This past weekend was the California Death Ride. A ride I've done a few times but have never actually finished. I was registered to do this ride....unfortunately, due to some general life issues which have led to an overall lack of fitness I didn't do it....as a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure had I attempted it, it would have lived up to it's name and actually killed me.
As I'm sure I've stated in this blog before, my lack of fitness and time spent exercising has a direct and definite affect on my attitude. And not in a good way. It's one of those vicious cycles where life prevents me from exercising, which causes a lack of fitness which leads to an avoidance of exercise because of the pain and suffering involved which leads to a general feeling of meh-ness. (look it up)
The challenge when you're in this state is to break out of it. For instance, although I don't have time for a ride, I could very easily go for a run (which I used to enjoy) but can come up with a million chores that HAVE to be completed instead.
And, on the days when I probably could pull off a nice long road ride, I find myself cranking out a quick lap on the mt bike at Chabot and calling it good. Granted the mt bike ride IS exercise, but everyone knows an hour on the mt bike is nowhere near as cathartic as spending a few hours suffering and sweating on the road bike while your brain processes all the crap bouncing around in your head.
I've always had a go-go-go personality. I've never been good at sitting still and doing nothing for long periods of time, it's just not in me. Lately though, I've found it easier and easier to do less and less. And this concerns me. In addition to the obvious issues that plague sedentary people, weight gain, blood pressure issues, heart problems, etc., getting older brings with it a whole host of age related health issues that I'd rather not face.
So, this weekend, I'm going to have to find a way to get up and get out on the road. I have to figure out a way to motivate myself to get back on the bike for a good long suffer-fest. Granted, at this level of fitness, it won't be as long as some, but I'm pretty sure the level of suffering will be high....
