Nearly every time you turn on the television news you hear a story about the rise in obesity and the related health problems among the worlds population. These reports made me start thinking about my own health. I used to lead a very active lifestyle, but somewhere along the way I quit doing all the things I loved. I am sure it had something to do with long hours at the office. Now that my career has stabilized and I know longer work so many hour, there is no excuse for my sedentary lifestyle.
Since my favorite activity from the past was biking I decided to get back into it. I was rather excited to shop for new bike gear and knew there would be all kinds of equipment that I had never used. Fortunately, I still had my bike in the garage and it only required new tires and a tune-up to get it road ready.
While I was shopping for bike gear I found a website that had a nice selection of bike shirts, shorts, running jackets, and equipment. I ordered myself a OXT Circuit Half-Zip bike shirt from REI, a pair of Pearl Izumi Attack Shorts, and a supply of ZYM Electrolyte drink tabs. I also ordered all of the reflective safety equipment that I would need to ride after dark.
By the time my bike gear arrived in the mail, my bike was out of the shop. I knew I would have to do some riding to get back into shape before undertaking a ride of any real distance. My goal was to be ready by the end of the summer to ride through a canyon near my home.
I began riding every evening when I got home from work. I started with a two mile ride and added a quarter of a mile each day for the first two weeks. I was glad that I invested money in some good bike gear. The reflective gear I purchased made me feel safe when I returned home after dark. The end of summer was approaching and I realized I would need a bike rack to transport my bike to the canyon.
Once I had the rack installed on my car, I was ready to make plans for my trek through the canyon. I prepared all my gear, packed my camera and plenty of water and waited for sunrise. The day had finally come that I had been waiting for.
I was thrilled when I hit the trail that morning. The weather was crisp and clear and everything was quiet and still. I enjoyed that ride more than any other in the past. I was very pleased with myself because I had transformed myself from a couch potato to a cyclist in just two months.
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