Feeding your soul…

Feeding your soul in whatever you do.

I’m a mover, I like to be doing things outside.  My passion during the winter is skiing, I can’t get enough of it.  When the ski season is over and it’s time to put the summer wax on, I start getting excited about Bike season. 

Last year my husband and I bought new mountain bikes.  We really enjoy downhill mountain biking together.  We stick to the blue trails and have so much fun together.  I also started doing a bit of cross country or enduro riding with some friends last year. 

When we first started, I learned very quickly that I’m not a very fast climber.  I have asthma and I gauge how hard a climb is by how many times I have to stop and take my inhailer.  By the end of the season last year, I had a few rides that were only a 1 or 2 puff ride.  It felt good.

Today was my first day out on a climb on my bike this season.  I had worked all morning and was so frustrated with what I was trying to get done and it just wasn’t working.  So, I loaded up the bike and took off to the trails.  When I got there, I made sure I had my inhaler and all the stuff I may need.  Today I was riding on a trail I hadn’t done but my son assured me it would be good.  I came around one corner and had to ride over a log and I thought to myself, well, you didn’t die!  Then I was soaring down the trail and breathing in all the forest smells that make me feel so connected and grounded.  All I could think was how lucky I was to live in such a beautiful place that makes me so happy. 

Then I came around a corner and started up my first hill, it felt like it went straight up.  I had made sure that I was in the right gear and pedaled as hard as I could.  Then I walked up half the hill, I ran out of juice.  I made it down to the lake after a few sketchy sections and I must toot my own horn, I was pretty proud of myself for the stuff I rode down.  Yes, ok, I did walk down a few sections but in my defense, I was riding by myself and I didn’t want to die!  I made it down to the lake and gave myself a little pep talk about making it back up the hill.  It was a paved trail to go back up but, it was steep and I told myself not to give up and that my body can do more than I think.  Well, I am happy to report that I rode up the road without stopping and made it all the way back to the starting point.  For most in these parts, it would be considered and easy ride, to me, making it all the way up the hill without having to stop, I felt like I was the best biker in the world!  My lungs were burning but I didn’t have to stop, I’d say that’s a step ahead.

While I was out there, I reflected on why I like biking so much.  I like it because it pushes me.  Am I the best biker? No, well, today I felt like it, but I know I’m far from it.  It’s something I can continue to learn and, at the same time, feed my soul and clear my mind.  There are so many different things out there to try; try them all until you find something that feeds your soul.  It will add years to your life.