Biking Again

I was riding my bike to work and for many of my errands 6 years ago. Upon the arrival of Kennedy my biking came to a halt because I was keeping her alot and well...it's hard to carry a baby on a bike! I didn't make time to ride my bike in my schedule.

In May I participated in a "Life Screening" program that came to my area. They do all sorts of tests regarding your health. I had decided it was time to see where I was. A month later...the week of my birthday I got the results in the mail. I had passed everything with flying colors except for two. Blood pressure and blood sugar! I was on the verge of being hypertensive and diabetic! Having been healthy as a horse all my life I was a little taken back! I knew I had put on some extra weight...especially around the middle (ugh!). Needless to say that report got my attention! I didn't "wait until Monday" to make changes. I made changes THAT DAY!

I didn't put myself on a diet. I just told myself I had to change the way I looked at food and what I was eating and this would have to be a change for life.

I am pretty active but I knew that I needed to do an activity on a more regular basis for an exact period of time for more added benefit. I like to walk but I had been having some issues with my feet lately so the bike seemed the most logical activity to do.

I don't ride my bike to work but instead take 30 mins to an hour during my day to bike. I started riding for 5 miles. I would ride to the cemetery and around the cemetery and back home. It was a bit tough in the beginning but gradually I got stronger. I am now biking 10 to 12 miles when I ride and using the Trailway. For those who are not familiar with my town. There is a railroad track that runs through our community into Weatherford. Years ago it ceased to be functional so plans were made and it was turned into a walking/biking trail. The trail head begins at what was known as "the depot" at hwy 281. The trail is 1 mile from my house and I ride my bike to the trail head. The trail is paved until you get to McDonald's. From there it is dirt and gravel. The trail makes it's way into our State Park then the trail can be used by equestrians too. It's really nice to have a place to ride and not have to worry about vehicles. It is a little tricky in town as the trail crosses several streets. Two which are major streets and those are dangerous.

The weather has been very hot in the afternoons so I've had to move my bike riding to the mornings. That's been a stretch in itself as I am not a morning person. Don't get me wrong...I like mornings but I also like to stay up late. Kind of hard to do both but I am adjusting.  I am getting to see some beautiful sunrises getting up early!

There is a young woman who runs a little coffee shop that sits on the Church property. She also bikes but she does like 25 - 34 miles! She is the one who inspired me. I don't plan to ride that kind of distance. I just don't have the time it would take. I did make it my goal to make it to the bridge that crosses over Highway 180. It is 6 miles from my house to that bridge. Well, I did it on Friday! I had stopped and planned to turn around when I convinced myself I was so close I should finish and I did!

This is the view from the bridge looking back toward Mineral Wells.

Heading back home. I was very proud of myself!






Have a good one!