The sun was out today and that made all the difference. Sure, the cool, crisp February air still has a grip on central Pennsylvania, but yeah...the sun makes all the difference in the world. I have a trainer...but I rarely use in. I'd rather ride 5 miles outside in the cold, windy, overcast January and February weather than ride 30 on a trainer. I've written on numerous occasions about my desire and need to be outside to soak in Vitamin N and reap the benefit of outside exercise...but it is during the months of January and February that those things become even more important. The crux of the matter is that those two months are the hardest time of the year to experience those things that help keep me balanced.
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| Just being out in the sun on an unmarked trail at Rocky Ridge County Park. -- February 1, 2020 |
I believe in seasonal depression. It's real and it can be a struggle for a lot of people...including me. The amount of time spent indoors this time of year...compounded by the usually overcast and cold weather...really takes a toll. We all need sunlight. It's sunlight that triggers the release of the hormone, serotonin, in the brain which helps to keep us mentally and emotionally balanced. In the comic books of my youth, Superman gained his strength from the yellow rays of the Earth's sun. Something similar happens to me when I'm out in the sun. I don't claim to become stronger in the sun...but I DO become more focused, my smile widens, my mood most definitely improves, and a sense of calmness overtakes me...which, I guess, makes me feel pretty super. Come Spring time my rides will become more frequent and significantly longer...but for now I'll take what I can get.
Things are always better out than in.
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| Soaking in the sun and a little Vitamin N with my nephew Isaac. I got him outside on his cousin's old BMX bike for an awesome three mile bike ride -- February 23, 2020 |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- February 28, 2020
David A. Raymond -- February 28, 2020
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| This little ray of sunshine came into the world on January 25, 2020. Meet my little granddaughter, Freya. She is spectacular. -- January 28, 2020 |
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Here are the GARMIN map and data from the rides featured in this post. #OptOutside2020
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