Pansy Lungs Loop

WARNING: mushy content within

Truth be told... I have pansy lungs. They've been giving me a fit since...well, as long as I can remember. Once upon a time and not so long ago, I was horribly embarrassed to walk up hill with anyone. Just the slightest exertion, and I would begin to sweat, turn red in the face, gasp for air. It was an absurd scene. I have asthma (yes, I realize even here as I write this that it sounds shameful), and I've always allowed it to act as a limitation on my life--doing anaerobic activities, avoiding anything aerobic tooth and nail. Little did I realize (thank you, wonderful husband of mine!!!) that pushing through that uncomfortableness...in small, smart, careful steps would help me to take charge of my lungs. And, now I can officially say, my lungs do not own me.

Today, I climbed (on my sweet machine) about 2800 vertical feet in less than two hours...and there was no gasping! Granted there was plenty of sweat and red in the face but NO gasping, panting, panicking. And, I actually (stand back, now) had...fun! Happily, this only verifies my intentions in getting a mountain bike. To have FUN! I didn't get a bike to become fast or "good." I just wanted to be out in the forest, and I gotta say, riding a bike up hill is soooooo way better than running, and I could go so far, see so much more of this beautiful forest in our backyard!

Here is what I named my Pansy Lung Loop...it is my beginning fire road loop that I am using to smack my lungs into good behavior. I must apologize to my running shoes here... sorry old friends... you may not see many days outside for a little while... at least until it snows enough that I can't make it out the forest. But, really, I mean, if you had a sweet machine like that...would you wear you? Really? I know it's harsh, but this isn't San Fran anymore.

The fireroads here aren't washed out in 3 feet deep ruts...nor are they stupidly straight up hill.

And, just look at that...it's a fireroad! Not even a "trail."  Just a road (with trees!) that takes you here, to this lookout:

And here, where it seems that magic can happen and it's entirely understandable why the forest becomes such a personal relationship that always seems to come across in people's discussions of these places:

And, just when it seems that it can't get any better...it has been. I've met some amazing women to ride with and had the incredible fortune to spend a lot of time with them in beautiful surroundings. Then, to boot, I have a partner who I trust and has encouraged me and helped me to extend beyond my comfort zone to find something that I truly, truly enjoy!