All this walking I’m doing (20 miles so far this week) is making my feet very, very sore. I’m going to a special shoe store this afternoon in search of some help, but that’s another post. Anyway, it occurred to me that a little cross training might be good for what ails me.
Enter The Bike. Or, should I say RE-enter The Bike. My poor bike has led a lonely life since I moved to Tennessee. The single time I saddled up, it ended in disaster. I still don’t know how it happened, but I just flopped over, like that old guy on Laugh In. You know…the one on the tricycle. You don’t remember Laugh In? Oh, well…never mind. It hurt. A lot. That was over 3 years ago, and I hadn’t been back on the bike since.
When I lived in DC, I took advantage of the many bike trails that criss-crossed the entire area. My favorite weekend outing was to take my bike down to the Potomac and ride along the river all afternoon. This isn’t quite as bike-friendly an area. Not by a long shot.
I live in a quiet neighborhood with very little traffic, so I figured the nearby streets would be a good place to get back into riding. I was a bit nervous, in light of my little accident the last time out. But, it went well, in spite of the gale force winds blowing today. I could only handle 10 minutes, however! This biking stuff uses totally different muscles than those used in walking. I dismounted with shaky knees and burning thighs. I must have done some good!
My goal is to bike another 10 minutes several times this week and then bump it up to 15…etc., etc. etc.
Geezers on bikes. What’s next? Rollerblades?
April 11, 2009 at 7:49 am |
About 10 years ago I bought a new bike,… tried riding again (then age very late 50s) and didn’t fare very well. Short of breath, all that stuff you described in the knees and thighs. I folded,. gave bike to granddaughter. Figured I’d probably kill myself! haha….. I’m glad you are persevering!
April 12, 2009 at 10:25 am |
Good for you! Happy Easter!