STRENGTH UP! CONFIDENCE SKYROCKETED! MOOD STOKED!

Mariaelena Washington Thibodeaux

Age: 53 Nurse

I USED TO RACE MTB in my mid-20s. But I don’t ride as much as I want to now because of travel and work, and I have a lot of aches and pains on the bike because of previous injuries. These days I mostly ride on the road, and I started taking track cycling classes at the velodrome. The sessions kicked my backside. That made me want to get back in shape.

When I first started the programme, I didn’t even have the strength to do the planks. Then I was so sore I could hardly sit on the loo. But after six weeks, I started noticing the difference in how I felt on the bike. My neck and back and arms weren’t hurting. It gave me a lot of confidence. I’d do a 40-kay ride and be able to keep up my strength. At the track, I’d try to stay with some younger, more experienced riders. My cadence was a bit higher. My legs weren’t as sore, and I could keep up.

I’ve always been a healthy eater, but I was a vegetarian for a long time, and I wasn’t prioritising protein. Following the book, I started eating less simple sugars, foods with fewer than seven ingredients, and smaller meals. I didn’t want to lose a lot of weight because I didn’t want to lose power, but I’ve lost some body fat, and have got a lot more toned.

It’s been five months. I’m faster, without having to be on my bike all the time. And I’m able to get back on the bike much more quickly after a ride. My body feels better, and with that comes mood, attitude, and everything else. I’ve worked in health care a long time, and it can wear on you. Now when I ride, I get into a zone, and worry less about work and life. It’s helped my whole lifestyle.