Friday, September 9, 2011

SMT #41

Well, thought I'd post a fun SMT this week. I'm an avid walker, but a 4 week hiatus of resting my foot and hoping to make the plantar's fasciitis issue better(NOT), has me looking for alternative forms of exercise.  My walking buddy suggested that we might try bike riding.

 I refuse to buy a new bike when I don't know how long I'll stick with it. In our barn is one if not both of the bikes our children had as children. Keep in mind my oldest is 42 and my youngest is 40, so the bikes are about 30 years old. About 3 years ago, we put new tires and a padded seat on one of them so I could ride some(I didn't stick with it long-reason below). Well the other day, DH aired up the tires, and so far so good with them holding air. The bike HAS been in the barn, but remember I live in a very humid place so some oxidation(rusting) has occurred.

Reason for not sticking with it - I grew up in the Mississippi Delta where the terrain is totally flat(think Holland), so hopping on a bike and riding for hours even when you're out of shape isn't difficult. However even though we don't   have  a real hill here in Lowndes County, we do have inclines, so I'm having to build up gradually. I mean who knew that my driveway that I thought was flat actually has about a 2 degree slope to it(my thigh muscles that's who). The bike has NO gears just me, so I decided before I start riding with my walking buddy(she has 7 gears on her bike and she's 6 years younger than me), I better start getting the old legs in shape. I've been taking short rides(no more than a mile) several times a day. Today, I rode a mile away from the house and then had to ride the mile back. There was one incline(maybe 6 degrees) that had my muscles screaming. I thought I was going to have to get off and walk the bike, but I persevered(read that I could walk faster than I was pedalling). I made it home, so I'm feeling pretty proud of myself. I'll do another run after lunch and then I'm calling it quits on exercise for the day.

This is a picture of me on the bike, but not after the 2 mile run(I wasn't grinning but grimacing then). I just went up the drive a little ways and back so DH could take the picture before he got on with his day. You will notice that I am wearing a helmet and have on a reflective vest. I'm old enough to know I'm not invincible.

Tootsie if you see these pictures, I know you're horrified. Too bad you don't live closer, because, I'd let you repaint it(see I haven't forgotten the pink tricycle).

So come on everyone, post a picture of either your craft space or what you have going on and enter it on Sassy Cheryls Blog in the Show Me Thursday Challenge. You not only get to nosey around in other people's lives(and admit it you know you love to do that), but you also have a chance of winning a Sassy Cheryl image. There's no way to lose.

8 comments:

  1. OMGosh.....I TOTALLY LOL when I saw the picture of the bike. That is about the funniest thing that I've ever seen. People would say, big deal, it's just a bike, but I knew the story BEFORE I saw the picture, so it was REALLY funny to me.
    Isn't it funny, like you said that you think something is flat until you get on a bike.
    I wish I could ride a bike, but I can't. Zach says I blame it on him, but I had TWO epidurals when I was in labor and for me to bend over just kills me.
    This is my FAVORITE post of yours EVER! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!!! And yes, I'm still laughing.

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  2. LOL!!! Girlfriend i seen the bike and thought no she isnt and there you are.Shirley i love your spirit and only you could make a old rusted bike look good.Hope your foot feels better soon but know im walking and you are my inspiration!!Hugs

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  3. Shirley wonderful! How fun that would be to paint...you can do it...just start with a good wash, roll of paper towels, tape and spray paint! Love the ride...I have been driving bus and going for my final test on Thursday...I will get a picture. I drove for 10 years in the 80's and totally looking forward to it again. Got to get going for a Class Reunion and Family Reunion, hugs at cha, Tootsie

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  4. This is totally awesome. Love the ride and you grinning makes for a totally perfect SMT photo. Love it!!!

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  5. Love the photo. I wish you were closer because I have a good bike that I can't use due to health reasons. Have fun biking!

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  6. hi Shirley

    what a funny pictures. . You do have guts to ride on an old bike.
    In Holland everybody has a bike, here the landscape is naturally flat, so it's easier to cycle

    greetings Jolanda

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  7. You Go Girl! Totally vintage. Don't paint it, it will loose it's character. Love it!

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  8. Wow, I think it's great that you're even giving it a try, Shirley. Good for you! I haven't gotten my bike out one time this summer. Of course, most of our exercise is long walks with our two labs!

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