Exercise is Good

Water aerobics on Wednesday was intense. We did steps in the water. I didn't think it was all that different but I am here to tell you that while it didn't seem all that rough, I have sore muscles that scream otherwise. Hope we start to step more regularly in the water. I enjoyed it and know that the soreness is good.

The weather here in Chicagoland has been beautiful this past week. I started walking with the girls at work about a mile every day, at least. On Thursday, I got out the bikes and we went for a bike ride. Now mind you, I had not been a bicycle in at least 25 years! I was wobbly but it is true: You never forget how to ride a bike once you've learned.

One of the girls and I set off. I started out on a girl's bicycle but my knees started to ache early on. I exchanged bikes with the girl because the one she was on was a bigger bike but it was also a boy's bike. No more knee pain. Cool! Then we were riding uphill and she called for me to stop. I did and put my feet down only to realize even not sitting on the seat I could barely reach the ground with my tippy toes. I leaned to the left to swing my leg off the bike and the bike slid. I fell on top of the bike and then down onto my elbow and knees. OUCH! I ended up with some small puncture wounds in the heel of one hand, road rash on my arm near my left elbow, and road rash with puncture wounds on my left knee. I sat there on the ground stunned for a couple minutes. The girl was mortified and came to see if I wanted help up. I managed to get up with a little bit of dignity. We walked (I more likely hobbled) back toward the home. Almost there and I decided to get back on and ride again. Made it back without incident but once again, fell getting off the bike. The girls tease me that before I can ride again I need knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a helmet. In spite of the falls, I had so much FUN! I want a bike to ride at home. Just need to make sure that I buy one that is the right size for me. I'm okay. Sore and scabbed over, but okay. I survived my first bike ride in over 25 years and it felt FANTASTIC!!!

I am loving that I do things now that I haven't been able to do for so long. I want to rollerskate again. I used to love rollerskating. Last time I went, I spent most of the night on my butt on the floor because my center of gravity was so off from all the weight. I had a hard enough time getting off the floor in the first place. Add the rollerskates and it was next to impossible to get up. I so want to try but am afraid. Maybe I'll do it in the gym at work, late at night when no one is there to witness the fall should it happen. I think that will be my next exercise challenge. Just got to work up the courage ...