First ride (in a long time...)

I finally did it. I've been thinking about taking my bike out for a ride for a long time, and this morning I finally did. I was inspired by Barb Mathers, a manager at work who I've been following on Twitter. She often tweets about her rides, so I finally made up my mind yesterday to just get it down off the hangers, pump up the tires and take it out for a spin.

The first ride was nothing spectacular. It was only about 5 miles along relatively flat streets in my neighborhood.


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(Although the map has my starting address as 74 Melanie Lane, I really started at 14. All the on-line mapping services have the numbering way off on my little street. So what they have as 74 is really near where 14 would be. There is no 74, and, actually, none higher than 18.)

Of course Barb does it right and does real mountain biking. I'll have to find some trails in my vicinity to ride. The only ones I know of are off-limits to bikes, they are for hiking. But, as I said to Barb yesterday, I need to get my training wheels off first before I get too adventurous. Today's ride was a good start.

I have to admit, I really felt a burn, especially on the little inclines I encountered. Much more so than when I ride my stationary bike, which I have done recently for as many as 12 miles. Not the same, though. The stationary bike has the arms that move as you pedal, but I feel the work out from today's ride all over, including my arms.

I've known I've needed to get more exercise lately. I haven't been sleeping well, and I'm starting to feel tired more. Of course, the 3.5-mile walk I took last Wednesday evening does not count. Normally when I walk on my treadmill, I go about 1.5 miles per session. So, why did I walk so far? Don't ask, it's a really stoopid answer, especially since it wasn't on my treadmill! Suffice it to say that I was not in a good mood and I decided to walk home instead of ride in the car with my wife. Dumb. At least it gave me time to cool off. Next time, though, I'll probably just take some deep breaths and count to 20. Oy vey.

I do need to get back into the routine of exercising regularly 3-4 times a week, though. I've really slacked off for the past few months because I've not felt too well. I know ... am I not feeling well because I'm not exercising, or am I not exercising because I'm not feeling well? A little of both, I suppose, but I know forcing myself to exercise will ultimately help.

So today was a good start. It felt great to get out and ride the bike. Now I just need to keep up the motivation to do it again ... and again and again. My goal is to ride the nearly 20 miles up to Merrill Creek Reservoir and back by the end of the summer.