I survived my first full week of bicycle commuting and I absolutely loved it!!!  I think all the thought, prep work and trial rides really paid off.  Everything went smoothly and I don't really need to change anything.  I might switch from a backpack to panniers, but it's not totally necessary.

 

So here are my observations of the week

 

Despite finding that I get extremely hungry - I still lost weight

It was fun seeing and talking to people along the way.

Love the smell of the pine trees on campus and on one of the bike roads.

Hills are getting easier.

People think you are amazing when they find out you ride your bike home.

 

I do have something I'm trying not to be nervous about....apparently somebody was asking about parking "success" stories and I was discussed.  I'm supposed to be expecting a phone call.  Perhaps I can convince them to interview me at the end of the semester.  I think it would be more fun if there was a great before AND after shot.  I'm feeling a little shy about being called a "success" so early. 

I almost rode the entire way home yesterday!!  Woo Hoo!!  It felt good, but my quads were burning.  It's funny.  When I drive it in the car, I don't really notice the hills.  I thought that most of my ride was downhill but I'm finding that I have one big downhill, but the rest is pretty much a long slow incline until I get to the last killer hill right before I get home....and that is where I stopped yesterday.   Hey, I gotta leave a little something to celebrate later, right?

 

Jumped on the scale and I lost another 1.5 pounds.  I think that's five pounds in less than 2 weeks.  Considering I have eaten whatever I want, I'm thinking that was quite the bonus!!  Imagine if I'd eat better too. haha!

Oh my gosh, I totally and completely forgot about my space here!!!!  Seriously!  I didn't mean to stop writing.  I went on two back to back vacations in July, then I got really sick.  I got a new boss at work. School started....and somewhere along the line I just forgot!  I didn't remember until I just saw a link to live spaces....  I guess I am starting to get old.  haha!

 

I can't wait to go check everyone's spaces and see what you're all up to...

 

Here's my little update....

 

I started commuting by bike!!!  Ok so I'm only riding home for now and well I haven't made it the ENTIRE way, yet...but my time will come.  My chiropractor, dad and accupuncturist are all about 2/3 of the way home, so I've been stopping there for now.  I intended to try to ride the whole thing yesterday, but hubby is in town and he tracked me down and offered me a ride.  I was hot, sweaty and tired and he pulled up with an air conditioned car...hmmmm...... I could either get in or let him stalk me the rest of the way home.

 

I'm also taking a weight lifting class on campus.  I was excited about it, until I found out we have to take a fancy schmancy test that measures our fat and the entire baseball team is in the class.  I'm sure I'll end up having fun and the kids seem great, but it's just a little intimidating.  I'm definately the biggest person in the class and now I have to bring in the little print-out that gives all those glorious numbers...grr.... On the other hand, like I told my son, I will probably end up being the model student.  There's no way I won't be dropping pounds and inches!  I'll be cycling 40-60 miles per week, weightlifting twice a week and I have to bring my lunch because I don't have a car on campus.... I'm thinking I'm heading towards an easy "A." 

 

My buddies and I rode the Midnight Madness bike ride around San Diego a couple of weeks ago and we loved it enough that we signed up for Bike the Bay, a 25 mile bike ride that includes riding over the Coronado Bridge.  The ride will be easy, the bridge might kill me.  Not only is it UPHILL, but I heard it shakes when you are on it....hmmm....... why am I doing this?

 

And the only bad news in my update???  My foot still sucks!  I have tried everything.  I switched podiatrists and found one that is much more helpful and I'm following all of his instructions.  I start physical therapy on October 16th (not sure why it takes so long to get the initial appointment!!)  In the meantime I'm seeing a chiropractor and an accupuncturist.  I just started seeing them last week.  No miracles yet, but they are working hard to get my muscles to relax and I have noticed a bit of improvement so let's hope it works!!  Otherwise I have to have surgery...grrr...

 

Ok, well I'm off to check on my friends...hopefully you all haven't deleted me yet!!