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bicycle
6 AM ride on the American River Trail
It was foggy, wet, and humid. Oh, and it was dark, very dark. I used a borrowed bike light for the first time ever. Sally and the Princess took me right from their house, 2 blocks onto the AR Trail — another first for me, a flat trail ride.
What a great workout and quite the sensory experience! The lights cut through the fog, but visibility was limited, especially with the condensation on my glasses. Eerie and surreal, to see other bike lights coming out of the mist, as well as head lamps worn by the massive amount of runners. I am all for early morning exercise, but I have to admit that I was impressed by the sheer volume of folks out early, in the dense fog, running and riding.
Bunnies darted out from the fields on either side of the trail, and light slowly replaced darkness, massive oak trees were silhouetted, the river silently flowing, deer could be seen nibbling on the grasses, birds awakened and welcomed a new day with lovely song.
We rode back in full light, at a fast clip, feeling strong, alive, energized, and grateful for the opportunity to be out, enjoying my body, my companions, and my life.
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Sunday Morning Ride
It would have been oh-so-easy to stay home this morning, cozy in my robe and slippers … but a date is a date, and it’s Sunday morning, which means bike ride. Dressed in double layers on top, full leggings, long-fingered gloves, thick socks, and a wind shell, we set out into the chilly fall morning. WooHoo, was it brisk! My core warmed up quickly, but my fingers and ears stayed frosty throughout the ride.
How invigorating. Rewarding. Fun. I am oh-so-glad for the ride!
Sunday is off to a marvelous beginning.
Back in the saddle
Two weeks ago today, I was hiking on the John Muir Trail out of Tuolomne Meadows with a 45 pound backpack, a whole lot of enthusiasm, and stellar companionship to share in the adventure. I had trained for this trip; ramped up my runs, added in some hill work, increased squats and lunges–and it turns out that all the additional preparation was well needed and helpful. The four-day, 32 mile backpack was a marvelous summer experience. And very physically challenging.
To my surprise and dismay, I became ill on the tail end of the last day, with what evolved into a significant flu. The “it will take 10 days to get over this” advice I received was right on target, and today was the first day I have felt up to exercising. Oh but how I have missed it! The first few flu days were dedicated to staying in bed or on the futon in the sunroom, content to let life pass me by. Little by little, I felt better, began to venture out of the house, but became easily fatigued, so that any glimmer of exercise consideration became quickly dashed.
Ah, but not this morning. John and I honored our standing Sunday morning bike ride date, and with just a bit of trepidation on my part, off we went. It was glorious! Cool morning air, birds singing, soothing sunshine, burning quads, and tight chest… yes, I felt the effects of not having been on my bike for over two weeks, as well as the remnants of the respiratory illness, but ahhh, it was just so grand to be able to exercise again!
Sundays start with a ride
My husband and I have a standing bike ride date on Sunday mornings. We leave from our house around 8 AM and head off for one of our local loops. The morning air is delicious and oh-so-cool, the smells are damp and fresh, and there are fewer cars on the roads this early. This morning, barely awake was how I felt as we started, but I returned feeling invigorated and zippy. What a great way to start the day — exercise, pleasant temperatures, being with my sweetie, enjoying a quiet ride on familiar roads.
What’d I eat when we got back? A cold, crisp apple smeared with almond butter! Yum.
If you have not been out yet this morning, take this opportunity now, before it gets too hot. If the day is passing you by, make a plan for next weekend to enjoy an outdoor exercise session early in the morning — your day will be better for it!
Happy Sunday.
