After almost 6 months (10/30/07 was my last ride), I finally made my first bike outing of the year. Hooray! I did a 41-mile ride through what was mostly a farming community. I could definitely smell the fertilizer in the air! Spring in Michigan has finally arrived. My time was actually 35 seconds faster than my ride of six months earlier. However, as I write this, I can tell you that my butt is feeling the pain. I probably should have done a little shorter ride or gone at a more leisurely pace. The mind was definitely willing to maintain the pace but the body apparently was not.
I’ve always found bike riding and running to be therapeutic. It gives me a chance to clear my mind and sort things out. Many people are familiar with the bible verse from John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Not to disparage the bible in any way, but for me, the phrase, “If you choose to exercise, exercising will set you free.” is very apropos. There’s something about getting the old juices flowing in your system that gives you a clearer picture on life. I suppose from a medical standpoint, your increased metabolic rate pumps more epinephrine (adrenaline) into your system to give you that “athletic high.” Whatever it is, I always feel better about things after I’m done. I may start off the day in a less than stellar mood, but after that run or bike ride, I’m more settled and in a better frame-of-mind to handle what the rest of the day has in store for me.
Getting started in an exercise routine is always an initial struggle. The first few sessions can be a wake up call for your body and may make you feel pretty sore. Just don’t overdue the initial phase. Take it nice and easy. At first you might not feel like there’s any improvement at all. I think that’s a very natural reaction. Things take time and you will gradually begin to feel better. The best thing you can do is to find a partner so you can help and encourage each other through this phase. Hang in there and eventually your determination will pay off.
Legal disclaimer: Every individual is different so before beginning any type of physical conditioning program, you should consult a competent medical professional. Duh!
2 Responses to First Bike Ride
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Good job, dude! Imagine how sore you would be if you had used a regular bike! Just think, in three years people can consult ME if they want to start a ‘physical conditioning program.’ Awesome! 🙂
When I ride on the recumbent bike, I never stop during the entire ride and I can’t really stand on the peddles for a butt break like I can on a regular bike. If I did the same ride on a regular bike, I wouldn’t be able to walk for a week!