I'd really be thrilled if I just regularly did 30-40 mile rides, with an odd metric thrown in, plus my usual routine of yoga, hiking and (now) running. The truth is that I just feel like I have a lot more going on these days then I once did. I'm relatively new to marriage and while I was a home owner previously, I purposely had a home that just didn't require much work. That's different now, as our house and property just require more time and effort. Plus, I need and want to balance what I want out of my free time with what my DH wants. So, all things in moderation at this point. That may change in time, but right now, it's okay. From a health standpoint, I don't think I was any heathier when I rode 200 miles a week. In fact, in a lot of ways, I was putting far more strain on my body and immune system. If nothing else, these changes have made me really learn how to adapt to change. I was ready to throw my hands up about it last year out of frustration, but I've gotten a little more centered since then. My guess is that set of challenges will not be my last, so this is good practice.
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher