I'm Still Here!

Hey Classmates,

I figured this may be the best way to reach everyone at once to let you know that I am still here and part of the class. I've been dealing with some pretty severe illness in my family but it seems that everyone is on the mend and I'll be back in the classroom tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing you all again!

My cycling has not been going very well, to be honest. The first week was fun riding around my neighborhood and having a picnic with my kids, but my next cycling session I opted to try the stationary bike in the fitness center. My dance class is above the fitness center, and since I have a good chunk of time between that class and our bio I figured I'd cycle away the time. However, I have to say I was so bored by the lack of mobility and change of scenery. I fully expect the outdoor experience on one of the greenways to be much more thrilling. I was only able to stay on the bike for about twenty minutes, even with adjusting the resistance and the difficulty levels mechanically. I suppose if one is looking to cycle primarily as a work out then the stationary bike might be a better option, but I am interested in an experience that includes fresh air in a peaceful setting.

This Friday, since everyone in my home is recovered and heading back to school, I will have some time to take a ride out on one of the greenways. I will bring my camera and hope that the sun continues to peek through. I haven't decided if I'm going to bike or roller skate but I'll probably bring both options and make a game time decision.

Biking....No...Walking....Yes

This class has had me thinking of biking and the exhilarating feeling that I get when I'm biking. It makes you feel like you're flying and free. It gives me a thrill, especially when you're coasting down a hill after the heart-pumping effort it takes to make it to the top of that hill. Unfortunately, I couldn't pursue that taste of freedom this week because when my husband pulled our bikes out of the shed we store them in for the winter my tire was flat and my husband's front tire was flat. No bike riding for us until we make the time to tune them up and replace our inner tubes. Somehow riding a stationary bike does not give me the same feeling as riding outdoors does, so I opted to do something different this week until I can give my bike a tune up. Walking became the back-up plan.

We tend to take a lot of bike rides and walks as a family so this was not that different for us. In the area where we live the traffic is at a minimum and the big things to watch out for are dogs and the occasional bear. Didn't have to worry about the bear this time of the year and the dogs, well, I was hoping to not have a repeat experience of being chased and having to use my hiking stick or repellent spray. Today's walk went without any dog-chasing incidents. We all had fun and it was wonderful to get outside with the thoughts that soon we would start to see signs of spring. Walking relieves tension in a way that not many other activities can. You can walk without having to think about it. Your mind can wander from this to that. The tension in your body slowly unwinds as you walk. It's not the same thrill as bike riding, but just as effective in connecting you to the world around you. Biking makes me feel like I'm flying and walking makes me feel grounded. Had a great experience.

Hopefully, if time permits, I'll be writing about biking next time.