Who's that Girl??

Today's forecast was for 70 degrees and sunny. Today was going to be my day to ride.  But when I got up this morning, it was cloudy, cool and breezy.  I changed my mind about the ride.  Convinced myself a nice long swim at the health club would be better.  Got to the club to find some kind of swim club had taken over the lap pool and all of us who were displaced by them were trying to work out in the leisure pool - which is way too small and way too hot to workout in.  10 minutes was all I could stand and then I left.  I was frustrated with the fact that they hadn't posted anywhere that the lap pool would be unavailable and that my plans had to change.  So I came back home to get Sheba out to ride - but we were starting later than I like and I would have to cut it down from 60 miles to 30 miles. 

I suppose it sounds like I am whining - which I am.  I have gotten so "addicted" to my workouts and long rides that I hate to change them or miss them.  This is certainly an area I need to work on - realizing that the world won't end just because I don't get to workout for as long as I would like to.  I need to look at the positive of the day - I got to ride.  I was free from work, school and church and was able to head out for what I had hoped was going to be a 30 miler.

41 degrees when I started - and breezy.  Told myself a quick ride up to St. Joe's in Lino Lakes and back for 30 miles.  Something led me astray however and I ended up in Centerville heading towards Wargo Nature Center.  When I hit 20 miles at the end of the trail, I knew it was time to turn around and head for home.  The trails up in that area are nice and wide and allow for some great reflection time and prayer time.  So I took my time to thank God for the day and the chance to ride.  I also sent up thanks for getting us thru the week -it has been a stressful one but things are looking up.

At one point during this stretch, I glanced down at my bike computer and noticed my mileage and my speed.  And all I could think was - Who's that Girl?  Who is pedalling this bike at 18 miles an hour after already covering 24 miles?  Who has the strength and the desire to accomplish these long distance rides alone? Who isn't afraid to be seen in bike shorts????  It certainly isn't me because the Shari I have been in the past would not have the energy to tackle a ride.  She wouldn't have had the courage to head out alone. She would have never worn spandex shorts out in public.  She would have rather sat home and watched tv on a quiet Saturday.

But sure enough it was me - this NEW Shari.  I am this NEW person, who doesn't think twice about heading out without a map, on my own, a bottle of water and my new best bud - Sheba.  God has been working on me physically, mentally and spiritually.  I have the physical strength and stamina to bike 60 miles (5 hours in the saddle). I have the mental strength to keep pushing myself - to not be intimidated by distance, hills, wind, possible breakdowns,etc.  I have this new found strength in my Faith and love that I have opportunities to talk with God and let Him use me when and where he wants.  Honestly during my ride today, I didn't know if life could get any better. 

Despite a detour to Northtown to watch my son's Pine Wood Derby race today, I managed a 45 mile ride in 3 hours and 50 minutes.  Not too bad.  It never did hit 70 degrees  - it was 45 when I got home - and the sun never came out, but I certainly found my happy place today.  I proved to myself that I am this NEW Shari and I love that!