Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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




17 comments:

  1. We all need to do something like this in our lives. Beautiful post!

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  2. You are awesome! I think you exercise enough for the both of us. :)

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    1. Lana you crack me up girl! You are exercising through me. Ha Ha! I'm here to help!

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  3. Definitely sounds like heaven. You are serving as a terrific role model for your kids by the way. I know you LOVE what you do ~ but they will understand the importance of fitness too. Glad you are getting the chance to have this time for yourself and with them! Peace!!

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    1. Wow, thanks Penny! I think (I hope) they are indeed getting the message! Peace back :)

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  4. Love this post- very descriptive and I can almost see you peeking out of the window in that early morning.. No comments on the exercise and biking and all that stuff.. I was always a slacker and often takes my health for granted.. But I am sure keeping your body in shape is the first step towards achieving good health! Way to go Michelle :)

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    1. Why thank you! Body, mind, spirit right? I'm trying to move in the right direction. :)

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  5. I felt like I was actually along for the ride with you. You truly are an inspiration (and making me crave to get on my bike and go!)

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    1. We've got to stick together through this! Takes a village...and we are lucky to have this network of amazing women! Thanks girl!

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  6. Seems like the best place for a ride Michelle. It sounds spectacular & I do like those dunes.

    With the Melbourne Ironman over - having watched, not competed - was wondering how your training was going.
    Cheers, ic

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    1. It truly is beautiful here! I even enjoyed the rain we had all day today. My sunburned skin needed a reprieve :)

      Training is going well, thank you for asking! Got some biggies coming up so I'll be sure to keep you posted! Thank you Ian

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  7. Well, at least you're killing two birds with one stone because despite being on a lovely vacation you are still getting all the exercise you need. A complete package I say. Glad you are enjoying it with the kids.

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    1. That's right! The power of positive thought and action. I am (in some ways) blessed to have older children, as it it pretty much a guarantee that I will be awake and moving hours before they arise so I'm not missing any time with them! Today was a noon rising for the pair of them. I was back from the workout, showered and lounging in the sunroom with coffee when they made their entrance. Perfect!

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  8. Sounds incredible, I need more days like this!

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  9. Sounds like a truly perfect day. So wonderful to be at leisure, free and relaxed, drinking in the warm salt air.

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  10. Perfect, really!!
    I envy you at times. :)

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