Namaste_Heather

Yesterday I wrote about my challenges and adventures in greening my life. I got beautiful comments from many friends, all of which I’m most appreciative. Last night, as J and I were driving home from M’s softball game, we started talking about driving. Besides teaching yoga in a town I would have much difficulty biking to, I also work *very part time* for a small company in another town approximately 10 miles from my home. I was asking J about biking there last night, to which he replies, very casually,

“Yeah you can do it.”

“So will you bike there with me tomorrow?” I ask.

*Sideways glance*

“Please . . .” in my sweetest, most loving tone.

“I’ll think about it.”

10 miles doesn’t sound like much. That’s one way. Heck 20 miles isn’t all that far on a bike. But, and this is a BIG but, the hills are intimidating. As I wrote yesterday, I live in a rural area. All towns within 25 miles of me are small. Many are not even towns but incorporations and municipalities. We’re at the northernmost tip of Appalachia and there are many hills. Big, steep, rolling, long . . . one after another, after another.

I am proud to say that WE did it. We biked to S-Town this morning beginning at 7:45 a.m. I arrived to work promptly at 9 a.m. I am beyond grateful for my wonderful husband, who saw me through it safely. I don’t think I could have faced my fear and done it alone. He is my rock. He always believes in me even when I waver. He doesn’t realize how much his stability helps to center me. I tell him, but I still don’t think he quite understands it.

Last night was nearly sleepless as I woke to several unpleasant envisioned scenarios. Early this morning, I showered, meditated and set my mind straight. We biked on a State Route to get there – two lanes, heavy traffic, semi-trucks, farm machinery. I thought I would pass out a few times. My face was the shade of ripe strawberries I recently picked. I had difficulty breathing and couldn’t catch my breath on a few occasions. About one quarter of the way there I almost asked him to call someone to pick us up. No, I thought to myself. You can do this. You are a strong, empowered woman, Heather. I thought of a funny comment Suburban Yogini left on my Crazy Minds post. “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.” Just keep biking. Just keep breathing, I thought to myself. So, I pushed through it. Typically I am not a “no pain, no gain” kinda girl. But when I set my mind to something, it would likely take an earthquake or other equal disaster to stop me. I was exhausted yet exhilarated when we arrived.

“There ya go.” He says to me as we arrive at my work’s front door.

I give him a kiss and tell him I love him. Blessed, I think to myself.

Here’s a pic of J just before heading out of our little town. Yep, he’s always this serious

And here I am, smiling all over myself . . . No, we didn’t eat at DQ before we left.

I only had to work until 12 noon *very part time*. J rode back by himself and called me half way home.

“Take Old S-Town Road instead on the way back. It has much less traffic.”

“What about the hills?” I say. “Old S-Town Road has more hills and is longer, isn’t it?”

“You may have to push your bike up a few, but it’s not bad. Try it.”

So, I took Old S-Town Road home too. It was harder, and admittedly I pushed the bike up more than one hill, but again I made it home. Here were some of my vistas on the ride back. It was nice not to be pressed for time.

One rather long hill. Why do pictures never do the scenery justice?

Some docile friends I made. They just stared and ate grass as I talked to them. I love cows.

Beautiful home and barn. The sites are beautiful on Old S-Town Road . . . old farms, new ones, wildlife, farm animals, rolling meadows and fields, blue skies. Quite a blessing.

My ride, and J’s in the back. I was even able to bring my recycling home thanks to the basket J got for me a few years ago.

Was it worth it? Maybe. My muscles aren’t sore yet, but my seat is. Will I do it again? Probably, but not every day I work there. The traffic caused me some concern. Many of the vehicles didn’t leave us a lot of room and after hearing about *driving and texting* statistics, that scares me even more, especially among semi-trucks.  While Old S-Town Road was much safer in the way of traffic, I was apprehensive by myself, on a country road. Houses were within a mile of one another, but being as winded as I was put a bit of a scare in me. Paranoid? Whatever.

I decided to do this adventure primarily for myself, to prove a point that I could. While it was nice not to drive this morning for green reasons, it was also a lovely day and great adventure. I’m proud to say I did it. However, I will do other things to ease my carbon footprint before endangering myself on a regular basis in this way. It is, after all, my choice, and I am doing so many things to be proud of.

I did it too, partly, as kick-off of the 21.5.800 Challenge. I know that I can do anything if I set my mind to it and this put it all in motion for me.

Day 1 :  Yoga – check. Writing – check.