C is for cycling

I was worried the other day that taking part in the A-Z challenge would necessitate blogging without running. But having been for a run today I've discovered a more fundamental problem: today I was running without thinking. Well, that's not entirely true. But, rather than letting my thoughts wander where they might, I spent most of the run racking my brains for an interesting C. In the end, given this is nominally a blog about running, I decided that I'd talk about cycling.

I love cycling. As the youngest of three, in an attempt to keep up I learnt to ride a bike pretty early - I must have been about four, but certainly I don't remember not being able to ride. And throughout my childhood I spent a lot of time on my bike (a Raleigh Striker (that's not me on it though) and then a BMX). I had a pause from cycling in my twenties, but got back into it, first in London, then in Bristol as a cheap and reliable way of getting to school work on time.

Aside from commuting, we've recently discovered how much fun cycling can be as family activity; I've got two boys (they're five and two respectively) and the eldest is already whizzing around, while the younger one has a seat on the back of my bike. And for the last few weekends we've managed to all get out around Bristol together, exploring some lovely nooks and crannies. It sure beats pushing a buggy to the park, or driving twenty minutes to go somewhere 'natural'.

I think it's the freedom that a pedal bike brings that is so great. You can go where you want, you don't have to worry about traffic or parking, and you get to enjoy your surroundings as well. What's not to love?

Running log
Distance: 3 miles
Pace: 24 minutes, 8 and a half minute miles
Location: St Webergs, Bristol

View this running route at FriendFit.com