I have a little victory to report.

BACKGROUND: Last summer, I was working a couple of jobs and in a couple of school programs in 2 different cities at a distance. Then, my mom got ill and we nursed her at home until she passed away in November. Now my dad is bedridden, and we are nursing him. It is all OK, I am not a victim, and all these activities were my choice. But, it has been a tiring year.

Unfortunately, I responded to the past 8 months or so by stress eating, rather than working out. So, I am behind the 8-ball on weight and fitness. Still, I am excited about this year, and have set as my goal an event in August that will be my first hard-ish climbing event, knowing I might not make it.

VICTORY: On Sunday, I got on my bike for the 2nd time since last May, and I have only started back at the gym in the past 3 weeks. I did a little ride up a local hill I have never done. It was only a 13 mile R/T, and only 1200 feet. But, I was shocked at how good I felt, given my weight gain and lack of exercise this year. Now I am really encouraged to lose weight, climb lots, and get going. I thought I would feel the worst of my life on my bike, but no! I only stopped because I ran out of daylight. I felt great!!

Thanks for listening. I hope to have more climbing to report next week!