ha, maybe i'm your motivator? I'm 56 and i'm doing it too.

Did you eat enough breakfast? maybe you need to get up a little earlier to eat something more than "a little" granola?
I wouldn't suggest this except for the way you described your condition.
I carry a backpack too, but i can put stuff on my rack to keep the backpack from getting too heavy.

I am very glad to hear that you finally tried it!