Feeling Grateful

Hi Friends!

Today was a big day for me.  Really big.  Huge.  Today I took my beloved Specialized Allez Comp out on the road for the first time in 8 months.  As many of you know, I had foot surgery on my left foot in February.  It was my third surgery on that foot.  Each time I undergo a surgery I look forward to two things:  wearing sexy shoes, and getting back on my bike.  And while I may never again ride my bike from Houston to Dallas (325 miles) in a weekend, or do another century ride, or ride down hilly Hwy 1 in California, I was hopeful that this (final!) surgery would correct the pain so I could get back on my bike again.  I've been waiting for the swelling to get under control before I tried putting on my biking shoes and hitting the road. 

Today was the day.

The weather was beautiful. 

I felt good. 

I decided to give it a try. 

I'm so glad I did. 

The ride was heavenly. 

I spent the entire ride feeling grateful.

I felt grateful that my shoes had Velcro to accommodate my left foot.

I felt grateful that my old bike shorts still fit, even though I am not in shape.

I felt grateful for a headwind on the way out that made my lungs burn as I pushed against it.  It reminded me I was alive and well.

I felt even more grateful for the tailwind which pushed me home.

I felt grateful for the huge hill at the almost-3-mile mark which wakes up my quads, glutes and hamstrings.

I felt grateful for the sun that kissed my skin.

I felt grateful for the bells that were ringing on top of the Emanuel Lutheran Church.  I could hear their melody for almost a mile.   It was like God was congratulating me on getting back out there.

 I felt grateful for the cold water in my bottle.

I felt grateful for the smooth country road.

I felt grateful for the beautiful chestnut horses that nodded at me as I passed by.

I felt grateful that every now and then the breeze was laced with a gorgeous smell.

I felt grateful that my computer was dead.  For once I was not focusing on how fast or far I was going.  I just rode.

I felt grateful for the three women who were my faithful riding companions in Texas:  Deanna, Pat and Cheri.  I spent a little time thinking of each of them while I was out.

I felt grateful that I knew enough to turn around before I completely wore myself out.

I felt grateful that when I rode into my driveway, I felt like I could go back out and do it all again.

I felt grateful that I have that little ball of excitement back in my chest.  It means I will be heading back out again tomorrow.

I feel grateful that I am healed;  that I made it through the surgery and recovery period.  That I am whole again.

XO,

Vicki

PS  I am linking up with Heather over at  Life Made Lovely today