The OutSPOKEn Cyclist
By Diane Jenks
Sometimes I sit in front of the keyboard and just stare at the screen. I know, of course, that writers write and while I don’t usually have what is commonly called writer’s block, I do sometimes wonder whether I’ve run out of ideas.
So today, I just started writing (or more accurately, typing.) Here’s what came of it.
It’s raining and very gray in Northeast Ohio today and the thing that keeps many of us from “doing our best” when it comes to exercise, fitness, and even plain old recreation, is our weather. It can be both a deterrent and a ready excuse to NOT get up and get moving.
When I was younger, I loved running. I didn’t mind going out in the rain and would run into the coldest months. I’d run through the streets of Cleveland Heights and even entered a few 10K events back in the day. I was slow – can you say T-U-R-T-L-E? And I ran heavy – like a baby elephant, even though I was really light and thin then.
But that was then, and this is now. I’m no longer running, even though I never reached my ½ marathon goal. And I’ve gained a few pounds — okay, maybe 20 — ugh.
I’m also pretty much a fair-weather cyclist, preferring warm sunny days, even though I do have the right clothing to ride into the colder weather. And, with the increased traffic accompanied by what seems to be an epidemic of vicious drivers, I loathe going out onto the streets on two wheels, preferring to stick with places like the Towpath and Bike-and-Hike trails. That, of course, entails hauling the bike on the car and schlepping off to our destinations.
I do walk our dog – a lot. And that is pretty much year-round. She’s a great companion and game for long walks unless there is an Amazon truck on the streets. Then, she pulls like a plough-horse all the way home.
I also practice yoga daily – which needs little motivation since I’m the teacher and offer classes every day. I’m sure that if I didn’t roll out that mat, I wouldn’t be able to do the walking and biking I do – let alone have pretty good balance and excellent breathing.
Over the winter though, I’ve found a new and inspiring activity. Twice a week, I click the link my personal trainer sends me and let her guide me through strength and weight training. I do it right in my in-house yoga space with my mat and a couple of 5-pound weights.
I didn’t realize how weak my upper body was and am seeing some really impressive results in what I’m thinking is a relatively short period of time. (At least, she is telling me I’m “killing it” at least several times during our half-hour sessions and again at the end.)
I think about RBG – the photos of her working out with HER trainer that went viral – and remember reading how important she felt it was to stay strong. #belikeRBG, I think.
I also receive a lot of encouragement from my husband to keep active and stay strong. Having a champion in your corner is a pretty motivating thing.
I guess, in the end though, my main motivation to stay strong and limber is a raging desire to stay healthy — to not succumb to debilitating issues such as diabetes and heart disease — especially if I can be the one who prevents them.
So, what motivates you? If it’s sunshine and warm weather, it’s right here right now. And, if you need a gentle push, check in with your Silver Sneakers account or tap one of your friends to join you for a walk in the park. Whatever will get you up and out… do that!
Photo courtesy pexels.com
