Update

I don’t know if anyone is even reading this blog anymore but here is my update.

I am no longer able to ride my bike. It’s been very very sad for me as it was an absolute joy in life to ride.

My back has turned against me and as of this past April 2018 I have been unable to commute to work.  At the end of April I was unable to stand upright and had to crawl.

I have severe stenosis and arthritis and with my back unstable I have been in a lot of pain moving.  In May and June I had spinal cortisone injections which have helped me stand upright and walk around my house and stores for short periods of time. I had been trying to get back on the bike but the pain in my back runs down my left leg so pedaling is painful.

I’m now checking out surgeons as spinal fusion is being recommended.  Know of any good ones in the Boston/Providence area?  Send me a message!

I’m only 57 and my life until last year had been very active physically.  I hope this is not the end of my life as an active person.

Think good thoughts for me.

Lisa

 

 

Back blogging and biking to work

After a break trying to commute to work from Providence to Cambridge I’m back ready to blog regularly. 

I found it nearly impossible to bike even the short 2 miles to the Providence station daily. My exhausted state couldn’t handle it. 

But now I have found an apartment in Cambridge for my work week and can happily bike every day rain or shine.

I work at a university now and though there isn’t a strict dress code I still like to feel dressed up. Adhering to my desire to not wear matching spandex cycling gear I try to make small adjustments to my wardrobe to make riding comfortable. Note- In extreme heat I’ll be packing clothes to change into at work.

Oh and I managed quite nicely to bike across the Golden Gate bridge in a skirt and tights last month on vacation.

Spring time

I haven’t been posting here because one we have had the worst winter that made riding almost impossible and two I’ve been computing to Boston and I am just too tired most of the time. I hope that I can pick this back up again regulary. 

I bought this really great vest on sale while I was snowshoeing in VT last month. It has reflective strips and all sorts of neat zippered pockets. And it’s warm without adding bulk. 

My thoughts have been to buying a folding bike to bring with me. I need to find a used one if possible.  Then I can explore Boston/Cambridge a bit each day. 

Happy Spring! 

 

September 4 week fitness challenge

I’m sadly unemployed for September but decided as of today September 1 to up my fitness level.
Now that I have more time to ride I’m going to up my mileage and make my body more lean by altering my diet. So here is my “before” picture and on October 1 I will let you see my progress.

July riding

It’s going to be 90 today so the sweat is on! Today I need to ride at lunch too so I better drink lots of water.
But this morning there is a cool breeze and there is nothing better to wake up too. Unlike running at least you can catch a bit of relief even in the hottest weather.
So don’t fear the heat just embrace it! and find a fan for afterwards. 🙂

a woman’s best friend

a fan at work is a woman’s best friend when you commute by bike in the summer. get in early and cool down before anyone arrives.

Stress release ride

With so much happening in my work and personal life finding healthy ways to work off the stress is important.
After 3 days of not riding I was surprised at how much stress took hold of my mental health.
This morning I had a great ride in. I feel very fresh mentally and physically.
Oh and I have a new addition to my bike! I bought a saddle bag and it was great to ride without a heavy back pack.
We will see how waterproof it is later in the day.

Riding in wedges

Cool morning ride lead into a warm sweaty ride home.
Wore a knit dress, leggings and wedges. Very comfortable. Though a guy stopped me at work seeing my helmet said you didn’t wear those shoes did you? I said of course!

58 degrees!!

Sunny, warm, humid morning. No gloves needed. I was sweaty on my ride in. Here’s to more and more mornings like this one. I’m a big fan of hot and humid so bring on the heat.

Spring riding!

Just the best weather this week to ride! I did my first group ride last Sunday in Little Compton, which was fun but hard work. 18 miles of hilly in your face headwinds for half of it. The wind was cold and I wished I had packed my cold weather helmet with ear flaps! But I survived and will remember to prep better for rides near the ocean.

It’s been difficult of late documenting my rides in my new position. I get in earlier than the rest so I am trying the fine art of selfies which don’t really work for a full body and bike shot.
I need an early morning photographer!

I’m wearing simple skinny jeans with a bit of spandex and double layer shirt so that I keep my back warm when leaning over my bike. Plus I have lightweight bike gloves which aren’t pictured since I can’t use my phone while wearing them.

This week my total miles will be just around 50. That makes me so happy!