Hey Penntri

Thats great you are commited to getting back into shape !

I do struggle with starting training seriously again every spring and I find a few things help,

1. Have a training plan (with specific workouts planned for days and times) this takes the option of working out, out of the question.

2. Particularly for those trainer rides rent or buy a season of a TV show you can easily get addicted to (24, lost etc) and then only watch it when you ride your trainer. This way you actually look forward to your rides to find out whats happening next.

3. Sign up for a race, even if you are months out this gives you a concrete goal and again takes the option out of training.

Hope this helps and happy training

D

I love folks like you, penntri. People who want to make a positive change in their life...and make the decision to do so.
That is the biggest step.
Set some goals...now... and give yourself plenty of time. A good goal a year away is not out of the question, a race say...a sprinkleing of short term goals along the way to spur you on..dropping the next 5 pounds...finishing a ride in a better time...joining a running group.
What you want is not easy. You have already finished the hardest part...deciding to come back to a life style you loved...
Keep us posted and we're here for ya!

Set some smaller goals. Don't look to lose 80 pounds and be in the shape you were before your accident; those are good long terms goals, but they won't help you immediately and can be discouraging because achieving them may be so far off.

Try starting with being able to bike for 30 min or run for 20 min (or something to that sort depending on where you're at right now) a few days a week and increase that in small increments every time you meet the goal. Look for a short race far enough off to train for and train to finish it. I think weight numbers can be hard goals just because weight can be stubborn, so either go for small 5 pound goals or go by how you fit in a pair of jeans.
Its really hard when you compare yourself to where you used to be, but if you can look at just feeling better and getting into training right now and start comparing to where you started when you posted this, you'll start to to see progress.
Looking up a training program online can be a helpful way to set a schedule. Good luck!

i agree with the folks above, and I'd add: start a log too.

if you ever get discouraged or start to lose focus, just looking back at the work you've done can be very encouraging...it's always remarkable to see how far you go in just a month or two.

not a lot to add just start slow. little goals of working out 30 min a day do whatever is enjoyable to you walking, running, indoor cycling watching "grey's anatomy" whatever, soon it will become a habit and you'll crave it every day.

The best thing you have going for you is the knowledge that you can do it. From here, you can take it one step at a time and get back to the fitness level you once were at, or maybe beyond. My mantra is this: Big change is accomplished in small and incremental steps.

I have been in your shoes for different reasons. 7 years ago, I had just had my 2nd kid, was over 200 lbs, and was ready to get back into doing triathlons but knew it would be a hard road. I couldn't run a mile, had to get special cushiony running shoes so I didn't blow out my knees running with all that weight. I started with run/walking and gradually began running more than walking.

I set a goal for myself to do the Ironman the year I turned 40 (then it was 7 years away). I set smaller more immediate goals, one for each year to come. The first was to do a 5k, then a sprint triathlon, then an Olympic, then a half marathon, half-Ironman, marathon, and Ironman. Along the way, I started adding in other races as well, and as my fitness gained, my weight and times dropped. I turned 40 last year, and I crossed my Ironman finish line, faster than my goal time for the year I was 25.

So, I know you can do whatever you set out to do because I've been there. Just take it a step at a time - literally! Set yourself a goal for the next few months, and a bigger goal for a little bit down the line. Think about what you want to be doing in a year or two or three and make yourself a commitment to do what it takes to get there. You know you've done it before, so you know you have it in you to do it again. Come here for encouragement, tips, and inspiration, there are lots of great and supportive folks here!

Don't focus on weight as much as an "Ideal" body composition. The "Ideal" should be determined by you and your doctor.