Chris Writing Anything

So, lately, I’ve been attempting to write fitness posts. In my previous writings, I had stated that the only expertise I possess, though I’d be far from discrediting it, is my own personal experience. But don’t let that fool you, through my life, I’ve learned much about personal well being. And, being a man nearing fifty, one who maintains a forty-three bpm pulse, I believe I can make some decent suggestions. So, as I’ve gained a little momentum, I’m going to further explain my fitness quest. This is a continuation of my thoughts from last week.

During last week’s post, as I encouraged my reader’s to be active, I had suggested that one should do what they love. With that being said, sticking with personal experience, I’ll share a love of mine. I’ll also include why I love it and why I became interested in it.

First off, I’ll tell you why I became interested in mountain biking, which is the love I’m writing about. To be honest, and really, before one memorable instance, I can’t say if I knew what mountain biking was.

Yet, I think the urge had always been there. I remember, although it was only a one time experience, a certain mountain bike excursion in Alaska. I had just turned twenty, and while descending from a steep precipice, without the aid of brakes, I felt like I conquered the wilderness surrounding me.

However, even if the experience lasts in my mind, I didn’t make mountain biking a hobby. I smoked, and biking requires some cardio fitness. So, as much as I felt like a badass, my physical ailments, being that I suffer ahsmatic reactions to allergens, rendered my exploit a one time endeavor.

Then I quit smoking. After I kicked the habit, and some of the tar had left my lungs, I had decided I would give the sport a try. I started out slowly, with an inferior bike. And then, after some serious doubts and growing pains, I became better and sought out more difficult trails.

Don’t get me wrong, if I were to attempt a black diamond trail, I’d be a bloody mess. Actually, in the past four years or so, I’ve tried a few insanely difficult trails. Yes, my shins were bleeding profusely.

But there are tons of other trails out there. If you search around, you’ll find courses that can accommodate the out of shape novice, or you might come across obstacle laden circuits.

Arduous hill climbs, pulse pounding descents, tricky terrain: I have to say, this isn’t monotonous exercise. And while those attributes make for fulfilling challenges, it’s only a fraction of what makes the sport fun.

I think my favorite part, at least while riding Wisconsin trails, is that many of these courses are set among wilderness. As you trek the forests, right along these dirt paths, you’ll find tons of wildlife. Often times, when biking my usual haunt, I’ll stumble upon whitetail deer…well, not literally. Nonetheless. In some instances, actually many times, because I’m so focused on the trail, those harmless creatures will startle me. It’s a welcome moment of surprise.

Finally, like any cardio training, there’s the inherent ‘runner’s high’. If you couple that with a sense of serious accomplishment, it’s an incredible boost to your mental health. I hadn’t even mentioned the serene forest’s soothing effects. Yeah, it’s not only good for your physical health, it’s great for the soul.

That’s why I ride a mountain bike.

I’ll close this up with a motivating, ‘Rah-Rah’, paragraph. This post wasn’t necessarily meant to draw you towards mountain biking. It was meant to make you think, particularly about your own aspirations. What physical activity have you always dreamed of doing? Better yet, what athletes do you admire most? I can honestly say, if you don’t let fear and doubt hold you back, you can be what you dream of being. Just don’t expect that dream to happen overnight.

Take Care and Safe Travels!