Remember when I did my weight loss contest? I put it all out there with pictures and my deep down feelings. And I finished my contest, and posted my results, and even put a picture of myself in a swimsuit on Facebook. And then the coldest, most miserable winter came. I'm not going to say I gained a bunch of weight, because I didn't. What I did gain is flab. I turned into a tired, lazy blob on my couch. I did jumping jacks now and then to feel less guilty about all my loafing. I was feeling like winter was NEVER GOING TO END. Then my mom called and invited Tim and me to go on the White Rim Trail with her and a bunch of other fantastic people. It was like the clouds parted, the bad air lifted, and I could see the light at the end of the horrid tunnel of winter. But here's the thing: The White Rim Trial is 100 miles long, and we're doing it over the course of 4 days. That averages 25 miles a day on a bike. I have a very nice bike, who has been waiting patiently for the past 10 years to be taken onto dirt. Meaning, I haven't ridden my bike for real for 10 years.
So here are my goals for the next 6 weeks:
1. To not have a sore bum while riding, because I'm already used to it. Guess what? I've already accomplished that goal, and it's only been a few weeks! Done! (I only listed it here so I can feel like I'm making some progress.)
2. To not have a heart attack while going up a hill. Also to not have my lungs burst while going up a hill. Or, more accurately, I'd like to not feel like both of those things will occur every time there's a little slope in the road. Today on my ride I was seriously concerned for my body and its limits. I didn't die, so I'm on my way!
3. To be able to ride for 20 miles at a stretch. I'm not sure how I'm going to accomplish this. I need to find a route near my house that doesn't involve hauling the trailer with my precious children encased inside it onto busy roads with wackadoo drivers right and left. Which is a challenge. The ride to the library is only 4 miles, round trip.
4. My final goal is to get to Canyonlands, get on that trail, and kick its butt (sorry for the language, mom). I don't want to be the sad girl at the back, sobbing because it's just too hard (there's one in every season on the Amazing Race. I know the type, and I might be it). I also don't want to spend the whole time in the truck, being a wimp. I got all those fancy biking shorts and gloves and bike computer and shoes and special biking socks so I can ride my bike. So, basically, I want to have a good time on the trip in May, on my bike.
It's the first time in my life that I look forward to getting on my bike every day. I have friends that tell me that they used to hate running, but now they're addicted to it, and love it, and it doesn't make them miserable anymore. I can't picture myself ever feeling that way about running. Ever. But I used to dread getting on my bike because it hurt my bum, and it was hard, and my legs got tired. But after just a few weeks of riding regularly, I'm starting to love it. On days I don't have time to get on my bike, I feel antsy about it. This morning I went on a ride in 35 degree weather, and even though I froze my bum off, I felt energized and accomplished. (My toes are still thawing, but I'm glad I did it.) I get what my friends were talking about. I just had to find the right kind of exercise, and it's not running. Tomorrow I'm going to try a new route. Maybe I won't feel like I'm dying as much when I hit that hill.
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6 comments:
Must be in our blood.
I feel the same. I love to ride a bike but haven't in years. I dislike running so much but have been trying to like it for Peter. Just so we have something in common but it doesn't seem to be working. This makes me want to go get a new bike even if its a walmart special to get going...
Lara, come with me on a ride sometime. Stephen, it's true. We are born to bike. I just got around to it a little later than everyone else.
Biking is so much fun, even though I am that weirdo who loves running, biking is so enjoyable. :) You will knock it out of the park! Yay for bikes!
you are already well on your way if your bum no longer hurts! :) I'm really happy to hear you've found an exercise that you love. It makes all the difference! I hope the weather cooperates. There are likely many other cyclists in your area who can help you find good routes. One way to find them is via strava--maybe Stephen has already told you about it.
hills will get easier--just keep the gearing as easy as you can and try to pedal at a higher cadence vs pushing really hard. but you don't need me to tell you these things, given the # of cycling experts in your family.
be safe and enjoy!
-anne
Yet again we are the same! I love biking. In fact my dream is to get a really nice road bike and bike through Holland when the tulips are in bloom (never going to happen btw). It all happened one summer at BYU when my car broke down and I was too poor to fix it, so I biked literally everywhere. It is amazing, and so much better on your knees than running. I'm so jealous of your fun trip and your not sore bum!
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