Reflections of Week #12

Last week I discussed the role of running in my life. I have been trying to make running more prominent in my workout schedule. Since high school though, my primary exercise has been bicycle riding. Since I truly enjoy riding, I figured I should devote this blog to elaborating more on the topic.

I became an avid bicycle rider about six years ago when I did my first seasonal stint at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. My job, as an Interpretive Ranger, was to engage the public in whatever fashion throughout the park. I took the opportunity to ride and engage folks in the park. At first, riding was awkward and I was very sore each time I went out. The towpath of the C&O Canal is not the smoothest in places, and takes several rides to adjust. After getting broken in, I had a blast! I would ride 20-30 miles per day while working, then go for smaller rides in the evening on my own time. I enjoyed the exercise and loved engaging visitors in the park.

Bicycle riding became my primary source of exercise. Since high school (where I played 3 sports practically year-round), I had not pursued any serious form of exercise. As you can imagine, my body adjusted by packing on some serious weight. When I graduated high school, I was about 205. By my junior year of college, I was near 240 pounds and miserable! When I started riding during my senior year, I dropped several pounds immediately. By the end of the summer, I was at 190 pounds...and felt great! Riding had really put me back in shape and I felt confident about my good health.

I still ride today, but not nearly as much as when I worked in Cumberland. My job now with the National Park Service is more office-oriented and I don't have the time to spend in the park anymore. I still ride about 2-3 times per week on my own time, and I usually ride on the Great Allegheny Passage right here in Frostburg. Today I'm averaging about 210 pounds in weight, so riding has still kept me in shape and healthy.

Does anyone out there have a primary mode of exercise that has changed their life?