Come Down and Rededicate

I grew up attending the local Baptist church, and at the end of every service we had an invitation. Everyone was invited to come forward to pray, join the church, or rededicate their life. It doesn't matter whether or not I still agree with the process or others continue to believe in it. But I do know there is power in public renewal and change. Making a decision public adds a little concrete around the base of your decision.

It happens every year, and it's happening again this year. Cycling has been losing the fight against rain, time change, cold temperatures, holidays, and work. Over the last 2 months I've become more sedentary, not less. I took my bike to Austin last weekend, and only rode 15 miles over 3 days. And the steep, short hills killed me, because I'd not been riding as much I should. I had excuses that weekend -- cold the first day, Texans game the 2nd, and spitting rain the morning of the 3rd. But they were all excuses. So I'm naming it, claiming it, and will change it.

Starting this week, I'm back on my morning routine. 15 miles on the bike before work, starting at 5:30am. And on the weekends, a couple of long rides before the family is good and awake. If it's raining, I'll run. If it's REALLY raining...then I'll figure something out: jump rope on the porch, do some strength training, whatever. But I'll break the cycle. I've got to do it, otherwise with every day that I don't, it becomes easier to continue being less of committed cyclist, not more.

I'm not making the same public commitment about blogging. I'll commit to trying to post, but I can't promise anything. That's secondary, and just not as important. I know you'll understand.