A Day in Paradise

I awoke from the dream startled by the sound of the alarm.  "Ugh" I grunted hitting snooze and willing myself to return to the same spot in the perfect dream I had been enjoying prior to being pulled from it too soon by the bleep of my iPhone.  I drifted back into slumber, this time dreaming about baseball.  What the hell...I don't even like baseball.  Cruel twist of irony as the previous dream had involved someone who loves baseball. I contemplated trying again to recapture my place in the happy dream. Admitting defeat I figured I might as well get up.  I looked at the clock. 6:30am.  My kids are teenagers, which means they probably wouldn't emerge from the room they are sharing for several hours. The condo was peaceful and quiet. I thought perhaps I'd make coffee then head out on my bike (of course I brought it with me). We are on vacation. Spring Break. a.k.a self-imposed triathlon camp. I need to look at this trip as such because admittedly, with the cold dreary weather at home I have been a bit of a slacker recently. With my first 1/2 Ironman race quickly approaching I can not afford to revel in slackerdom. Time to move it, move it.

I padded to the window and peered through the blinds.  The sky was clear and in the early dawn was dark blue.  I opened the window and could hear the surf pounding the shore.  Heaven on earth.  Warm, sunny Florida.  I chuckled to myself remembering the kids had a snow day just last week.  The temperature here in Gulf Breeze promised to be 78 degrees. Ahhhhh, I'll take it. I come alive in this climate, and especially when I am in such close proximity to the water. Another day in paradise.

Decision to ride made, I dressed quickly, slathered on sunscreen, filled my water bottles and crammed tissues and gels into my pink Fuel Box.  I pulled on my pink cycling shoes, grabbed my helmet and was out the door.  I felt exhilarated. As I've mentioned, I am at home in the saddle.  My bike is an extension of me. I didn't have to leave a note.  My peeps would know where I went (the missing bike would be a dead giveaway, wink...wink).

I pedaled out of the parking lot with a smile on my face.  A few minutes later I reached the end of the little town and entered the protected National Seashore area of the island. The cars thinned out. I gazed ahead and the road appeared endless. It was lined with pristine, white sand which was dotted with tall grasses. The Gulf was to my right and white-capped waves slowly danced along the shoreline. I could smell the salt in the air as the sun warmed my shoulders. Occasionally I would pass a parked car and when I glanced at the water I would see a small number of people fishing along the beach. Otherwise it was just me.

It was beautiful.  I rode fast to get my heart racing, then back down to a lower zone for interval training. Perfect. I listened to Sweet Disposition on the playlist I had compiled for the ride (with one ear, the other ear free to catch the sound of cars approaching).  Safety first. A smile played on my lips and I felt as if I could ride all day.

I stopped briefly to take in the scenery and while I refueled I felt at such peace listening to the surf and enjoying the sunshine.  It was so quiet.

I rode for two hours, and reluctantly returned to the condo on the beach.  My daughter was awake and we took a long walk, chattering happily.  Perfect.

I found myself wishing I could start every day this way.  But back to real life soon, as the kids have school on Monday. But that's ok, as life is good. In the meantime I am content with slowing down, appreciating the little things and enjoying the time we have together in this beautiful place.  We are so blessed.

Peace,
Michelle