Biking

Right now the weather is perfect here in Utah. After a hot summer, it feels heavenly in the upper 70’s. The mountains are radiant with the changing colors of the leaves. It’s a perfect time for my feet, and it’s a perfect time for my favorite outdoor activity - bike riding.

Though there are sports I’ve always wished I could play, especially racquetball and basketball, the one thing I can do is ride a bike. I don’t have sores on the arches of my feet, so that’s where I press the pedals. Also, because biking isn’t a weight bearing exercise, even when my feet are quite sore, I can still usually do it.

I have a stationary bike for indoors which I ride quite a bit. But outdoors, I really love bicycling. For a person who spends most of my walking time limping or on crutches -both painful - riding a bike, the faster, the better, with the wind blowing in my face is absolutely exhilarating! As long as there aren’t too many stops en route where I have to put a foot down, it’s pretty much a pain-free activity.

If I have an actual destination, not just a ride, on a bike, I can often get a closer “parking spot” than in a car. In fact, while I attended college, where parking was always a mess, I would ride my bike carrying my crutches to campus and work. These days, I ride my bike to meetings, my children’s school, and other places where the walking isn’t too far once I’m off my bike.

Too often we think of things we can’t do with PC. Biking isn’t one of them. In addition, there’s numerous weight lifting exercises that can be done that don’t require much – if any - pressure on the feet. Swimming is another great option. Of course, my feet are very sore and tender for a day or so after I swim, so I only do it if I know I don’t have many walking obligations afterward. When I see others who are even more limited by physical challenges, I’m so grateful for the many things I can do. I’d love to hear what other PCers enjoy and CAN do for recreation and exercise.