Snooze or RIDE
Snooze or RIDE
– Guest post by Dave Boyd
As I rolled out of my one successful track stop for the day and got back up to speed, a guy in his pressed white dress shirt (We’ll pretend it was pressed. I couldn’t really tell) driving a silver Toyota Avalon yelled out his passenger window. “Great ride!” or “Shave your legs!” or perhaps something more appropriate for late night cable TV. Since he was well out of my lane of traffic, I assumed it was a yell of encouragement. I did get a few miles of enjoyment about the shaved legs thought, but Darryl covered that in a different post.
This interaction and comical thought really helped shape my day in a fun, enjoyable way. I sometimes struggle to jump out of bed at the first sound of the alarm, which leaves less time for a workout. I know I’m not the only one with that struggle. More importantly, I know that I NEVER regret the times I get up promptly, zip up my cycling jersey and hit the road before the morning traffic starts to build. Having that workout complete when I head off to work gives me a great sense of success, which then continues with my work and family related activities. One of my favorite sayings is this: “The only workout I regret is the one I didn’t do.”
So tomorrow when you hear that alarm start your day, do yourself a favor. Get up quickly, air up those bike tires and go for a ride. Even if it’s for a short time, I’m quite certain you’ll find some more joy in the rest of your day. It’s your choice….Snooze or RIDE.
Dave is a recreational cyclist and runner. When he’s not cycling or traveling for work, he’s playing with his 3 kids or taking off on a run. He tweets about running, riding, travel and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Hello,
I’ve been an avid reader of this site ” https://lovingthebike.com/ ” for some time now – and I enjoy reading your blog on a regular basis.
I’ve been researching on an idea for a blog-post about bikes – and then I thought that this could be a great contribution for your audience.Below are the topics which I can write a well-researched post on:
1.Should cyclists use daytime running lights?
2.The 5 best lightest bike locks.
3.Beginner tips for riding a cruiser motorbike.
4.7 Benefits of using bike bells for kids.
5.5 things you should know before you start mountain biking.
As well as I can write an article according to your requirements.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank You…!!!
What, no spandex? Great post, Dave! We all dislike the sound of the alarm, but we have to remember how much better we feel after a run (or ride!). It’s way better than hitting snooze one or five times.
Funny Brady. I’ll wear the bike shorts when I ride but nobody needs a picture of my spandex. I know you love those runs. Maybe a few days on a bike each week will help keep you off the DL. Thanks for your comment!
Last night I finished a run at around 10. So I didn’t get to sleep until
midnight. The alarm went off at 5 this morning and I headed out for my
morning ride before work. The workout was poor and I’m so tired I’m not
getting anything done at work. As far as I know, it’s the only time I’ve
regretted getting up and riding before work.
Great job getting out there Nathan. I think you might be the exception to the rule. That’s a good thing. Hope you get some rest and some more time in the saddle this weekend!
I was once a snooze button addict, then I moved the alarm clock out of reach. It wasn’t a conscious decision forcing myself to get out of bed on time, but rather, my eyes aren’t what they used to be and I needed to move it further away in order to see the display. However, the appeal of an early morning ride is irresistible to me. I am on the trail before dawn, traveling west from my townhouse towards Bear Creek State Park, near Morrison, CO, timing the ride so, at dawn, I start ascending the hill adjacent to a dam. Something about watching the sun light the mountains in the morning that makes the burn of the climb less painful and the drive on the pedals a bit more forceful..
My senses are filled with the moment. Cool, crisp air, dew covered meadows leading up the foothills, sun’s warmth on my back, this time of year an occasional bugling elk, these rides have become my daily energy supplement. You are exactly right, no mater what happens, I start off every day with a sense of accomplishment, and that energy both affects and effects what I do. I look forward to these rides so much, more often than not, I find myself turing the alarm off before it even sounds.
I hope, as I reach more of my fitness goals, this excitement doesn’t pass, but then again, that’s what’s cool about Loving The Bike. I feed off the energy from the passion that comes through the blog posts and comments, which motivates and inspires me to keep pedaling.
Great post Dave, thanks for sharing Darryl…..
You’re welcome, Joel. I always love reading your comments and they get me just as fired up as what you mentioned here today. Sweet.
Thanks for that amazing imagery Joel! I’d love to have a ride like that every day. I’d definitely jump out of bed to chase that sight!
I HATE getting up, but paradoxically love nothing more than the accomplishment of a really great workout before my day. Nice post!
Pamela, isn’t it interesting how we sometimes have a hard time doing what we know is best for us? Keep after it. I’ll do the same.
I’m an early twitty-bird. The snooze tries to keep up with me, ha!!! Great to see your writing here lil’ cousin! Nice jersey BTW. Looks good on you! #bikeschool
Marty, I don’t think I know anyone who is up as late AND as early as you. I might start using you instead of an alarm clock. I wouldn’t snooze you.
Great post Dave! I’ll do my best not to snooze tomorrow… 🙂
Tomorrow is your metric century right Aaron? You’ll have an amazing time. I’m sure of it! Thanks for reading and commenting!!