A Little Activity in May
I finally made the decision that biking to work was going to just hang over my head until I did it. I decided the best tactic was to pick a date to do it and just do it. No worries about breaking my butt back into the seat etc. So, today was the day!
It did take a little bit of bribing, however. I had to stop half way for breakfast to keep it down to managable ride lengths. As far as food bribes go though, I think I did quite well. My reward was a scramble of tofu, egg white, cheese and lots of broccoli with a side of brown rice and whole wheat toast. Plus, as DH pointed out, having a nice leisurely breakfast together on a weekday feels so decadent!
In retrospect, I certainly didn’t require the break. It seems my 35-40 pound lighter self since the bike was garaged this past fall and my continued exercise program have served me well. The only other ride I had taken this spring had been a bear so I was dreading getting back on period, let alone taking a 40 minute ride to work. Part of the problem for the first ride was likely low-ish tire pressure and that my seat had slipped down a bit. We got those things adjusted last night so I’d be ready to go at a bit after 6am today and it was sooo easy! I don’t know why I was dreading it so much. Well, aside from the bad ride. On the second leg I even passed up a co-worker - one who I think of as quite active and fit! To be fair, I suspect my bike is a good bit lighter than his and might be a bit more efficient. But I passed him!
Now, the ride home might prove to be a challenge. It is much different riding in 50 degree temps than the 80 degree temps at quitting time. I’ll also be climbing a good bit to get home. I haven’t looked to see how much yet. I decided that was one of those things it is better to not know until you’ve done it - like calculating the number of stitches in a knitting project ;-) I have decided to follow my path to work to get home rather than the slightly more direct route that keeps me away from the university. I’m purposefully avoiding a really rough hill that I loath. It also has the added benefit of keeping me off a really high traffic post-work bit of trail that I hope will keep my patience less stretched.
Wish me luck!
