OH Yea!

Sunday 5/29

What a completely awesome ride today!  I am so delighted that my body held and I was able to do the climb…………..It was hard and I am tired; but it was extremely satisfying and very fun!

I started solo in early morning, cruising through huge stands of conifers pierced with rays of sunshine. I climbed slowly in the silent, cool morning air.  Laurie was waiting with breakfast half way up the hill. We ate, pushed through the gate and continued up together. She crushed it as I tried to keep pace. Breaking out into full sun, surrounded by black lava rock and spectacular views was stellar. I still lagged but did not care – it was great to see Laurie pound up that hill, as I tried to keep her in sight.  I was so happy that we were doing this together!

We summitted, lunched and I napped.  I marveled at how Laurie said, “that climb was easy today.” I thought, “Really?” Down we plunged. Forty-five miles and 3500’ elevation – cancer cells be damned – all in a day’s play!

In the old days, my pride would never have permitted me to lag Laurie up the hill or allow other cyclists to pass me as if I were standing still.  Similarly, using walking as morning cardio workout OR considering cycling to do errands as a full on workout was not a part of my psyche. I now have a new word for this: Recalibration.

I always thought that youth was reserved for the young and wisdom for all others. I believe I have arrived at new place – a place of recalibration. I continue do all I can with gusto and full abandon, but I now do it with acceptance and try to do it gracefully. I feel so good about this -truly happy and content!

I think I have been coming to this realization for a while – but today is the day I fully articulate it.  Perhaps, it can be said: I learned something today.

Life continues to be grand!  Climb on, my friends!