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Because Those Who Can’t Run . . . Bike?

bike

I always resented the phrase “those who can’t do teach” because, well, I WAS A TEACHER. And I think I “do” quite well, thank you. But I had to giggle when I went to buy my bike and captioned my Instagram update with the above.

So yeah, I finally bit the bullet. I BOUGHT A BIKE. I cannot wait to take it for a spin this morning.

For months, as I’ve battled this stubborn plantar fasciitis, people have been telling me to get a bike.

I didn’t want a bike. It all seemed so much more complicated than running. For one thing, to get one I can take on a trail or the road, I need to invest in a pretty decent hybrid. Then there’s all the gear. And learning a new sport. And just not feeling as safe on a bike as I do running. As a driver, I don’t mind runners on the narrow, winding roads in our area, but bikers are a hazard. They’re hard to see, hard to move around, and I am terrified of hitting one. I’m even more terrified of BEING one.

Plus, I have not ridden a bike since I was about 13 years old. No lie. I am dead serious when I say it’s been almost 30 years since I’ve been on a bike.

But I finally caved.

Running is becoming more and more a distant memory. My foot still hurts (although it’s not getting any worse at the moment, so I’m holding off on that PRP injection I was talking about.) I am in desperate need of cardio. Even though I’ve been weight training 2x a week since I stopped running again, I’m feeling thicker around my middle and the scale has moved up a few pounds and it will not budge. But more concerning, mental health is taking a hit. Cardio feeds my soul in a way that weight lifting just can’t, so since I can’t run, I took the plunge and bought a bike.

I’ve been looking for a good time to go to the bike store with my husband, but we are so busy with spring sports and everything else that I finally roped a friend to go with me on a weekday. The owner of the shop was working the floor and she was super helpful. I told her what I wanted, and she pulled a bike down from the rack and took me to the parking lot and told me to take it for a spin.

With her and my friend looking on, I gingerly straddled the bike and contemplated the next few moments. I’d either fall over and kiss all possibility of a new hobby good-bye, or my instincts would kick in and I’d remember how to ride.

Of course, the old saying is true, and you really do not forget how to ride a bike. I was a bit wobbly, and I first tried to brake by reversing the bicycle pedals before I remembered my brakes were on my handlebars. (It HAS been 30 years, you know!!) But it all came back to me.

I asked if they had an option at a lower price point, and she pulled out another bike that she said they sell a lot of. It was right in my budget so I climbed on that one for a test ride. This time I felt like an old pro as I took my spin around the parking lot. I started pedaling harder, trying to gain some speed, wishing I had a bigger parking lot or an open road.

All the anxiety I’ve had over the whole bike thing melted away at that very moment. I just wanted to keep going. In that little jaunt around the parking lot, I was hooked, and I cannot WAIT to get this bike to a trail and see what I can do.

I got off the bike and said, “Okay! What else do I need?”

And that was that. We picked out a helmet and all the other necessary gear including bike shorts and even a really cute bike top with the pockets on the back. (Hey, I have an image to uphold, yo!)

Naturally the weather took a bad turn and it’s been raining all week. Such is my luck. But the weather forecast for the weekend is glorious so we’re planning to take the whole family to the trail this morning and try out my new wheels. I think I’ll eventually want to take it on the road (like maybe tomorrow, ha!) but for now I’m going to play it safe and get comfortable in a more sheltered environment. Plus, it’s a fun family activity, and we need more of those!

In other news, my cookbook is NOW available for preorder!!! I cannot wait to get my copy.

The-EVERYTHING-Gluten-Free-Breakfast-and-Brunch-Cookbook-COVER

And be sure to stay tuned because this week I’m sharing my Summer Book Club Picks, I have a beauty post in the works about How to Shape Your Eyebrows, I’m going to be updating my fashion post on Mom’s Wardrobe Staples, and I’ll be sharing my go-to salad dressing recipe that isperfect for drizzling on those fresh CSA salad greens!

With that, I’m off to enjoy the weekend. I hope you are too!

And happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!!!!

 

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18 Responses

  1. Because have bad knees, my preferred exercise method is recumbent bike. I got a new one for Christmas and ride just about everyday during the kids nap from the comfort of my living room. I absolutely love it. I don’t think I could do street riding. I’m with you on it being scary.

  2. Good for you!! Can’t wait to read about your adventures. Do you have good places to ride near your home?

    Also…does your foot hurt when you do an elliptical trainer?

  3. I also struggle with plantar fasciitis and biking is my workout. I’m actually signed up to ride in my first organized road ride next Saturday! We’ll see how it goes because I’m a fair-weather biker and it goes rain or shine! ha Because we live in the midwest and biking is limited by the weather, I also discovered spinning. You might want to check it out, too. It’s a great workout! Enjoy your new toy!

  4. Awesome! Just have fun! Also, I’ve been meaning to comment on your post while back where you mentioned Philly foods and going to the shore… so many of those ring a bell for me even though I’ve never lived there! Always wondered why my mom loved soft pretzels so much… my grandmother used to mail us Tastycakes…. and I’ve had to explain what scrapple is to people before (and pork roll, too – or is that just a Jersey thing?) Have a great weekend!

    1. I definitely wanted padded shorts! Glad I had them too. Although they feel like I’m wearing a diaper, ick. And I did buy a bike shirt but only b/c they were 25% off and I saw a cute one, ha! And they put a water bottle holder on my bike, so I bought a water bottle, and they put a little kit under my seat with stuff I’d need to change a tire and a tool to raise and lower the seat…. they weren’t pushy at all, but they offer 10% off of anything within the month you purchase your bike so I figured I might as well get everything I might need. 🙂 You don’t wear a helmet? Do you ride roads or trails?

      1. Both. I do wear a helmet if there’s traffic around (such as when I bike to the library).

        I have a cruiser so the seat is comfy but when I borrow my son or hubby’s mtn bike…yeowch! I didn’t know padded shorts were a thing but I guess I can see the need! 🙂

  5. I’m excited for Texas – flatter than Missouri – and better for family bike rides. I like biking but can see how running would be a different kind of natural high than biking.

    Nell

  6. About 6 months ago I joined a spin class at our local gym 3 times a week. Since I’m in my early 50’s I noticed some sagging in my upper thighs. (Imagine)….. I already lift weights regurlarly, but felt I still needed more toning. Well, I have to say, I do notice a big difference. Running/walking not my thing, I wanted shaping,not just burn calories. I think biking has a lot to offer! But as we all know, you have to stick with it in order to see the results. Glad you found another avenue to use your legs. Just wait, you will see a big difference. Happy Biking!

    1. Thanks! My initial impression was that it isn’t the workout I was hoping, but I think I need to take it on the road. I’m sure when I start riding hills, I will feel it!

  7. I just want to encourage you that road biking is a great workout. I started biking with my triathlete husband about 3 yrs ago and I started on a hybrid. Now I ride his old tri bike and do my best to keep up with him. He has been so thoughtful to ride at a speed that is challenging for me, but doesn’t leave me in the dust. We ride on roads only and some have very little traffic and we can even talk! It has become a “date” for us! Biking has been a great activity that we can talk about and plan for together..something to discuss besides the kids! Happy biking!

    1. Thanks for the encouragement. So far… it is okay. I did take it on the road, and it was a much better workout than the trail. But it’s still not running. 🙁

  8. I love to bike with my husband!! Like another reader mentioned mine slows his speed so we can go together at my fastest speed! There are times we “ride” and then are times we take a pleasure ride. I enjoy both. You’ll get to loving your bike and start wanting that better model. My husband now has a “wardrobe” of bikes and I dig it!!
    I’ve found a very reasonable and oh-so-fashionable riding wear called club ride. You’ll learn that stylish bike wear is called urban wear. Stuff you’d ride in and then stop to have dinner. Seriously! The fashion thing is a challenge for me to compromise 🙂
    One other thing I SO appreciated when I got my last bike was how the salesMAN told me my ‘soft tissue’ would appreciate the style and shape of the seat. I about died. But you know what…he was right on!!!
    Have fun!

  9. Have you looked into pelvic alignment for plantar facilitis? Just wondering as I’m dealing with it after pregnancy and I know I have major pelvic issues after dealing with symphasis pubic dysfunction. I’m really looking forward to getting medical/arvigo massage again soon to see if it helps. (It really helped my SPD!)

  10. You are too funny with the proper bike gear – cute shorts and top! I live in the mountain biking mecca of Colorado, Crested Butte/Gunnison and I don’t even have a property bike jersey or shorts. But for those longer rides padded shorts are a MUST! I did trade out the “racing seat” aka hard as possible seat for a nice granny seat!

    Have fun biking and hitting the hills will make you work HARD! But if you go up you get to do down. I am riding my bike too for now but hope to start running slowly in another few weeks.

    1. I know, I’m a nut. Glad I have the padded pants. The shirt was a total splurge, and I haven’t even worn it yet. I prefer my racer-back running tops b/c of the tan lines. Yes, I am vain. 🙂

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