What one woman learned from getting back on the bike.
I’m a 50-something television producer and a typical boomer. I’m not ready to give in to my aches and pains or to accept the wrinkles on my face. Who was that nasty person who pasted my mother’s face on the bathroom mirror?!
The past couple of years have been devoted to producing a television series for PBS, called Life (Part 2). As season two airs this fall, I reflect upon lessons learned from my life and those who have offered their expertise on the show. Billie Jean King, in an interview by host Robert Lipsyte, evokes the immortal quote by Bette Davis: "Aging ain’t for sissies.” One glance at a shrunken 401K or a few years taking care of a fragile elder makes one see the truth in that statement. But I’ve discovered that with the challenges comes the strength to meet those challenges.
Sometimes we muster up the will to do what must be done. That happened when I had to take care of my dying mother and my father with Alzheimer’s. Sometimes we just stumble on to small doses of strength that make us fearless in unexpected ways.
Robert Lipsyte wrote a blog on our web site about how a bike ride taught him how to enjoy the ride of life. I must say that a new bicycle taught me a life lesson recently. Two years ago I started riding a bike again after 25 years. So I was timid; maybe scared is a better word. I bought a big heavy bike with big fat tires for my more than ample frame. Now after two years and many joyous miles, I decided it was time to upgrade. I had become frustrated by the hills I couldn’t climb and the effort that my heavy, safe bicycle required. I took the plunge and bought a road bike. A skinny bike with skinny tires for my still ample (although now more muscular) frame. As I mounted that bike for the first time, the tires looked so thin. Was I asking for a tumble? I was timid yet again. But something happened after that first ride: I lost my fear and had a great time. That long hill that I never conquered was now just another leg of my ride. I rode faster and easier. I thought, why did I wait so long? Fear. I was afraid to challenge myself. Now that the fear is gone, I’m having more fun than ever on my bike rides. What other little fears have kept me from enjoying the ride? Aging ain’t for sissies. Time to face that bathroom mirror again.
Read other stories from women who rediscovered their love of fitness.
