The weather finally warmed up, and once again, my local pool gave the high school dibs on afternoon (lunch hour) lap swim. So, it's either before 8 am or after 5 pm. Such crap.
Coupled with the news that my hypermobility is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I got a tad depressed.
My jogging has been doing more harm than good, mainly because I am just too heavy for my dislocating joints.
* * * * *
I did some thinking.
Three years ago, I had 5 1/2 months of my jog/swim routine in warm/hot weather. I lost a lot of weight and got down near 190.
Two years ago, I got only 4 months in, thanks in part to a month of the flu, but I still had a decent amount of exercise, finishing the summer around 205.
Last year was 3 1/2 months, ending with a month of 100 degree weather still there, but the pool being under the control of the school. I ended the summer at the 215, barely less than where I started.
I'm topping 230 right now. The heaviest I've ever been is 235, back in law school. With 20 more days until I'm swimming again, AND the pool again slated to go back to the kids in August, I'm only getting 3 months of access. So, even if I avoid illness and don't go on any family trips or anything, the most I can hope for is 3 months of swimming.
Fuck me.
* * * * *
So, I bought a bike. I had been saving money for a waterproof iPad, but since I'll barely be swimming anyways . . .
Since it was ordered, I have not been able to get Floyd's Bike out of my head:
I have a bike
You can ride it if you like
It's got a basket, a bell that rings, and things to make it look good
I'd give it to you if I could
But I borrowed it
* * * * *
The kid is finally starting to enjoy her bike. It may prove to be the best activity we can do together.
Anyways, I picked up the bike yesterday and have already gone for two rides, and eaten one bug.
The second ride was great. I was bored, looked at the new bike, and thought, "Why not?" I found myself recalling all the biking I did as a kid.
I grew up on a hill, the side of a mountain, more like. So, riding always had the added factor of being up for the return trip home. Down was always fun. Up always sucked. Yet, I did love riding. I could, and did, often go on very long rides.
The second ride yesterday was short, but it was a ride. I wasn't going anywhere. I wasn't trying to acheive anything. I was just riding my bike.
It made me feel better than I have in years. Well, while not swimming.
* * * * *
The bike is a Cruiser by Electra. I got it through REI.
At first, I was going to by a cheap cruiser from Target or Walmart, but than I saw the Electra. It cost $250 and has no frills, meaning I will need to go get a basket soon and probably other goodies to up the total spent over $300 (you know, a bell that rings and things to make it look good), but the quality difference is completely worth it.
This bike rides smooth.
* * * * *
I have no idea if this bike will help me lose some weight and allow more jogging again, or if I'll even need to jog. I don't know how long I'll be able to deal with riding, whether my hips will have issues with the seat (or if I'll have to buy a bigger seat to try to help). I don't know much really.
In truth, I'm still depressed as all hell.
But at least I can get out of the house again. It's been a hellish 9 months.
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