Summer Committment

Since the purchase of my new bike (40th B-day present!), the beautiful weather AND the toxic oil leak in the US Gulf I have been contemplating my transportation habits.

On Tuesday evening I was attempting to exercise on the elliptical while tuning in to "Losing It with Jillian" but my viewing entertainment was  interrupted by a US governmental address regarding an update on the oil leak and our need to find clean, renewable sources of energy...now.

One thing President Obama said really struck me. We have known for decades that we were using a limited source of energy and that one day we would need to find an alternative. My own thoughts are that we have literally turned over our wealth to the Middle East and given power to nations that despise us and everything we stand for because we refuse to change our energy habits.

Shawn & I have a programmable thermostat that reduces the heating/cooling when it isn't needed. We compost & recycle. We've invested in energy efficient appliances and Shawn has traded in a traditional vehicle for a motorcycle which means riding the bus in the snowy, icy, winter months. We're fastidious about turning lights & media off when we aren't using them. What else can we do?

My attention has become focused on my 7 passenger "shopping cart" that I drive into work everyday...alone. I am physicallly capable of riding my bike, but like most people I ascribe to the various obstacles to doing this:

1. Getting to work hot, sweaty and somewhat disheveled
2. Clothing issues
3. Traffic
4. Baggage issues
5. Weather concerns
6. Flexibility of schedule

The truth is, in our day with our social expectations, riding your bike to work can be an admirable, but humbling and challenging endeavor and I'm not even talking about the physical exertion!

I wasn't prepared to completely give up my comfortable, dignified ride into work but I reflected that I could sacrifice one day. One day of good weather, sporty dress, Shawn could tote some of my belongings to work for me, and he could also be responsible for any errands that day. I spoke to my boss about my decision to try and ride into work once a week and had his support. Set to go.

So, in honour of the Gulf oil spill and Fitness, I have committed to riding my bike to work one day/wk minimum for the summer months and continuing until the weather is too formidable to continue safely.

I challenge all my readers to look at their energy habits and think of one small thing they could do to make a difference...not only for our environment but for their personal health/fitness as well!