A New Lesson in Moderation

You've heard it said you're as old as you feel? Let me say that's not always the case. Today instead of walking, I went on a bike ride with the grandkids--about 1 1/2 miles worth. I figured I'd been walking steady enough it should be no problem. But in the words of my granddaughter I learned soon enough that "Going downhill is funner."

I knew if I went for a bike ride I'd be working different muscles than when I walk. However, I don't own a bike. Instead, I used my grandson's old bike. The hard seat left a little to be desired, but because I'm only 5'1" frame I didn't look like my knees reached to my chin when I pedaled (although I felt like it).

The hills of Georgia are beautiful until you try pedaling uphill. By the time I raced down the first hill and climbed back up one crank at a time I knew this ride would be longer than I thought. When I walked in the house my legs wobbled, but I'd learned another lesson.

I started out with plan to ride the three miles I usually walk. Instead, it didn't take long to know I'd push myself if I went half the distance. If I had to, I'd even walk (which I did just a bit up one of the hills).

Donna Sundblad
Author of
Pumping Your Muse and
Windwalker