I've been busy since the holidays and the start of 2012. On January 10, I rode my bike to work, 18 miles one way, without winter gear! I rode home that afternoon in a T-shirt. In January, in Minnesota!
I’m getting good workouts but not losing weight. After a solid first eight days, during which I worked out about 2 hours daily, including at least 1 hour of cardio at over 145 beats per minute, I stepped on the scale and was disappointed to see that I’d gained 4.2 pounds. I’m angry but will get back on track and won’t visit the scale for a while.
Tennis has been finished for over a month. I initially planned to help cover the collegiate season, which starts this weekend, but after some thought and pressure, I decided to take a break. I’m not going to play Lacrosse, but I’m going to improve my health and eating. That takes time.
Tennis was a significant part of my identity for about 13 years, making me feel whole and complete. Many people have identities outside themselves, such as running ultra-marathons, being a spouse, or having children. My son and tennis have been at least 90 percent of who I am since my divorce over a decade ago.
I’m on a mission to discover new hobbies and passions. I love spending time outdoors, but with a wind chill of -35 degrees, I’ll be staying indoors for now. I’m thinking of upgrading my bike for spring and putting a flat bar on my 25-year-old Cannondale SR 400. Flat-bar road bikes might look a bit silly, but I’m a big fan of the flat-bar design. Running still needs some work. I need to lose some weight to make sure my knee doesn’t hurt. So, my workouts are limited to indoor biking, the elliptical, and weights. I also enjoy swimming and yoga occasionally.
For Christmas, my girlfriend surprised me with a weekend outdoor photography class (Coldsnap.com—Winter Wonderland) in late February. I’m hoping for warmer than -34 degrees, but I’m excited to learn something new. I’ll share some of the photos with you later.
In essence, that is the extent of the matter. I will continue to reclaim the sense of identity I lost when I discontinued tennis. However, it was an opportune moment. I was no longer deriving pleasure from the sport, and many individuals I interacted with shared the same sentiment. Consequently, it was time for me to pursue a new hobby. I experienced a remarkably fulfilling week after volunteering for an ultramarathon. The next comparable opportunity presents itself in the form of Zumbro 100. I should contact John and secure a place.
I’m leaving for Colorado tomorrow for four days. I’ll help my son move and catch up on things. He just returned from five weeks in Chile. I hope to get some good stories and pictures.
Please take care of yourself and stay warm.
Carry on my friends, carry on!
Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.
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