Bicycle Riding and The Audi Best Buddies Challenge

by Maryann on April 22, 2010

Donation Page link:

Dear Cyber Readership,
I am riding my bicycle for The Audi Best Buddies Challenge Hyannisport 2010
because I have seen my nephew, who has a learning disability, benefit from the buddy program. Learn about the Best Buddies organization at my donation page link and if you would like to donate there you may but you do not have to.
My nephew has had a buddy at school and at home, thanks to the Best Buddies.

I started riding indoors in February on a stationary bicycle for about an hour and fifteen minutes four days a week.
Many days I have taken off due to aches or pains but after a few days rest I continue with my same workout routine.
After about six weeks of indoor training I removed a bunch of clutter from the shed in the back yard, found bike oil, and an air pump, dragged out my Peugeot a teeny tiny bit rusted after 24 years of not much riding, put on my newly purchased helmet, and rode down the street.

My plan was to train by distance, which is to say ride a particular distance repeatedly then increase the distance gradually. The plan is working out for the most part. I have had to take a few days off due to aches and pains once in a while, which I believe is an important part of training, especially if you are the grandmother of four like me. However my distance has not been increasing as quickly as I had hoped. I am beginning to think about reaching a point where I will need to incorporate double sessions into my training program if I am going to be able to go the distance of 20 miles.

Along the way I have been thinking about how bicycle riding can actually teach a person some things about living life. For instance, cruising along, not too much stress, learn to recognize the stress points and shift geers. Try not to pump too hard. Watch out for sand on the downhill. Why do people in cars look so panicky when I am in total control of what I am doing? Climb the hill, know the focus in front of me and the goal up yonder. The steady climb works with gears on easy but if I use them all up I get into high gear and climb the hill . When the stress seems insurmountable on the hill just lean forward. Slow and steady. soon enough there will be a time to glide again. Use your glide time if you like. Peddle always peddle will help build muscle at that stress point – keep it going. Did you know that the human body’s muscles will build themselves stronger? Did you know that the human body’s digestive system is directly connected to the respiratory system. Pump up the heart beat maybe just maybe my metabolism will start to work efficiently enough to make my liver make some of those good cholesterols. How has my brother found the time to ride his bicycle all these years? NO WONDER HE IS A SUPER HEALTHY GUY!
Bicycle riding…ride fast sometimes then practice using your brakes…..a tip from a friend from Italy.
Where are all the kids…I used to see lots of kids outside riding bikes…a lot of years ago I guess. Kind of sad, there does not seem to be as many kids outside riding bikes as I used to see years ago. Why?
Anyways, I hope I can make the ride 20 miles. But most of all, I am experiencing a challenge like life offers to many of us in a variety of ways. Keep trying. Take time for yourself. Dedication and consistency are effective, train the same way over and over again as much as possible then some. Pretty soon, see you there – I know we ALL MUST BE CHALLENGED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. I am glad to take part in something as meaningful as this, Best Buddies, and know that I am very inspired by many of you.

Live life,

do what you like to do,

exercise can be fun.
From,
Maryann

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