In 2003 and 2004 I began an exercise program that consisted primarily of riding my bike through the streets of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I lived downtown and I enjoyed riding along the beautiful New River, The Intercoastal Waterway and up A1A along the famous Ft. Lauderdale beaches. At first, I could only ride a few miles. Over a period of time, that increased to five miles. Then it increased to ten and then finally, twenty miles four times per week.
My resting heart rate was in the 60's. My blood pressure was excellent. I was tan. I felt great. I loved my scenic route and the people I would see each day that I rode. It was awesome.
In 2005, however, I had a health problem. I got an umbillical hernia due to a watersport accident. It stopped me from doing much of anything. I procrastinated the surgery until, finally, I had no choice. After the surgery I got a staff infection. Fortunately I recovered. But mentally, I babied myself and did very little exercise. When I did exercise I was not disciplined. I didn't stick to it.
I gained weight. Alot of weight. Too much rich food and too little exercise will put on the pounds. And, now, in 2009, I am back at it. And I have a long way to go both literally and figuratively.
So, recently. I dusted off my bike. Took it to the Bike Shop and asked them to do a complete tune up. The first time I got on my bike I thought, "Well, it is time for a twenty mile ride. Let's do it." Right. Not a chance. By the end of five miles my legs were filled with pain, my hands hurt from the handlebars, my left calf was cramping, I was out of breath and my helmet was digging into my forehead. I was tired. Other than that it was a great ride! So much for twenty miles.
So, now I am riding five, six and seven miles. In time, I will be back to twenty miles and loving it. And, it is a great time of year to be riding a bike in South Florida. As I write this it is 75 degrees with a gentle breeze. Nice.
Life can be very complicated. One day you are riding the heights and the next you are grounded by the hernias of life. Sometimes we can get distracted and miss the main point. The key is to keep focus or to regain it if we lose it.
Here is a smattering of wry observations on life and work that apply to our health and happiness:
1. Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool.
2. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
3. Borrow money from a pessimist. They don't expect it back.
4. If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.
5. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
6. The sooner you fall behind the more time you will have to catch up.
7. If at first you don't succeed, then sky diving isn't for you.
Yes, running the race can get postponed because of life's busy-ness, but we can't use it as an excuse forever….
Henry Ford, in talking about life's race, commented…..
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
-Henry Ford (1863-1947)
San Fransisco 49ers head coach Steve Mariucci,
I never wear a watch, because I always know it's now-and now is when you should do it.
So, "Don't Delay Running (or riding)! Get on with it." You...and I...can do it.
