to fall off the wagon and think you're useless and can't get back on, reflect on how far you've come and the steps taken to get there and hopefully things will seem more achievable.

neilo23

Would you be a big boy anway? There's no point in wishing that you look like Andy Schleck if you are 16 stone when you're "ripped". It will not happen.

I don't think anyone would laugh at you. It's not as if you are turning up for the Tour.
You seem to be good at losing weight. Keep it up!
You WILL lose weight and may well look like a muscled cycling God. Just enjoy it. We can't all look like whippets :-)

Alex_Simmons/RST

BillyMansell wrote:

At your level of training I don't see what you'd hope to gain from using a coach

While I agree with your sentiments, there are definitely benefits to working with a coach in such circumstances. It's not for everyone of course.

Having someone to discuss the issues you face, help with the planning of training, making sure you do the right training at the right time in the right amounts, monitor progress, maintain accountability, provide sound advice on nutritional strategy.

Having a professional monitor your progress is a great motivator in itself and can help ensure that when interruptions happen, they don't end up being more than short break from the routine, rather than end up as a completely demotivating derailment.

If spinndrift would like to find out more, more than happy to help out. We have some clients that are in or have been in the same boat.

ut_och_cykla

You've got plenty of time. The suggestions to get some smaller goals to aim at on the way are good.
My take would be to start with a gym trainer now if you have a good rapport with him/her and are prepared to meet them often - and work hard at getting fitter/slimmer up to Christmas then see where you stand regarding a cycling coach or a book.
Pro coaches and others wont laugh at you . you should be proud of what you have achieved adn want to do with your life. there are hundreds or perhaps even thousands that do nothing about thier overweight or poor health so just decide what you want to do, get some good advice and support and go for it!

Alex_Simmons/RST

ut_och_cykla wrote:

Pro coaches and others wont laugh at you .

and if they did, then they are definitely the wrong person for the job (and would not in my view, qualify to be called "professional").

spinndrift

Thanks for all the support everyone - I think I've just lost my bottle a bit but I'm encouraged by knowing I've been going the right way about things.

I'm never going to be a whippet as even at my rugby playing leanest I was 14.5 stone so hoping to get around that again for Paris - Blackpool.

Back to calorie counting from Monday and plenty of cycling and cardio at the gym. I've got a wedding to go to at the end of November so I think I'll focus on losing some weight for then although the family are going to get a shock when they see me not being 23 stone.

marcd100

June is a long way away still, plenty of time to drop the weight. You have your motivation, now get calorie counting!

I'm on a similar drive at the moment, by skipping my lunchtime chocolate bar I eliminate 1000 calories a week! Small changes add up and if you want to lose weight it truly is down to a controlled diet. I've lost 11kg and have 3kg to go to hit my target!

Just remember not to reduce your intake too much, eating 200 calories a day less than your maintenance will result in a healthy loss.

mattshrops

LEJOG is a target that a lot of cyclists set themselves- overweight or not. Not all of them acheive it- you have. You only get one shot at each day dont waste it putting yourself down. You've already acheived a lot and should feel rightly proud of yourself.
you've had a little set back, no big deal, now time to move forward again.
I agree with small goals as part of your overall bigger goals, there is nothing so motivating as reaching your targets.
Coach or no coach your choice- do what feels right.
Good luck and BELIEVE. 8)

spinndrift

Well despite getting glandular fever and losing November and December training is going well.

My weight is dropping and my body fat percentage is really coming down so I am well chuffed.

Tower to tower training is coming on although long low HR rides are boring as hell.

Thanks for all the support.

pipipi

Glad to hear its going well. I'm still dreaming of lejog!