Kate

On my cycle, I’ve discovered the secret to my madness… but we’ll get to that in a second.

Today I wanted to see how long it would take me to cycle 12 miles to get a base idea of the time/distance. I heard, at work, about a woman’s triathlon not too far from my home in September and now I have been intrigued.

It’s a 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile cycle & 5k run - that makes it a sprint, right? I’ve been thinking about doing a tri for some time now and this one sounds like it’s an easy first start. I’m sure Karl on the Sea will be happy for me! He’s been telling me to do one for a long time now! Maybe Brad might be happy to see me join the ranks, among many others, too!

Anyway, I have been enjoying cycling in the gym and on my cruiser outside (when it’s warmer weather). I like the shake up from just the regular running routine and my knees thank me as well. Lately, I haven’t been in the mood to run outdoors or on the dreadmill. Do you blame me? It’s freakin’ cold!

So, I’m going to go check out the website.

Back to my state of madness…

I have been on a roller coaster of emotions lately. A new job; hours spent in the car traveling to/from work; the holidays were emotional without my dad and his one year anniversary of his passing is in a month and half; and my confidence is at a low for me lately. I put tons of pressure on myself to be the best, not only that, but to be the best on the first try! Insane, I know.

While cycling 12 miles today in the gym, it hit me. I have always done well emotionally (and physically) when I’ve worked out for many, many hours each week, maybe more than I should have. Pretty much when I was working out like 2+ hours a day back in 2002-2003, I was on top of the world. Nothing could stop me.

It is possible that I am addicted to the endorphins that exercise brings/releases. I’m sure many are, especially those who live to run, bike or swim for more time than I could even fathom. I just can’t live without those brain chemicals!

It’s been a vicious cycle as of late.

I don’t work out -> I feel like crap

Then since I feel like crap -> I don’t want to work out

…and the cycle continues.

Crap = laziness = crap = laziness ~ around and around we go!

I’ve found within the first 10-15 minutes of exercising, my mind relaxes, my body gets into the groove and the tension is released. I’m able to think clearly. I enjoy a euphoria that comes over me.

I even think I get “cycler’s high” if there is such a thing, almost equivalent to the usual runner’s high heights I can reach. It’s such a beautiful thing!

What I need to do is just force myself out the door for a few days when I get home. I know, it’s dark, cold and lonely out in the world… but if I want to be more stable and relaxed, it’s what I need.

Some people get hooked on alcohol (I don’t drink much at all since my resolution last year). Some people do drugs and still there are others eat a lot of food. I’m sure there are a lot more addictions, but you get the drift.

I think I’ll just have to settle for being hooked on exercise. Never has anything else made me feel better, more relaxed or relieved and confident.

I’m including YOGA in this “exercise hooking” too, cuz I’m one with my inner yogi, umm… now I just need to do it on the regular.

The key is to break the cycle of crap & no workouts. I’m going to attempt to do that this week. Wish me luck!

WORKOUT: 12 Mile Cycle + 0.5 Mile Cool down + 5 minute stretch

Workout:

• Type: Cycle
• Date: 01/31/2009
• Time: 11:00:00
• Total Time: 00:41:58.00
• Average Heart rate: 163
• Max Heart rate: 170
• Calories: 384
• Distance: 12 miles
• Average Speed: 17.16 mph
• Average Cadence: 100