Fitness reboot
During the last quarter of last year, I really slacked off on the exercise and, subsequently, on a reasonable diet. I’d probably been drifting in this direction before but once my iron levels became low, I used it too much as an excuse to avoid exercise. It’s a domino effect when it happens and by the end of the year, I had become fairly unfit and all the improvements accumulated over a couple of years seemed to be undone.
In December I was quite conscious of the need to get going again but the holiday season makes it really difficult. I decided to wait until after the holiday period and start anew. I’d already had the experience of really struggling to keep up with the Scientist when we were out and about. He does walk pretty quickly but I used to be able to almost keep up. : ) At this point I was absolutely exhausted within a short time. Anyway, about week to ten days into the year, I finally got back into some serious exercise. I started out with a target of doing exercise 3-4 times a week and increased the number of days to five once I regained a bit of fitness.
Several weeks later and I am not quite back to my former fitness but I am pretty close and I am back to riding the bike and getting out and about on foot in the area. Last week I stopped in at the shop where I bought the bike over a decade ago and bought a new seat and drink holder. The old seat was in pretty bad shape and I finished many rides with more discomfort than I felt was absolutely necessary. Yesterday I returned for the bike to be serviced and to get tires and brake pads replaced. I’m happy to report I picked it up today and it was riding so much better.
It also helped a bit with my confidence while riding. As much as I enjoy cycling, I’ve always been a bit too nervous to ride properly on the road very much and tend to stick to dual use paths most of the time. This just makes it feel more secure while riding…mainly less likely to fly over the handlebars or fall on the road or anything like that.
I was also pleased when riding my bike to the shop yesterday that I can again climb certain hills without having to dismount and walk the bike uphill. The fitness is coming back and I just need to stick to my routines and keep an eye on my eating.
