Road Warrior-Ditching Fuel for Physical

Today is a huge day for me. Recently I made a decision that will massively affect my whole life. It’s scary and intimidating for sure.  At the same time it’s exciting, bold and in great ways life altering.

Here’s the deal; I decided to buy a bike and adopt it as my main means of transportation. If you’re thinking whoa that’s a pretty big thing to take on.. you’re right!

About 2 years ago I bought myself a beautiful truck that I love to this day. Unfortunately, trying to save for an extended stay in another country and paying for a truck is difficult. Acknowledging this fact was the first step to my decision.

The next thing was pretty obvious; my passion for living sustainably and being eco friendly grew as my knowledge of the subject did. So, how can I drive a truck around every day and expect anyone to take me seriously about my environmental concerns?

Then there is my work at Saskatchewan in motion. My understanding of the importance of daily physical activity tells me to do what I can, to be as active as I can.  Not just for looking good, but for feeling good and living a healthy life.

Taking all of my passions into account the most realistic thing I could think to do was hitting the street on my bike.

Today was day 1!

The benefits of choosing active transportation are clear:

• I will save money I would have spent on gas
• I will be able to save significantly more money for my trip (my bike was a one-time payment, unlike my truck)
• I will virtually eliminate my personal fuel emissions impact on the environment
• I will increase the amount of physical activity I get drastically!
• I am already more organized and efficient because I have to plan where I need to go, and when (more time and more effort to get where I’m going, means I can’t afford to be unorganized)
• Physically and “emotionally”(or whatever you wanna call it) I feel great about what I accomplished.

This morning was a huge test for my mental and physical toughness. Not only did I have to get up an hour earlier than I usually do (as I’m sure you’re aware, biking takes a lot longer than driving haha). I also hadn’t been on a bike in a long time. I’ve been working out fairly consistently doing other things so I knew I could handle it, but it wasn’t easy.

To be clear I live a significant distance away from work, I’m not whining over 4 blocks or anything

I made it though, huffing and puffing with burning legs and a sore gluteus maximus. None of that mattered once I succeeded in getting to work this am. I’m not gunna lie, I’m proud.

It feels deadly knowing I conquered something not everyone thought I would follow through with. Ya it’s only day one, but I’m in it for the long haul. (Plus, I have the long weekend to forget how hard the ride was.. haha)

What do you do for physical activity that you’re proud of?

Kenji