moment of zen

Taken near the end of my ride yesterday with my iPhone.

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what she said

"I’m more interested in my experience of life now, rather than how other people experience me – appearance-wise, at least. And an exhilarating, rich and full life experience is largely dependent on feeling strong and well."

 - Kim Brittingham, guest post at MizFit

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today's mission

Maybe Lance can rock the biking shorts, but I sure can't. The time has come, I must shop for a new pair of bike shorts. BTW - What's the deal with "low-rise" bike shorts for women? Gah!

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pokey progress

Returned from a quick overnight trip to the coast last night. This picture was taken at Bean Hollow Beach. Looking at my exercise stats from last month, I see my riding is starting to diminish while I'm picking up learning some pilates exercises. Saw the scale get down to 138 a few days ago but looks like it was a month of staying at 139, my new plateau. Plan to start doing some pilates at home this month in between classes and to ride at least my weight in miles. Would also like to walk at least 20 miles. Who knows, maybe I'll drop another half pound. Good thing I'm in no hurry as long as I'm going in the right direction.

Added: Patience is bitter, but it bears sweet fruit. - Turkish proverb (found over at Sheesh -- really fits where I am right now)

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a life lesson

So, I learned something the other day. See there, you're never too old to learn! Here it is: When you have a little bout of asthma during a ride, that is not the time to push yourself into your longest ride of the year. I did this and it was not good. Very wiped out afterward. Today's shorter ride with good breathing was really fun although it was pretty dang hot.

Think I'm going to name my bike Bella because she's awfully pretty.

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Quotable - Why I Don't Diet

"Diet companies convince women (and men, to a slightly lesser extent) that skinny means healthy, that weight loss is the key to happiness, and that being even slightly overweight is shameful. Healthy, beautiful humans come in all shapes and sizes, but the diet industry will never acknowledge that fact."
 - Why I Don't Diet, Sally McGraw

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freaking finally

After saying and writing numerous times that I was going to sign up for an exercise class, I finally did it. I signed up for six pilates classes and attended the first one this past Tuesday evening. It was very low key and the instructor was attentive. Two days later, I felt muscles around my upper rib cage I didn't know I had. I really liked it. Really, really. I think I'd get more out of the classes if I learned about beginning pilates exercises. Do you have a DVD to recommend?

Here are two giveaways I want to point out (not that I want competition, but hey, life's about sharing):

• MizFit is giving away an amazing customized workout T-shirt. 
• Ellen at Femagination is hosting a great book giveaway. Are you expecting? Do you know someone who is?

 Both giveaways end on Sept. 30th. Good luck!

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cycling humor

Source: New Yorker

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ah ha!

There’s a reason that you can learn from everything: you have basic wisdom, basic intelligence, and basic goodness. Therefore, if the environment is supportive and encourages you to be brave and to open your heart and mind, you’ll find yourself opening to the wisdom and compassion that’s inherently there. It’s like tapping into your source, tapping into what you already have. It’s the willingness to open your eyes, your heart, and your mind, to allow situations in your life to become your teacher.

~ Pema Chödrön

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