When "X" no longer defines you.

[pdonk]

As per the weught loss thread I am going through a drawn out illness that is likely going to have long term impact on how I define myself as a person.

Specifically, due to the muscle loss and a few other things I probably won't be able to ride this year. Riding my bike has been a constant defining part of me for nearly 35 years. From mountain biking to sitting on boards of directors and city committee to road riding people have always thought of me and know me as someone who rides and likes bikes.

That is going to change, not sure how I'll define myself and how others will see me.

Has this happened to you, and what did you do to help (re)define yourself?

[zmalwo]

muscle mass can be easily regained so i wouldn't stress too much about it.

[pinkshogun]

I would think the people who you are close to think of you as more than "that bike guy"

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by pdonk

As per the weught loss thread I am going through a drawn out illness that is likely going to have long term impact on how I define myself as a person.

Specifically, due to the muscle loss and a few other things I probably won't be able to ride this year. Riding my bike has been a constant defining part of me for nearly 35 years. From mountain biking to sitting on boards of directors and city committee to road riding people have always thought of me and know me as someone who rides and likes bikes.

That is going to change, not sure how I'll define myself and how others will see me.

Has this happened to you, and what did you do to help (re)define yourself?

Man, I’m really sorry to hear about this. I, too, define myself as a cyclist, and that definition is important to me both mentally and physically.

The only thing I can offer is that when I first had my twin daughters and time was at a premium, I became a “walker,” taking my girls in a stroller everywhere. Lots of good memories. If that’s an option…it’s a good one.

Wishing you all the best in recuperating.

[gasman]

Sorry to hear this-I no longer ride either since a massive out of the blue stroke last yearI
I'm still trying to figure things out myself

[ERK55]

Don’t have any great advice for you, but can certainly relate:
— I retired in April ‘21 after practicing surgery 80 hours a week for 35 years. It’s how I defined myself and now that’s gone. Honestly I didn’t have the foresight to anticipate this but it’s been hard.
— One of my hopes for retirement was to get into better condition, ride a lot more etc. Beginning last July however pre-existing back issues have worsened so that I really haven’t ridden since then (much less been able to tie my shoes). The best-laid plans and all that stuff….
One can hope that we’ll both figure it out over time. Best of luck.

[Ozz]

I suppose not letting one thing define you is a start...

In my youth (pre 40) I was a "soccer guy" until injuries derailed that...then started being the "bike guy," but also the "coach guy," "wine guy," "cooking guy" etc....

Maybe look at this as opportunity to try new things....you could still be the "bike guy," just maybe not the "fast bike guy"....

[jpritchet74]

I have never felt the need to define myself. If I am happy, and if my kids are happy, then nothing else really matters.

[steelbikerider]

I had the same issue when 2 crashes in 3 years resulted in broken bones, hospital stays and a stint in a rehab hospital. It put an end to my 40+ years of racing, riding and coaching after my wife, ortho and I decided it was best to stop road riding. After 8 months of rehab, Zwifting and weight training I started playing pickleball. Lingering joint issues mean that I can only play 3 days a week and I crosstrain/Zwift in between. While I enjoy p-ball and the people are great, I still think of myself as an ex-racer/rider first. Maybe when I start the 65+ tournaments, I will shed some of the racer mentality, but I will still be a paceliner.

[HenryA]

In a less critical way many of us are facing new identities as older people who used to be fast and strong and tough. Used to be is a tough position to be in, but you can just go ahead and ride, even if its just for 20 minutes on flat ground. I wish you the best.

[nooneline]

Originally Posted by pdonk

As per the weught loss thread I am going through a drawn out illness that is likely going to have long term impact on how I define myself as a person.

Specifically, due to the muscle loss and a few other things I probably won't be able to ride this year. Riding my bike has been a constant defining part of me for nearly 35 years. From mountain biking to sitting on boards of directors and city committee to road riding people have always thought of me and know me as someone who rides and likes bikes.

That is going to change, not sure how I'll define myself and how others will see me.

Has this happened to you, and what did you do to help (re)define yourself?

I'm in a similar situation.

I used to be an elite athlete, and now I have a chronic disease that leaves me unable to do much more than the bare minimum each day. I haven't ridden a bike for real in a year. It's really difficult to have to set aside this big part of my self - and to wonder if I'll get it back.

Still, I remind myself that "what I do" is not "who I am"; I cherish the memories and relationships I made racing bikes, and I'll plan to seek out more activities when I'm healthy enough to do it.

It's grueling, but, that's all I can do for now.

[deluz]

I am not sure what challenges you are facing, did you ever get a diagnosis?
Can you eventually ride a bike again at a lower level?
I can sympathize as I have had extended periods off the bike due to unexplained bouts of fatigue. Things that help:

Do easier forms of exercise

Seeing a therapist

Meditation

Other hobbies

I have always been able to recover and start riding again, but it has become apparent that I need to ride much easier than in the past, its been a hard lesson.
Bicycling can be a form of addiction, its not pleasant when you can't do it. There is no way to sugar coat that.

[pdonk]

Thanks for good thoughts.

Its tough right now, but there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

My wife is excited to get me into movement and weights, even though I don't enjoy them I know they'll be an integral part of my recovery.

The worst part if this whole thing. Ither than health issue, is that I just installed a new axs group on the speedvagen and was really looking forward to giving it a go.

[charliedid]

Challenges abound in this thing we call life, this current one will not define you, it is but one part of the whole. Be strong and you will ride again.

Big picture.

[deluz]

I have suffered injuries that kept me off my bike for two year’s straight.
Weight training was the key to recovery and injury prevention so
I think it is a good idea, just start easy and work up gradually.
Good luck!