It was windy. Wizard of Oz windy. I saw a witch go by on her bicycle. Even though she was a witch, there must have been some good in her because she was riding in the Tour de Cure, helping to raise money for diabetes research. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and let her pass me.
It was hot. Africa hot. Every time I inhaled, my nose hairs ignited, like a hundred tiny matches.
On my 40-mile cycling tour through Rochester's southern farmlands I passed:
I found the whole experience incredibly scary. I raced down unfamiliar hills at approximately 147 mph with nothing between me and the pavement except a whoosh of air. When you go down those hills, you have to hold your body in as horizontal a position as possible, keep firm and steady control of the bike. You have to continuously scan the ground for potholes, rocks, debris, sewer covers, and anything else that might send you flying (and be ready to respond. All this with people, cars, and an assortment of bugs streaking past. (I ate one bug that I know of.) But scary is good. It makes you feel alive.
I also found the experience incredibly energizing. I fought gravity, wind, my own doubts about my ability, and my mother's voice saying, "Do you have to do the whole 40 miles?" (If I gave up, would I be less disappointed in myself if I could I say that my mother told me to?)
I did not, however, find the experience satisfying. I want more. Next year, I am going to do the 62.5 miles, and then there's only one more level after that: the Century. 100 miles - just in time for my 50th birthday.
What I noticed is that hundreds of people rode. None of them were "typical." They all had different types of bikes, different speeds, different styles. They all just showed up and did their thing, their way.
Just find something and go and do it.
Subscribe to BodyWizards today, and get the power to build your ideal body.
Have a question? Leave a comment!
In strength,
Julie
Julie Scipioni McKown is a certified personal trainer, and a physique transformation champion. Her e-book, Body Wizardry: Releasing the Champion Within is now available for the Kindle ebook reader. Don't have a Kindle? Get yours here. For information on purchasing other versions of the ebook, email us at [email protected] .