Maiden voyage = sore and achy muscles

So yesterday I was able to do what I have been chomping at the bit to do for several weeks months.  To get outside and ride my bike. I’ve been riding all winter on my inside trainer. Several words come to mind when I think of that: Not the same. Very little challenge (except to keep going). One big one: B.O.R.I.N.G. I don’t have the fancy ZWIFT or any other type of trainer that allows one to hook up and then program a simulated ride. One word for that: $$$$$. So to ride a trainer inside is about exciting as watching grass grow or in my case to stare at it looking for some confounded mole activity. Riding outside is the ideal scenario (even given the crazy drivers). But weather, time, and the need for new tires and some maintenance slowed my getting outside to ride.  Until yesterday…

It was still a bit chilly, especially with the wind coming out of the west at about 12-15 mph. But I have clothes for that so I was toasty warm (except for the side of my face the wind hit). I rode 11 miles in exactly one hour. I refueled properly when I stopped. I used a roller to help get the lactic acid out of my muscles, but at the end of the day I was still a bit on the achy side. But it is a good ache and sore because I got it doing something I love to do.

I’m sure you have experienced that as well. Your first hike. Your first canoe/kayak effort after being cooped up all winter. Your first run after the treadmill.  That first ball practice. Stretching and using muscles which had, for the most part, laid dormant for too long. But even as I worked out at the Y all winter, I used different muscles and found sore spots last night that I forgot existed. 🙂

The Bible speaks often about flexing our muscles. Not in a power grab sense but in following Him. In fact, Paul encourages us to “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong…” (Col. 2:7). Each time I ride it will get easier with a little less soreness as I establish a base and foundation. The soreness will leave and the distance and riding time will increase.

Sounds like a recipe for growth, strength and a whole of fun on and off the bike.