I have a dilema.

About 4 weeks ago, I decided to purchase a road bike AND a mountain bike. Yep, a good old-fashioned, pedal as you go bicycle. Since then, I've become obsessed with riding, conditioning, and better overall health.
I'm up to about 2-3 hrs a day (weather permitting) of riding either at the local trails, or through the open roads in my neighborhood.
I have to admit....I feel better than I've felt in 10 years

Problem is, I feel sad every time I look at my shiny RK in my garage. And my wife would never let me live it down, if I came home from a bike ride, then hopped on the RK for a spin. She would lose it.

Just thought I'd share this with you guys.

Anybody ever go through their "mid-life health kick"?

BTW.....my 50th is approaching, and it might have something to do with this

 

Tone,

I'm coming up quick on 52. Started walking daily (lunch hours) - now addicted - gotta do it - you do feel better for sure.

But my mind and body also craveriding the scoot, food and especially BEER. Unfortunately those come first, second and third- walking is last.

No, wait a minute, something else is last, you know that other thing -maybe I need a cocktail of Viagra, Cialis and Levitra [:-][:-][:-]

 

Boy, I got the *****'s readin your post...It's exactly ME!!!..I'm 49 and 3 weeks ago I started making and effort. I dusted off the old 10 speed and started bike-ridin. I gotta admit..it does feel good to get the blood flowin again....unfortunately the scoot gets ridden a little less in this equation. Oh well....I guess the Harley won't do me much good if I'm so outta shape one day that I can't throw my leg over it...priorities you know....

 

I've been into aerobic fitness activities since 1974. I ride my road bicycle about 20 miles (maybe 75 minutes) a day. Before that it was marathon running, at which I had become as obsessive as you are sounding. Moderation is the key to long term physical activity.

I also ride my Dyna 30-45 minutes every day weather permits. You don't have to make this an either-or situation. Shave some time off your exercise, get your wife on the RK,and enjoy both activities!

 

I agree totally:

I play tennis 3x a week, try to walk for 1+ hour(s) each day and lift weights---if you don't take care of yourself it will become more difficult to ride the scooter.

We have a guy who is 68 on our tennis team--he runs almost as fast as I do (49) he works out on a regular basis andlooks great, if his remaininghair was not gray/white you would never guess he was over 55.

exercising on a regular does have positive benefits and it also allows you to clear your mind.

I now have minor issues with the knees and back but I know if I stop exercising it will get worse --- went to see MD about it; told me 40 years of being on a court/field will take it toll---told me to leave so he can deal with sick people.

 

50 seems to be a magic number. I think we take things for granted for so long then 50 starts to come up and we reevaluate our life style. I dropped 75lbs and feel 20yrs younger and now looking forward to the second half of my life.

 

Very encouraging replies. Glad to see that I'm not alone.

Icould probably cut back on riding, but I have to add that a major portion of the riding also includes riding WITH my wife and children. She loves cycling, and of course, the kids could ride all day. So in all fairness, I JOINED THEIR CLUB. [sm=deal.gif]

My actual "training" portion is about 30-45 minutes, then I spend an hour or more of quality family time. (also helped the marriage, but I won't go there for now).

 

Yes, 50 IS the magic number. I found some old pics from only 15 years ago, and I became very depressed. I want my old body back, and I'm willing to try to get it.
As of right now, I need to lose 25lbs.

My poor RK, she must feel scorned.

 

I commute to work, so that helps get my riding fix each day. Frees me up to pedal when I get home. Wife's good with it, and save money to/from work.

 

I'll be 57 in a few weeks. Just had my first heart attack and luckily will be okay, minimal heart muscle and valve damage. From first onset of symptoms to installation of the stent was 1 hour 45 minutes, including travel to the emergency room and pre-screening. I was lucky, not everyone is.

I thought I was invincable until 12 weeks ago. Kept working and working (80+ hours a week) That didn't leave much time and I didn't take care of myself physically or mentally. Gave everything to my job (dumb move). I have been more active recently but I don't know if I will evey be back to pre-50 condition. I've lost 35 pounds but the medicine I have to take are knocking the wind out of my sails in the afternoon.

IMO take care of yourself, eat and exercise regularly, ride the MtnBikeand then you can enjoy that RK and, more importantly, the family. A lot of the other responses are right on. You'll find thebalance in your life you are looking for.