Today is the first day of the rest of your life, it’s the first of January and there’s a whole new empty slate in front of you. What will you do with it?
I don’t do resolutions anymore for the New Year, I refuse to do them! I don’t think one year ever went by where I did something that was on those lists. I just blundered through each year hanging on by my teeth anyway.
The thing to do is pick one thing, one important thing that you want more than anything, (this must be something doable, not a magical spell or witchcraft) and learn how to achieve it. Do research on it and practice it until perfect. Put the effort into it that will bring the results that make you happy.
If you want to outlive everyone, stick around for your kids, stay healthy and strong enough to enjoy the rest of your life independently then I ask you to consider living healthier this year and riding a bicycle is something people of all ages can do.
Last year was very good to me! After riding for months I finally felt comfortable enough to really enjoy my rides. I look forward to and get excited about them. It was not always that easy.
I rode bicycles growing up but now I was much older (old enough to break bones easily), I could barely make it up the easy hills and the wind worked against me. I had to get used to sharing the trail with critters, walkers, runners, families with kids, and other bikers.
I had some falls stopping or starting my bike (the hardest thing for me with my disability) but my balance got better. It was a good 7 months where I was shaky and uneasy on my bike. Now I feel great and want to share the side effects of bicycling with you!
If you have bad knees, hips, need joint replacement or have joint pain I urge you to try riding a bicycle this year to help strengthen and maybe relieve some of that pain. Exercise can improve bad joints.
My knees always hurt with swelling and I still need both knees replaced (I have windswept knees) but biking this last year has made them so much better it’s unbelievable. My knees are much stronger for walking and no more cane!
This year I am continuing what I started in October of 2015:
- keeping my weight regular by logging what I eat, 1500 calories/daily of good healthy food
- no sodas or sugary drinks
- watching my daily macros (carbs, fats, and proteins)
- drinking 8 ounces or more of water daily
- riding my bike every other day (that’s 4 times a week)
- getting at least 7 1/2 hours of quality sleep a night
- multivitamins and chia seeds daily
Soon, I will add weight training a few times a week. As I get older I want to keep the strength to lift things for myself and get around without needing help. There are many good articles about staying active and what to do to maintain your health and good looks for many years to come.
Staying strong is important. My one important thing (if you haven’t guessed) is my biking because without it I won’t be healthy and happy, ready to enjoy the rest of what this new year has to offer.
Let’s be harder, better, faster, stronger this year!
Happy New Year!
Let's Ride 