It’s hard work, cycling. I’ve learned to create a cadence that keeps me moving for ten or fifteen miles. Getting out of the saddle and working my way uphill is an intense challenge. But, like reaching any summit, the descent is worth it. Flying downhill with the wind in my hair, watching the world fly by, and feeling almost like a child is so far from a work-out, I barely even knew I was building muscle and toning my body. I challenged myself to ride more miles every time I got on my bike. I started with ten or fifteen miles, then easily worked up to twenty-five miles three times per week. I am amazed at what I can do on my bike and how fun it is. I feel like a champion, like I should be the cover story for Self or Shape magazine. I look better than I’ve ever looked in my life, and I have fun doing it. Through all the hard work and intensity, I hadn’t realized for a second that I was getting an amazing work out.
I also quickly forgot the embarrassment of wearing the cycling uniform. Actually, I found that I liked the style of the cycling wear for women. There’s a certain credibility that comes with wearing a brand or a color or coordinated shorts and jersey and socks. Cyclists appreciate other cyclists that take pride in what they wear while cycling. When I wore my best outfit, I tried harder, rode further, climbed faster. I checked out other cyclists and gave them props on the road, and they did the same to me. We shared a bond.
The best thing about cycling? The appetite. I started training for the Seattle-to-Portland bike ride, a two-day, 200-mile ride, and found that I could not eat enough. After every ride, I ate a huge burrito or a thick, juicy burger, and was never full. Wine, beers, cocktails, nothing showed up around the middle like it used to. Hooray! I found an activity that was good for me, good for my body, and let me truly eat what I wanted. Isn’t that why we work out anyway?
