Biking in the Cold

Brrr.... yesterday was perhaps the last time I will bike in 20 degree temperatures. I actually only ventured out to Germantown to ride as Carol and I agreed to hang out afterwards. Call it peer pressure. Otherwise, I would have been perfectly happy to get some exercise in the comfort of my gym.

I wore silk long underwear, athletic tights, toe & hand warmers, booties, two technical shirts, a warm technical jacket, and a balaclava. I could barely move and was still cold. It felt like a ton of bricks hitting my face as I began to bike. Yow. I eventually warmed up a wee bit. However, about midway through the 27-mile ride, I got cold again. So did Carol and Carrie (and maybe others?) Why is that? We were still moving and the temperature did not change.

I am sure the scenery was magnificent as they usually are on our rides, but I was so focused on staying warm that I really did not take the time to notice.

I trudged along slowly but surely. Although it was about zero fun, I am glad I went. I am glad to be finally getting into a fitness routine once again. (Ran 8 miles on Saturday too.)

After the ride, Carol and I rewarded ourselves with a fabulous feast of pancakes. Yum!

New Year, New Start

Time to get serious again about fitness. I've gained a few pounds, feeling a little sluggish, and looking to get back into the groove.

So, today I'm re-starting Weight Watchers. I've had success in the past. I am hoping I can drop 15-20 pounds over the next 6 months. Doable?

Over the weekend I had a lovely 6-mile run around the National Mall. My lingering foot issue seems to have resolved itself.... hopefully.

Then Sunday I went for a bike ride in Nokesville with the team. It was our first return there since my 122+ mile ride over the summer. My biking distance Sunday paled in comparison. I only went 13 miles, primarily because I was pressed for time. However, I am not quite sure I could have biked too much beyond that. It was my first time on the bike since perhaps October. Ouch! The bike ride felt great nonetheless, and look forward to being a regular at the rides. Lately, my showing at the bike rides have been confined to providing support (known as sag), providing aid as needed from the comforts of my car. I think I surprised people by actually showing up to ride this go-around. A definite sign.

Hiking will also soon return as part of my fitness regimen.

And so will swimming. I swam one day last week also for the first time in a few weeks and I definitely noticed. There was a time where a mile was my absolute minimum, an easy day. This time, I swam about half that and struggled to motivate myself to do so.

But, difficult as it all may be, it's all a step in the right direction.