When Mom and I used to do our first bike ride in the spring, we would call it our First Ride Out. It was usually torture, but if we made it through that first ride we knew each ride after would get easier and easier. We trekked a nice five mile ride around Page. By the end of the summer, we would circle the route twice. I loved bike riding.
Shelbie, http://brianshelbieclement.blogspot.com/ a girl at work, has been trying to convince me to ride to work with her. We planned on doing it as soon as Brant moved here and brought my bike. Unfortunately, my bike got here--minus the front tire. Shelbie offered her husband's bike. So, yesterday we rode the bikes to work. It's only two miles from where we live--we live in the same subdivision. There were a couple of killer hills. I was worried about being able to keep up with Shelbie--she's almost half my age. Surprisingly, I didn't do too bad. She was impressed at how strong my legs were as I made it up some of the steeper hills. I kept telling myself, "Hospital hill, hospital hill." That's the part of the trip that was the hardest when Mom and I would ride.
Interesting how there is so much mental power in doing something. I know my body was not ready to take this ride. I am so out of shape and much older than when I rode with Mom. But, I drew on the memories of going with Mom. I can remember how she also had more stamina than I did. The only thing I had going for me was my youth. Sure would like a piece of that right now. It's interesting how time works. Events that took place decades ago are still fresh in my mind and recalled as if they were from yesterday. It's also interesting how much stock we put in our family roots. My mind told my body I could do it because my Mom did.
However, at 3 o' clock in the morning--that's what time it is right now--my body has strongly disagreed with my mind. I woke up with leg aches so painful I couldn't go to sleep. I have taken Excedrin. When that didn't do anything I dug up some old pain pills and took a hot bath. Still waiting for it to kick in. I'm just glad I got the first ride out. I'm definitely going to keep it up so that I don't have to go through this again. Just when I think I can't ask again, I wonder once more, "How did Mom do it?" She's amazing. Her strength never ends.
2 comments:
That's crazy. I couldn't do that!!! I'm so out of shape...and no time to get in shape either. We should start going together or something.
Liz I am really proud of you. That is a big task you took on and you jumped right in without working up to it. There are some pretty good hills you had to climb. It did take me back to our rides around Page and good old hospital hill. But those are great memories, you brought tears to my eyes just thinking about the good old days and riding our bikes together. Even though it was hard work, it was a great time we had to spend time together. And remember good old Vicki would stop at the store and buy a candy and coke when she went with us, the little stinker, Vick. Thanks for all your compliments.
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