racethenation

I was out this morning running 3 miles (yes I know that is another forum) and I couldn't help but notice the people who have started emerging from their winter dens, aka houses, after a long winter hibernation. I had to smile because I used to be one of those. This time of year when the weather was nice in the evening, I would go for a walk with the family or I would dust off the bike and ride a couple of times and think I was doing something. After a few rides, it would get hot outside, and the bike would start gathering dust again. This past winter I slowed down a little, but never stopped riding and running through the winter.

Last night when were going to bed, my wife asked me what time I had to get up this morning. I said I was getting up at 6, because I was only running 3 miles in the morning, so I didn't need to get up earlier. She stopped and came back in the room, and asked if I caught the significance that I was ONLY running 3 miles in the morning. My how times have changed.

Wogster

At a time when the average person couldn't run 3 feet.... The great part is that you CAN run 3 miles. I don't run, but I do walk about 6km a day at work, and do bike as much as I can. I like being able to just jump on the bike and go to the store, finding a parking space at the local grocery can be difficult, but a couple of years ago, when they redid the store, they replaced the ugly old rusty cart coral posts with a series of brushed steel units that are shaped like an upside down U perfect for locking a bike to. So I can park the bike right at the door, pop in, grab something and be gone in a few minutes.

Neil_B

I go through the same thing. I'm leaving for work in a couple of hours, I'm going to be asked about my ride to Reading and back, and folks are going to stunned when I tell them it was 35 miles and I wanted it to be longer.

Neil_B

Have you thought that you might be an inspiration for one or more of those folks emerging from the den to perhaps ride or walk a little further or longer? I'm sure they sometimes saw you out there in the winter.

racethenation

Possibly. I often get asked what I have done to lose the weight, I usually just answer that I have been careful about what I eat, and that I have been running and riding a lot. If they are actually interested they will start asking more questions, when I start briefly describing where I started with the bike and what I have worked up to now, I almost always get these glassy eyed stares followed by a look of "If that is what it takes, I am not interested."

Neil_B

But you've planted the seed, and it might take. Yes, some of it may fall by the wayside, on rocky ground, or among thorns and thistles, but sooner or later it's going to fall on fertile ground.