This morning's storms kept me in from my walk/run, which was no big deal since I already got 3 runs in this week and still have tomorrow as a potential bonus. I'm not gonna lie - I loved getting to stay snuggled in bed, listening to the thunder and lightning and not exerting myself!
Tonight, though, I accidentally gave myself a pretty good workout. The weather was chilly and gray but no sign of impending rain, so I practically RAN for Lulu when I got off work. Off we went, down the bike path. I noticed some blustery breezes on my way there, but then once I turned onto the path, they seemed to disappear. Oblivious in my happy little Karen-on-a-bike cloud (yes, I actually ride with a big dumb grin on my face), I pedaled gleefully away. I rode faster than I have ever ridden before. I ZOOMED the whole 5.5 miles to one of my usual turnaround spots. I was amazed at my speed.
My boss had complimented me on "shrinking" right as I left work - I think I was still high on the fumes of that one. So I was 8 years old all over again, pedaling with all my might and thinking WOW at how fast I could go...I really must be getting into good shape! And not noticing that part of the reason for that was: a very strong tailwind.
I generally take a break or two or sometimes even three when I ride, to greatly lessen uhhh "bike seat pain." So I stopped at the turnaround point, sat on a bench and watched the crazy waves crashing and smashing on the shore (I NEVER get tired of watching Lake Michigan) and checked out the people walking, jogging, and biking by.
I noticed a lady on a bike wearing a windbreaker jacket. Watching the way it billowed as she rode, the reality finally dawned on me: I'm going to have to ride home in some pretty strong headwinds. Hoo boy.
Pedaling the bike homeward, I felt like someone had attached a giant bungee cord to my back tire and was holding it steady. I shifted down from 7th gear into 6th...then 5th...and finally 4th. I felt like I needed to stand on the pedals sometimes. On the slight inclines that cannot even truly be called "hills" I had to downshift again to 3rd, and still came almost to a stop. In some of the "out in the open" spots I almost felt like I needed to get off and walk the bike, but I kept pedaling.
It was a good workout. Had to practice good breathing, and even worked up a bit of a sweat despite the chilly weather. Tonight my knees are talking to me about that ride.
But that's the fun of bicycling - even a workout that kicks my butt is a total joy.
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