Back to the Bike

     After working out for 45 minutes yesterday, my Friday plan was to sleep in (Adam has every other Friday off and takes our son, Aiden, to school for me) and vegetate all day.  Well, that didn't happen.
     First thing, Adam bought me a beautiful hybrid bicycle and I rarely ride it.  I know, I know. So sad.  But, when he has a day off and Aiden is at school, he tries to get me out on the bike trail.  When he asked me last night, I said, "Let me see how my body feels in the morning."  Knowing the whole time it was coming out of my mouth that I planned on sleeping until noon.  Ha!  No such luck.  Guilt started seeping into my thoughts as I lay in bed this morning unable to sleep past 8am.  After I ate breakfast, I decided to buck up and get back on my bike,:)
     The ride itself started out so smooth.  I was surprised (Hey! I surprised my self again!) at how easy I made it to our goal destination, the hatchery, about 5mi away.  But, damned if I didn't hit the proverbial wall as soon as we turned around (after taking a picture).  That wall consisted of an elevated heart rate, dizziness, and nausea.  Each time I would have to climb even the smallest hill, my wall got bigger.  "Push through!" right?  Right, that's what I always tell myself too.  But, it was daunting how weak my legs became with each turn of the pedals.  So, I didn't stop...not for stop signs and not for the boldest animals of the trail, the squirrels.
     Continuing home, I realized that Adam was riding super slow for his regular pace.  But, I was huffing far behind...speaking of behinds, I love the view Ada!  ,:)   So, I would catch up to him and he would take off, I would catch up and you guessed it, he would speed up...my thoughts on the situation at the time were, "If you turn around and see me right behind you, it doesn't mean speed up, it means that I just caught up to you!" 
     As we made it home, slowly, I wondered what was next for a goal for me on the bike.  I'll have to think about it more...I think I'm still in shock mentally and physically.
    

Following through...

     Last Thursday, I worked out for my usual thirty minutes and Tuesday, I increased my time on the treadmill to thirty-three minutes.  My goal was to work out for forty today and I surpassed it by five minutes!  Can you believe it?  Forty-five minutes!
     I broke up my workout into two segments.  My first goal was to clock a mile to see where I am at.  I surprised myself by running 6/10 of the mile.  It was invigorating watching the numbers add up in the mile column on the treadmill.  I finished the mile in fifteen minutes and sixteen seconds,:)  That makes me so happy!  It was my lowest mile ever!
     I followed that with a thirty minute walk at 3.5 mph.  I was sweating so bad towards the end that my inhaled breath was hot.  I was breathing in sweaty air!  Ugh!  Gross!  I think I need to get one of those clip-on fans for the front of the machine.  That will definitely help.
     So, I feel like I am going to continue to do this workout thing.  I have more confidence and I see improvement in my running.  Maybe I will surprise myself again soon!

9 months later...

     Nope, not a baby...I just took a break while losing weight through eating better.  I can't believe it took me this long to get back on the treadmill.  But, I did it yesterday!  I am truly proud to say it, too,:)
     It was easier to start running this time around, seeing as I have lost 39lbs. since last August.  Less weight = less to carry,:)  My focus wasn't completely clear, however, due to my son not being used to sitting in the workout room for 30mins.  His bathroom break, which required me to get off of the machine, really broke up my workout.  I suppose it will be easier when he goes back to school next week.
     My heart rate was higher than ever.  200 beats/min. made me nauseous and I thought about quitting.  Instead, I slowed down to a walk to get over the nausea and sipped water to combat my dry mouth.  I stared down at the side steps thinking how easy it be to step off and curl up in a ball right there on the treadmill.  But, I found that I have more fight in me than that.
     So, will this be a fluke?  Or will I follow this run up with many?  I am taking the day off today, so we will see tomorrow!