Victory Comes in Many Forms

It's the Sacramento Valley in July, which means it's hot. It wasn't hot like it sometimes gets here (I think the high today was around 99, but it's not unusual for it to be in the 105 range this time of year), but pretty warm nonetheless. I am trying to get back onto the "exercise is not negotiable" thing. So I showed up, and I rode 13 miles today.

So that's a form of victory.

I was whining at Starbucks afterwards that "I am never going to be one of the fast people. Never!" when one of our Fearless Leaders assured me that it was all right if I was never fast. Now, she could have cataloged for me all the ways I am faster now than I was back in January when this whole adventure began, but underneath the whining, I really do know that. I think maybe I should not be spending my spare time watching the Tour de France, where they go faster uphill with a headwind after riding 80 0r 90 miles than I do going downhill on a Saturday morning when I first get out there. Maybe I should not spend so much time looking at all the Fast People out on the bike trail. I just got that wee little competitve bug, and it's hard not to compare myself to all the Fast People who pass me every Saturday out there.

But it's time to get a better attitude about the whole thing. I look better. I feel better. I have that sense of accomplishment that nothing else I've ever done has brought me. I smile and try to cheer on the other large folks I see out on the trail, because I know how it is. It's hard work to just show up sometimes, and it can be a struggle to keep at it in a way that it's just not for the naturally athletic. There's a whole load of emotional baggage I carry with me when I exercise, though it gets a little lighter from time to time. I know how it is. I feel it every time I go.

So....lighter baggage? Well, that's one more form of victory, is it not?

I was happy to see the ever-exuberant Praying Guy out there again this morning. I tell you, rain or shine, that brother is out there, and while he's a little eccentric, he always brings a smile to my face. I've gotta stop and talk to him sometime!