Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned

I started off this blog saying I was trying to get out of a funk caused by a couple of personal losses. My goal was not to solve all the world's problems, just get me back in it. Trying to rejuvenate my inner self, and find joy in what has been provided. Here are some of the things I've realized.

1. I need to breathe fresh air, to feel the of warmth from the sun, and to enjoy the cool refreshment from the rain. My allergies have been non-existent since I started riding. This has kept me from missing out on lots of things I would normally be too sick to do. I have more energy, and crave being outside more and more. I suppose this is why I don't like the gym...I like being outside :-)

2. When I'm riding I think of nothing else but riding...mainly because I have to focus so much to finish what I start. Takes the stress of the day away, and builds confidence in what I'm doing. Good stuff.

3. I made a new year's resolution back in 2000 that I would do something every year that I had never done before. This was actually the start of me breaking out of my box. Obviously, this bike ride fits that resolution. The difference with this bike ride vs. any other thing I've done, is that because I had to train for it almost everyday, I got off the couch almost everyday. Other things were just one day events (concerts, sky diving, trips, etc.). I enjoyed the challenge of the daily grind.

4. Surrounding myself with motivated people is a good thing. Keeping to myself isn't horrible, however it's not as productive and lacks the luster needed to keep going when things are down. I haven't kept totally to myself, I've just been a minimalist. This was a good envelope to push.

5. I've been forced into eating healthier. I even turned down fast food today...twice!!! This is a definate change. I feel so much better when I don't eat all that junk. And, the workouts are better too. Although sometimes I have to choke down the salad, I know it's worth the effort. Not perfect yet...still like my sweets...but I think this new outlook is good.

6. I am more overweight and out of shape than I realized. I truly thought it wouldn't take much to get in shape, but I was totally wrong. I've let myself go for years, so this is going to take some work to get back where I need to be.

Overall, I am proud of my accomplishment and the side effects it has brought. I'm still in shock that I did it, but the more it sinks in, the more pleased I am. I am looking for my next big ride. Here I come!!!