Back in the Saddle

I busted my hump! I told Matt over and over again with a smile on my face.  I came barreling downstairs sweaty, hair crazy, sporting my bike shorts.  My daily spin has become my sanctuary.  We have a stationary bike up in our bedroom...and no, its not a Peloton.  Maybe this blog could get forwarded to them and they will send me one! (fingers crossed)  Anyway, my parents had an old stationary bike they never used, and about two years ago were looking too get rid of it, so we took it.  Matt had every intention of using it when Peyton was born, and I think he did use it a couple off times, but let's face it, that guy likes to lift weights.

For months the stationary bike just sat in our bedroom......stationary.

It wasn't until this past Fall. I decided to dust off the bike take off all the clothes that were draped on it and scoured my workout drawer for the pair of bike shorts I had purchased years ago.  

That first day was not a pretty sight.  Literally.  Bike shorts are NOT forgiving and neither are leg muscles after biking.  

I believe I biked for 25 minutes and was spent.  There was a time when I used to run 6 miles before a spin class.  And now, after 25 minutes.  How the mighty have fallen.    I try to practice patience and self-love, but as a former gym rat,  25 minutes seemed pathetic.  I reminded myself that if I wanted to build stamina, I would just have to keep at it.  And that's what I did.    Slowly, I went from 25 minutes a day, 2 days a week to 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week.  Six months later, I dedicate at least 50 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  I crave the saddle.  I find my energy level is much lower if I don't work out.  

People have asked me if I watch any spin classes on YouTube to motivate me.  I've tried.   To be honest, I use the time on the bike for me. To be connected to my body.  To feel my heart getting stronger.  To feel how fast my legs are pumping.  To listen to my thoughts.  To rock out to music of my choice.   To have creative ideas pop into my head.  To have time for myself.

I haven't felt this strong in my body and mind since the summer after my open heart surgery.  The bike is no longer stationary....and neither am I.