Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I have hope for the human race. ~ H.G. Wells
I thought of that while riding my bicycle. ~ Albert Einstein on the theory of relativity
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike. ~ John F. Kennedy
I’ll admit it had been a while since I’d embraced my athletic side. As you all know, I’ve had my problems with metatersalgia , thanks to what my family calls, "The Kunik Curse of The High Arches" and was stubborn about embracing new forms of cardio. As of late, I’ve been more of an "athletic supporter,” (and YES, I know exactly what I just typed and how it sounds and I don't care) instead of an athlete.
But this past Saturday was one FANTASTICAL Indian summer day here on the east coast, and that's where our story begins.
Instead of enjoying the great out doors, I was trying (and I say that because I did make the effort, even though not much got accomplished,) to catch up on blog and diabetes related work. I was burned out from being “plugged in” to my laptop and I needed a break. I'd been feeling burned out on all types of levels, some diabetes related, and some not.
I was sitting inside stewing and trying to staying focused, and that just wasn't happening.
This chicklet needed some wind in her sails that didn’t contain caffeine or a charger for her laptop. No, it was my internal batteries and spirits that needed recharging.
It was sunny and 78 degrees, and there was a slight crispy breeze in the air. My thoughts turned to my bike, and the fact that I’d recently (OK, my friend Emily) had recently filled my tires with air. I’d just had my lunch and my blood sugar pre meal was 120.
I quickly ate a Lara bar and turned on my temporary bolus. I cut back my basal rate by almost ¾’s and I was good to go. I grabbed another Larabar “just in case”, my cell phone, my emergency $5, and my house key. I put afore mention objects in my teeny, tiny, bag reserved just for long walks. Then I put on sunglasses and hopped on my bike, a 3-speed beach cruiser, purple in color, but not what one would call fancy.
I started pedaling and all of a sudden I was 13 again. I wasn’t worried about schedules, where I had to be, or what I had to complete. There were no ticking clocks or time constraints, no sense of urgency to complete my ride. I could just "be” and enjoy all this moment had to offer.
I rode for over and hour and probably logged about 3.5 miles. It was glorious and I felt great! As I pedaled, I laughed out loud and kicked my feet in the air - felt free and alive! And yes, I’ve been known to be a bit “dramatical,” but I’m telling you, it was awesome!
And for the next 24 hours, I was once again reminded of how approximately 60 minutes of exercise out of the 1,440 minutes that make up a 24 hour day, affect our blood sugar and our minds in the most positive of ways. My blood sugars and my spirits were textbook perfect. And you can bet your sweet and finely toned gluteus maximus that I plan to make this habit!
If you don’t believe me, try it yourself and let me know how it all works out~
