Thursday, August 13, 2009

Beautiful Earth

I really should have a picture for this post, but I just didn't want to stop my bike and lose my momentum to take a picture. I just wanted to pedal through it and enjoy as I rode my bike to work this morning. I've committed to commuting to work via Doc Holiday (my TT bike) at least once a week. And ya know what, I really like it. Is it just me, or is there something really cool about riding a bike to actually get somewhere instead of just to force physical adaptation to a higher intensity? I don't know, maybe it's just me. The point was, though, that the earth is just beautiful. I rode over the Normandy Lake bridge on my way to Tullahoma and the sun was reflecting off the steaming lake. It's something I've seen quite a few times, but there was just something about it today. Maybe it was because I almost stayed in bed a little longer and opted to burn petroleum on Hwy 55 instead of carbohydrates/fat along the backroads. Getting out the door is always the hardest part. Maybe it was because my average was looking better than last week's average, and the ride actually ended up being 2.5 minutes faster. Or maybe it was because I really felt like myself again out there. I've been doing more of what I said I'd do. Not perfect, but making progress.

I had a good week last week. I didn't make it to run with the group Friday morning, but I made up for it by doing a 14 mile trail run in midday in the heat and humidity. I love the solitude of trail running. This week, I ran 4 at lunch on Monday and 6 yesterday (Wednesday). I didn't make it on the bike Tuesday, but I am commuting today. I'm running long tomorrow, and I'm riding long Saturday. Not exactly 'PR Marathon Training,' but it's all good for now.

There's a lot of hurt in the world. I think sometimes I don't slow down long enough to really see it, or maybe I just avoid looking at it because I don't want to slow down; but that doesn't mean it's not there. A little boy on Briar's baseball team dove into a swimming pool back in the summer and broke his neck. 14 years old, and he's paralyzed from the waste down. He was a tremendous baseball player and great kid...and we pray that he will walk again someday. But when I think about the intense rehab he goes through daily and the demons he must have to fight in his head, it is very sobering. It certainly makes my self-inflicted long running and biking pain seem unimportant. So if I don't post about this stuff with the same zeal as I may have in the past, it's just because I have taken the time to actually see the hurt this time, and it sort of brings me to a loss of words for now.

Above all the hurt in this world though, the Earth is beautiful. It is truly a gift. Get out in and play in it, and be thankful you can.

5 comments:

Missy said...

Using a bike to get somewhere is MY favorite part..or just riding UP and looking around no care for pace or speed!

So sorry about the boy, I can't imagine what his parents are going through too.

Iron Girl Nyhus said...

Love your last paragraph, Lana.
Laura

Anonymous said...

I so wish I could ride my bike to work or have that option. Glad things are coming around for you.

I will keep my thoughts and prayers with the Briar's baseball friend. Sometimes seeing just how truly lucky we are is very sobering.

Have a great run!

Jessica said...

I will pray for him. We just had a friend's husband die out of the blue and it just really puts things like injury and training and whining into perspective, doesn't it?? Good post.

Denise said...

Just thought you would want to know that the Leaves of Lincoln Century has been cancelled this year. My hubby was VERY disappointed...