The Mojo's Back In Town

I found my mojo! I looked all winter for it, only to discover I’d left it at the university track back in October. Whew! I thought it was lost forever.

I took my old winter body out for a test drive this morning because the temperature was already 59 degrees when I woke up at 6:30. Perfect weather for a “track day.”

Ate a banana and drank a cup of green chai tea while Larry pumped up the tires on my bike. Slapped on the headphones and turned on my iPod – “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado. Awesome. Hopped on my bike and took off.

The first bike ride of the season is always the sweetest. While subsequent bike rides can be really good, the first one reminds you why you love it so much. It’s the smell of the air and the feel of the wind and how it plays on your body and courses through your ears and nose and mouth. To quote Foreigner, it feels like the first time.

Me and my bike in April 2007, out for the first time ever.

I took Main Street to the track and rode a few laps around the perimeter. I recognized a few people running and walking, people I haven’t seen for months who were no doubt shaking out their winter cobwebs, too. I parked the bike and climbed the stadium stairs for four sets. Set off on a 20-minute power walk around the track and managed to do a 12-minute mile (with the help of a the Black Eyed Peas). I still got it!

Did another four sets on the stairs and got back on my bike. My thighs protested a little, but I took my normal route home with its small hills and challenges and got up to 19.5 mph on the last street before home while Michael Jackson sang, “Let’s dance, let’s shout, shake your body down to the ground…” I brought the energy inside and did 30 minutes of strength training and ab work. Yikes! I feel a Howard Dean scream welling inside!

My body took a hit over the winter with advancing arthritis, so I was a little nervous about this test drive. But wow…I’m so glad I took that chance. I am really relieved to know I can still do a track day. The feelings of freedom and aliveness that come from riding my bike and walking outdoors – feelings that laid dormant all winter – came back just as reliably as spring.

With my mojo home again and my body and mind in sync, it’s time for a well deserved oatmeal pancake and egg-white omelet. Here’s to your mojo, wherever it may be.