Thought for the Day (Dec 17)

Subject: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 09:46 AM

One of the most puzzling aspects of human nature (well, this human's nature) concerns something for which I don't have a name, but it is the ability to forget a fine pleasure that requires some substantial initial effort to enjoy. The best example for me is going out for an early morning hike in the woods, which I try and do in the midst of a crazy schedule at least twice or three times a week; but there are times when it doesn't happen for a week, and then it is as if I forget how much better I am for going out, and how much I enjoy it once I am out; and I literally have to force myself to get out there. And this is from someone who loves being in the outdoors!
It was exactly the same when I used to go running or swimming or other exercise -- when I was doing it, I loved it, but nothing on earth could get me there first thing in the day or any time in the day. There is this initial inertial hump to get over, and that prevents all kinds of fine things from happening. Hence the importance of routine and scheduling -- you find yourself doing it, just because it is what you always do. And I hate that kind of routine almost as much. It is a conundrum. What is one to do? (It was pearly and frozen out in the woods, today, the air clear and translucent, a perfect hike, where have I been all these days???...........)

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Bert
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 09:50 AM

When you find an answer let us know. I just got a road bike really cheap and still haven't taken it 'round the block.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Tony Burns
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 10:20 AM

Thanks Peter. I thought it was just me.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 11:09 AM

Bicycle or motorcycle, Bert? If the former, then my comments on bicycling are in response to your post...if the latter, my comments are base on a misinterpretation of your post. Either way, it doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things. That said.....

Funny you should mention the bicycle, Bert. Other passions and desires come and go with me, and thus I experience what Peter T. describes on a cyclical basis, but bicycling is a constant that requires no willful effort to get me pedaling. I "get lost" while riding, and it seems to be the right speed at which to absorb the scenery: not so slow as in walking where a particular site wears thin on me, or so fast as in driving where I don't have the time or concentration to savor the details of something interesting. One day after I have met all my duties, obligations and responsibilities as a father, husband, citizen and pillar of the community, my dream is to mount up and ride until I have pedalled off the end of the earth. I expect it will always remain a dream, as all of those things will never be met. The only things that keep me from spending more time pedaling are the pressing demands that those roles engender, but during the all too rare moments of time not accounted for, there's nothing else I'd rather be doing.

One exception to walking: I never tire of looking around out in the woods. Yesterday I alighted from the windowless monolith in which I work to discover a stellar day for being in the woods, and actually commented the same to myself out loud. Crisp air, abundance of sunshine, sky was blue and cloudless...and I looked toward the naked treeline some one hundred meters away, and thought that the woods are no less inspiring in winter than in spring - it's just a variation of the same theme.

Regards, Neil

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Marymac90
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 11:44 AM

Bert,

I avoided using my bike when I lived in my old place cause I'd have to take it down (and UP) about 8 steep steps, it's heavy (a mountain bike), and I have a bad back. I moved here 2 years ago, keep my bike in a ground level garage, and still haven't had it out.

I used to commute and do errands by bike, (you should have seen me bringing home a Christmas tree bungeed to the back rack!), but now that I have a car.....

What got me into doing really long rides, when I did them, was riding with a club. The club would schedule various rides for different ability levels, but there was at least one ride that met at the same place, at noon on Sundays, year round. You didn't have to look at a newsletter, it was always there.

When you discover the secret of motivating yourself, let me know.

Mary

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: Bert
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 11:59 AM

It's a bicycle. I used to ride a lot in my youth, but haven't for many years now, having had three different wives who, for various reasons, didn't ride.

The quack says I should get some exercise so when I saw this really nice light road bike I couldn't resist it.

I used to ride single fixed, even when touring, so it's going to take me a while to get used to a ten speed. It keeps running away from me.

As for motivation, maybe if the car breaks down I might get to ride it.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Dec 17)
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 12:10 PM

How timely, Peter. Were you sending out mental vibes or what? I always have a mental struggle about doing the 30-60 minutes of yoga, tai chi and weight bearing exercises that always make me feel better and take little effort.

Not this morning, though! At 6am, I awoke and started to have the usual conversation with myself, "Self, get yer ass outta bed and get the blood flowing!" "But, it's cold! Bed's nice and warm and snuggly." "You will feel better dammit, just do it!"

Just as that went through my head, it got sidetracked by a "Gee, it sure would feel good to get up and do a few warmups and then the rest." This was followed by a thought of my gyrlfriend who is religious about getting up at 430a and is out running every morning by 6a, no matter the weather, other than an absolute blizzard.

Got up, went out to the kitchen, faced the East before the sun was up and commenced. Felt so much better, enjoyed the quiet time and reminded myself to do it again.

Thanks, Peter, I thought it was just me, too.

kat