Just Ten More Minutes

Some days, no sound is more unwelcome than that of the alarm clock. Some days I can just spring out of bed and dance my way to the shower, Fred Astaire-like. Other days I just want to lie in bed doing nothing, Marlon Brando-like.

Some days I shut off the alarm and think, I don't think I feel like riding the bike today. Then I consider the alternatives for a couple minutes and find myself thinking, I don't think I feel like riding the Vespa today, then shortly after that, I don't think I feel like riding the bus today.

Then I realize that what it boils down to is I don't feel like going to work today. Not since my carefree younger days working a supermarket job that I hated have I called in sick simply because I didn't feel like working. A few times I even blew off work to go fishing with my friends and I don't even like fishing, but it sure beat stacking lettuce on the shelf at Kroger's. Also, in Michigan where I grew up it is hard to avoid fishing. It is difficult to drive more than several blocks without having to make a turn lest you drive into a lake.

But alas, I cannot get myself to call in sick for a "mental health day" anymore (does spending the day in a boat killing brain cells with multiple beers qualify as a mental health day?). Since being responsible as far as my job is concerned is one of the few facets of adulthood I have managed to get a grasp on, I can't let that go or I may as well move back into my parents' basement and see if my old paper route is still available. I have already reverted back to taking my trusty bike everywhere.

When I take Vespa or bus I usually allow myself to sleep in an extra 30 minutes or so, though once I am awake the first time, I usually cannot fall back to sleep, so it doesn't do me any good anyway.

What is the point of all this rambling and how does it relate to cycling? Well, I guess the point is once I get myself out the door and onto the saddle I have never regretted it. Once I get moving I forget how tired I was a few minutes ago and start to feel more awake. I admit there are times when I have gotten so little sleep that I have worried somewhat about doing something stupid on the bike because of fatigue, but manage to stay alert enough to make it to work. On these days, it would be even a bigger reason to not take the Vespa. If I am worried about being aware on the bicycle, how would I be on a two-wheeled vehicle that can reach speeds up to 70 mph? I could always take the bus, but then there is the danger of dozing off and waking up who-knows-where?

Except for those few insomnia-ridden nights I always feel better when I get to work after riding than I do after any other method of transportation. That doesn't mean that I am not going to be fighting the urge to doze off at one or two in the afternoon, but I feel pretty good upon arrival. Getting the blood circulating and some fresh air in the lungs goes a long way toward making one feel more energetic.

It is no secret that any form of exercise in the morning can help you wake up and get ready for the day. Judging by the number of people I see in the gyms I ride by (I don't think I would go to a gym with an entire glass front, unless maybe I went to a gym with no windows for a while, then when I finally started looking like a young Jack LaLanne, I might consider putting myself on display in the glass gym) and the number of joggers I see, quite a few are aware of this. But I have the advantage of getting to work at the same time that I am getting my wake-up exercise.

At the end of the workday I never have as big a problem as I do in the morning. Sure my energy level may be low by that time but I have the added incentive of being home soon.

Even though though hopping on the bike and pedaling for an hour or so may not seem like the most desirable thing to do first thing in the morning, that usually changes once you are out and moving.