Bit dull at work, so here goes....

Gambatte

You know sometimes you’re sat on the bike, nice long stretch of road and your mind starts to wander. You’ve got a bit of time to actually experience what’s around you?

I was in the middle of my commute this morning, I’ve dropped off the early enthusiasm for trying to beat times etc. Now I’m just enjoying the ride itself. Over 14 miles the difference between ‘comfortable’ and ‘subsequently knackered’ is a couple of minutes, so I’ve opted for comfortable.

I was thinking about those mornings a couple of weeks ago, where I looked outside and thought ‘too windy’, ‘too cold’ and took the car.

Now this morning was cold & breezy at 06:20, but my attitudes slowly changing, so I went out. 06:35 I noticed my arms were still cold. The wind, created as much by my speed, definitely had a chill factor, but its an invigorating cold. You can almost feel the blood pumping round, carrying heat with it.

It seems to wake you up, in more ways than one. A few hours later, sat at my desk, and I can still feel a raised ‘awareness’(?) It also feels like I’m carrying myself differently when I’m walking round the factory. Shoulders up and back, belly in.

Maybe its just an endorphin ‘high’?

Anyway, whatever, I feel more confident about carrying this commuting thro’ into the winter.

twowheeledwriter

I have had two separate periods of commuting, one south of Guildford over 3 years, and one going into London (Hammersmith) from the south-west over 2 years.

Both times I started around April when the clocks changed. It was great cycling through the summer - but the beginning of the autumn/winter (especially after the clocks changed again) was a bit daunting.

However, keeping going through the winter was great and really kept me fit. Yes, motivation does drop but it IS worth it!

I can certainly remember the first few times that I had that high from arriving by bike and, you're right it does continue through the morning. You get addicted to that buzz - and that's what gets you on the bike on a cold, windy January morning.

martincroxall

You're bang on with your description of how the wind feels on your arms. I noticed it seemed a bit chilly this morning but once you're riding it really gets your blood pumping (as does the pedaling of course). It really does wake you up and give you energy throughout the day compared with ow sluggish I feel if I drive in.

DavidTQ

Yep definetely feel the invigorated difference from cycling in. Im really hoping to keep it up through the winter, not got much choice as Ive sold the car . Although I am now thinking its time to get arm \ leg warmers and full finger gloves.

BentMikey

I had the cold arms and warm insides when I got home last night. My missus was a bit shocked at how cold they were, no cuddles until my temp had evened out.

A - W

I totally agree with the waking up and alive feeling.

Struggling after my holiday to get back in the saddle and opted for the added sleep and rest over the bike in. Shame on me I know, just havent got the energy. Need to get myself sorted. Tomorrow morning it will have to be, I want cold arms.

Gambatte

I get the no cuddles straight away routine as well. Only its not ‘until you warm up’ its ‘until you’ve had a shower’ (which previously would have been done ‘last thing’)

I’m finding that another positive tho’ (not the lack of cuddles)
Having a shower mentally closes the work day and I’m then fresh for the evening and an hour with the kids.

A - W

Gambatte wrote:

I get the no cuddles straight away routine as well. Only its not ‘until you warm up’ its ‘until you’ve had a shower’ (which previously would have been done ‘last thing’)

I’m finding that another positive tho’ (not the lack of cuddles)
Having a shower mentally closes the work day and I’m then fresh for the evening and an hour with the kids.

It does make you feel better about the evening certainly.

richk

I've been on 101 stress management courses (draw your own conclusions). Most people have a 'work' life & a 'home' life. Both can be stressful (but it's usually work...). Anyway, one of the better techniques I've come across is one of 'corridors' to create a definite break between the two. A corridor is basically something you do between home & work to separate them out. For most (me included) - work & home are separated by the daily commute - 20 mins of hell on the local train service (which doesn't help). A much better corridor would be a 30 minute cycle ride - ideally separating home life & work life - I'm also told that physical exercise is good for stress (presume that goes back to having to go kill your dinner).

misterben

BentMikey wrote:

I had the cold arms and warm insides when I got home last night. My missus was a bit shocked at how cold they were, no cuddles until my temp had evened out.

It's the cold belly that freaks my wife out....

dirk_van_gently

You just gotta love it. I have found recently the weirdest thing, on the days that I DON'T use the bicycle (as opposed to motorcycle, my other mode de transport) I am more tired at the end of the day. so the cycling gives me energy. Not to mention all the other benefits that everyone has mentioned so far.

Last week I had a tyre blowout (flints) so the bike was out of commission for a few days, talk about withdrawal symptoms? Happily back on the bike today, new tyres, probably going to extend the ride home as it is such a nice day :-)

Oh and it's good for your Soul.