Honestly I've gotten past the point of beating myself up about messing up on this month, and proceeded to the "shaking my head" in a "what the hell was I thinking" fashion. Note to self and anyone else considering a huge lifestyle change: Know yourself and plan accordingly. All the record keeping, calorie counting and mileage tracking goals actually made me feel like I had failed early in the month because I got sidetracked when Mum had surgery. If I'd have kept it simple and challenged myself to "ride everyday" I would certainly have had more miles, and felt accomplished and re-energized daily. I would no doubt be ending this month with a feeling of accomplishment like I did the one prior.
I would feel slightly depressed about all of this if it wasn't for the fact that I made some major growth this month- I cycled all the way to Walla Walla numerous times and I did so on my own, with no Kyle there to hide my social insecurities behind. I know I haven't touched on those issues much, and honestly it's because I find it such a deep subject that I'm not sure it can be spoken of here, but suffice it to say, I'm prouder of the fact that I rode that far solo, than I would be if I had ridden twice that distance with company. Just yesterday I was riding beside a very professional looking bicyclist and I wandered how we looked in comparison as we crossed the street. Then I realized I shouldn't care what people think; Jack couldn't care less if his Mum doesn't look fit, he still just rode 10 miles on the back of a Yuba Mundo, singing the alphabet song and pointing out "floweries" and that's pretty awesome.
I'm going to take a ride today, it won't be 13 miles, but I will still be proud of myself- I suggest you do the same. Next months goal- cycle every single day!
You are doing great! I ride a lot, but have no idea how many miles. Just relax, have fun, and don't pay attention to the mileage! That is my philosophy anyway.
ReplyDeleteJim Rudenko
Thanks Jim- that is for sure the plan for June!
DeleteYou are doing so great! Lessons are to be learned! I signed up for #30daysofbiking this year but didn't get it done. Instead, I *DID* keep my promise so far of bike-commuting to work at least one day a week. This is week 9 in a row for me. :) I'm actually pretty proud of that accomplishment. And I have to say that reading your blog has helped keep me in that mindset, too.
ReplyDeleteHello Jillithian-
DeleteI think that is amazing- it must be harder too, to time a bike commute. I have very few deadlines for my travels, which is good, because I wouldn't make any of them lol. Keep at it, it's one big inspiration whirlwind we're all in together! Cheers Lindsay
you are amazing... You encourage me to continue riding even when I am slowly pedaling away at my goal.. when I first read your blog (it appeared on someone else blog) I was so impressed and I had just comitted to ride a certain amount of miles myself (easy to do, if I didn't have the mom duties plus caring for my elderly dad daily) However as of last night I was 23 miles short of my up to date annual goal, and you came to mind.. I am SO SO proud of you, and brag to people about your riding,so I had to get out this morning and pedal away..
ReplyDeleteI am still 10 miles from being caught up but I won't get down on myself, rather I shall enjoy the wonderful morning ride I had, the sunshine I enjoyed and the feeling of pedaling past a guy on his bike while riding up a hill YEP.. Happy me... and if I saw you riding by a professional looking cyclist, I'd be much more impressed by you!! Keep riding you're amazing!!!
jaebrd
Jaebrd-
DeleteSee in the past not ultimately touching a very specific goal would have made me feel like I failed- that can't be good! And I don't think I'm alone here, sounds like lots of people experience the same thing. But that negative thinking seems to have a way of dulling my drive too, so I have to avoid it and be thankful. Glad to hear you are doing the same!
Passing someone on a hill? Geez you are rocking it! Haha the only people I pass on hills are pedestrians and they can hear me coming because I'm so out of breath! ;)
Keep riding my friend! Lindsay
Lindsay,I have to second te above comments,my friend! Who CARES what others think? If other cyclists see you and Jack making a positive change and that site can't bring a hhuge smile and warmth to their day,then screw them,I say...you aren't doing this for them,you're doing it for those who matter most in your life,and you're doing awesome! You guys are still a big inspiration to me :) Ride on and smile,my friend,ride on and smile :D
ReplyDeleteThe DC
TDC- I have always let what I thought other people would think, stop me from doing what I wanted. One of the pleasures of "maturing" must be that I'm starting to know when it's appropriate to not care...feels good! Cheers, Lindsay
DeleteYou are so smart! I love you
ReplyDeleteThank you! *blush* One is only as smart as ones experiences, right?
DeleteLindsay, 100 miles is not measly! You've accomplished an amazing amount of miles and it can be fun to keep track, but don't feel bad having missed the arbitrary mark. And more realistically, you don't want to push yourself too hard when you're sleep deprived, sick, *and* sore. You're a PRO, after all :), and you need to keep your machine (both bike and body) running.
ReplyDeleteAnd huge congrats on the solo riding! I had noticed mention of Kyle along on most rides and thought it's so wonderful you get to ride all together. It's still a wonderful thing, but more so that you've braved some big rides solo (well, solo plus Jack :))
Hello Familyride! Thank you! I'm pretty proud of it too when I compare it to how far I've come in the last 4 months. Yes, poor Kyle has been spending too much time with the mouse and keyboard at work and hasn't been able to ride for a while now. But it has pushed me to get out there more on my own, which really is a huge accomplishment. Hopefully he'll get it sorted out and rested so he can ride again.
DeleteThanks for reading! Lindsay
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars." -Les Brown
ReplyDelete86 miles for the month sounds pretty dang awesome! I have loved reading your story. You and other bloggers have helped me see that I can include my small children in my quest to being heathly and strong.
Kayla- I love that quote! You know honestly, its having Jack along that makes it all so special! Glad you are enjoying the log- it really gives me so much too, reading comments and having a way to vent has been a huge aid in this journey. Thanks for reading, Lindsay
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