Jack took a later than usual nap today, so I decided to get him up and out for a bike ride as soon as he awoke. We didn't have any particular plan other than to spend some time exploring the neighborhood and hopefully meander towards Kyle's work at around the same time he was leaving.The whole ride became a series of ups and downs for me emotionally. I found myself out of breath and seemed to be moving at a painfully slow pace, the bike felt heavy and every road felt like an incline, with my heart seemingly pounding in my chest I felt really miserable. After a few blocks I decided to cut through the school grounds and found myself distracted from my worries and aches by the beautiful trees and manicured grounds.
About then it was time for us to head over to Kyle's work but that took no time at all and so we recited the alphabet and cycled around the parking lot a few dozen times. It was during one of these laps that a car pulled in and the driver called out "Are you Lindsay and Jack?", which was a little shocking! It turned out to be a member of a local bike group I had been chatting with via Facebook. It was very encouraging to meet another cyclist, especially a friendly one with a child.Kyle emerged from work with his bicycle and as it was such a nice evening we decided to visit our new pizzeria and get a cold drink. I took some pictures, mainly because I wanted to show off Jack's splendid new cycling socks!
Today's whole trip amounted to just under 4 miles and was ridden at a crawl. I'm exhausted. I'm not really sure why, it has certainly been a rough week for sleep and I've been taking Benadryl all week so that's probably not helping. If at some point I thought this was going to be an easy challenge then this very simple and short ride firmly removed that idea from my mind.
I love this picture so I had to include it in the blog even if the little guy has a dirty face. I've started preparing for his second birthday, stripping down his bicycle so I can turn it into a balance bike. Also I've got to find some little knee pads and elbow pads so he doesn't get any major bruises when he's learning to ride.
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day as if all goes to plan we will be buying a moped for Kyle to jet about on. He will still ride the bike 3-4 days out of the work week and use the moped for the other 1-2 days.As April approaches I find myself painted into yet another corner with my dedication to the 30 days of Biking. I'm hoping daily rides bring about better endurance, less pain and quicker progress.
You are doing fine Lindsay!! And yes, more than likely the endurance test on this ride was probably due to the meds...don't get discouraged and before you know it you will get home from a ride and realize how far you have gone and you will be amazed...
ReplyDeletekeenan
Keenan- thank you, I sure hope so!
DeleteI had a similar feeling while I was riding today. Like it was more difficult than usual. I even looked down at my back tire a couple times to see if it was low. Maybe it was the wind or maybe gravity was just working better today. :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe it was just in the air...or maybe its this damp weather getting to my bones lol...glad to know I wasn't the only one!
DeleteYou're bound to have an off day once in a while. Hint: with Jack and you on the bike are the tires a bit low? That can create a drag that feels like you forgot your Wheaties or whatever.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of whatever, my secret for cycling comes in the form of a vitamin. Centrum Performance. B12 and Ginseng in just the right amounts for good clean feeling energy. I'll be 60 next year and I still ride like I'm 18.
Keep it up Lindsay, love reading your blog.
Zappdog- I made a promise to my bike shop to check my tires before each ride and have been faithfully keeping it, so it wasn't that- I think I'm just generally worn down from lack of sleep. But you do bring up a very good point- vitamins!! I have them all and to be honest I faithfully look at them at least once a day, but fall short of actually taking them. I guess that's another thing to work on:) Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteLindsay, we all have those days when cycling all of a sudden seems to be a real chore rather than fun. One day I'm out and life is good. The next day everything hurts and I wonder why I'm riding. But I think the more you ride the fewer those kind of days you'll have.
ReplyDeleteCTQ- I think you are right, I need to get out more and break myself into it a little more gradually rather than doing long rides and then nothing for 3 days...thank you!!!
DeleteYou can do it,my friend! I have faith in you and Jack. Any time you feel discouraged,take a look at the pic of Jack you posted for inspiration (that's what I do with my kid's pics too ;) ) :)
ReplyDeleteThe Disabled Cyclist
The Disabled Cyclist- true enough! I do that! I also reach back and get little high fives and "knuckles" to get a little contact with him- keeps me going.
DeleteI reach back to get high fives and pounds from my son in his peanut shell too. I usually do it if he is complaining but it always seems to make me feel better about being on the bike too. Your doing great like everyone has said we all have those days when it feel like there is lead in our tires but they always pass.
ReplyDeleteKeep rolling.
Thanks Joshua! Cheers!
DeleteEverybody has off days, don't worry about it. You'll be doing distance in no time. Give yourself a break, you're riding a big bike with your kid on it as well. That's a lot of weight that gives you the impression that you're not making any progress. Take your husband's bike for a spin to see the difference.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, you're doing fine.
Gerry :)
You know I think I shall Gerry, I could hook the trailer up and go for a little ride and see how it feels. Thanks!! lindsay
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