Back in the saddle...

Toronto, Canada.. July 14, 2025... 32C, with humidex 42C... Back to my weekly cycling schedule - 30km/day

Since the warmer weather became more consistent here in Toronto, Canada, I'd been riding my typical - daily 25 km to 30 km circuit very sporadically. Totally untypical of my highly motivated inner engine. I gained 40 pounds of pure, disgusting, rolling, weak FAT since March 15, 2024. Well, in fairness, it was mainly the hip surgery, my left side November 11, 2024... leaving me "innocent and helpless, did I mention... completely defenceless against the evilness of: SUGAR?

But since recovering after a long Cold, Cool, Cloudy, Icy, Snowy, Wet, Windy winter / spring season... then those bugs... YUCK, I'm starting to see what I always see, that now psychologically propels my lower body to push me uphill on an gentle rise for perhaps 3 to 10 km? It feels invigorating to have the energy within to drive you forward knowing... 2 weeks from today, my frontal and back fat begin to; "waste/waist away".

Its a great feeling of accomplishment through committing to something that pay dividends with your health. With my thinking. How I think and feel about myself, how I carry myself, where I go, what I focus on, where are my best efforts placed, how am I spiritually, how's my soul?

I know now, in 2 months I'll be ready in leg strength to integrate myself back into Ashtanga Yoga. When I left the practice May 15 2024, up to that point, it was becoming noticeable to others that I have trimmed up, my posture is good, great flexibility, especially for some of my work... but the pain from the erosion of the cartilage where it was bone on bone making walking a struggle and depression sets IN. Your mobility is gone. You sit when you get home.

So my weight last March 15, 2024 was 190 lbs and heading further south. One reason? Yoga. 4 - 6 times a week. Swimming, lengths 4 - 6 times per week. Walking, 10 km per day, minimum. A healthy diet. I don't smoke or consume alcohol. BUT after surgery... the pastries, the ice cream, the chocolate... because I knew cycling season was coming.... and Surgeons orders.... maybe don't do any hard cycling until I see you in 6 months, same for the Yoga. Swimming? Totally good with swimming. I have a membership at the local community centre BUT... I must to get over not really being a community centre person. Some call it EGO. (I know... I'm forgiven)

After the surgeons visit May 23, 2025 and his review of the x-rays, the healing was confirmed to be a success... I was set free to begin the exercises of my passion in moderation. GO!

I did mention my left hip flexor is very weak and I am working on healing that area. For example; certain stretches - ouch, there is a daily "lameness" in that area. Makes walking delicate the first 10 steps... can't put too much weight on that leg when irritated.

But cycling.... daily, 30 km minimum, walking when the hip flexor isn't irritated.... I was 220 with a gut and back fat. Look away, I'm hideous. My cycling jerseys fit ok, but... old man with frontal FAT is on his bike.... and starting to shrink. I can feel it.

It's what motivates me. NOW? I'm in. I see proof in the mirror, just 2 weeks later I can see the beginnings of "noticeable". In a positive sense.

As of 2 weeks ago, riding every day.... 30 km, begins city streets uphill to the airport, rolling bike path across the middle of the city, Eglinton Ave West to Royal York Road south, in the bike lane - choppy surface - to the Lake Shore Blvd West and home.

Enjoy this clip of getting a reprieve of the high heat with a welcomed, short, forest wash.

It's hot our there. Couple canisters of water... I usually freeze 2 containers half filled. When I'm ready to go I fill both with tap water.

Head to our Merch Store for some cool T's and our audio book production of the 9 Principles of Self Management.

Until next time

Me...