Because I'm a geek, I keep track of how long it takes me and calculate my average overall speed. And I make graphs. Pastor Steve would be proud. What the graph doesn't show is the fact that my times have decreased every day with one exception (the obvious dip in the blue line). The slight dips in the red line is were I took a shortcut which decreased my overall time, but also decreased my average speed.I's also getting easier. Not easy, but easier. Here's a few things I've noticed:
- The first few days all I could think about was "What have I gotten myself into?" Then when I would arrive I would collapse on the floor for 15 minutes to recover and wonder if I could return the bike. Now I don't even have to collapse on the floor at all.
- On my first commute it took 43 minutes to get in. This morning it took just under 29.
- The first ride I stopped about 5 times on the way in to rest, this morning I didn't stop at all. (the rests alone probably account for the time difference)
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8 comments:
I'm not a physically disciplined person, either (you may have noticed). So I'm super impressed with your progress! I'm sure it feels great to see improvement.
Yeah, it does feel good to know I'm getting somewhere. Although I must confess that I was supposed to bike in this morning but didn't.
I also have biker friends that are wanting me to start riding as well. Makes sense economically and physically. Save gas, get in shape. Sounds like the answer to all our problems in America..."If I told you that I could save you gas, while at the same time get you in shape, would that interest you?" Most people would jump and say "YES!", until they figured out that this magical answer was a bike.
Hi -- I'm a reporter for the Wall Street Journal in New York and I'm looking into a story about people who've started biking to work. I saw your blog. Are you free to talk about your experience? I'm at 212.416.4442 or ellen.gamerman@wsj.com. Thanks, Ellen Gamerman
I, of course, think you're a total freak, but I'm very proud of you for buckling (sp?) down doing this... and I cannot believe that you've blogged like four things and have already been contacted by WSJ. Geez, Doog. Have you ever NOT succeeded at something??? I want to see that thing, whatever it is.
"Have you ever NOT succeeded at something?" - After a year or two of my woodworking hobby, have you ever seen any of my woodworking projects? Yeah, we won't talk about that.
What do you mean? Doesn't everybody with a blog get routine national media exposure? I was starting to wonder what was taking so long. Seriously though, I talked to Ellen on Friday, we'll have to wait & see if she uses anything from me.
Kudos on the biking to work.
Working in a cubicle (or at a computer no matter where you are) makes it tough to fit in exercise, so it looks like you've figured out a great way to do it, while saving money too.
Michael - You're absolutely right, but I didn't even realize how out of shape I was until I started doing this. It sneaks up on you. I had to buy the bike, so it'll take a while for it to make sense financially, but when you factor in the health benefits it's worth it.
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