Fit versus Fat
The struggle to stay fit is often tiring. It is especially difficult in today’s tumulutous and topsy-turvy world. We are, all of us, running so fast simply to stay in the same place that we often neglect the care and maintenance of our own bodies. Those of us who make the commitment - in time, diet and exercise - are often looked at askance by those who do not. Usually, I let the comments go in one ear and out the other. I think that those who deride my way of life are secretly jealous. They wish they had my discipline and determination, but they do not, and so they resort to whispered comments and not-so-subtle asides.
As many of you know, I’ve recently taken up bike riding again. Not only do I enjoy the sport, but it is a great way to increase my aerobic capacity while simultaneously reducing my bodyfat levels. I am fortunate to live in San Diego which, while not the greatest bike-friendly city in these United States, is at least tolerant of bicyclists. California’s laws treat bicycles like any other vehicle, and drivers are warned not to intimidate or harrass bicycle riders. Sadly, not all drivers take this message to heart.
Today, while on my way to my favorite biking haven, some a**hole in a BMW came dangerously close to me. I am fairly certain he did it on purpose because just as his front bumper came up on my rear wheel, he laid on the horn, and then inched his car into my space. Not wanting to end up on the losing end of that proposition, I swerved and gave him the road. In my younger days, I would have chased that driver down, and if I had caught him, would have confronted him. That would more than likely have led to violence of some sort. Luckily, I am older now (although only a teeny bit wiser) and so let the incident pass. But although I did the smart thing and took no action, it rankled me then and it rankles me still. I did that driver no harm. He had plenty of room to pass without running me off the road. So what impelled him to act as he did? Suppose he had made an error in judgment and had hit me with his car? I could have been seriously injured or killed. And for what reason? Because I chose to life a healthy life style and he did not? Can that really be the reason?
For all of our sake’s, I certainly hope not. I’m heading out to see a play, but I have to confess that the entire incident has colored my day gray.
June 28, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I know exactly what you mean. I love cycling, but haven’t done it in a long time for the very reason you talk about.
Maybe cyclists should start mounting paint ball guns to their handlebars. It would be kind of fun to nail some a-holes care with balls of red paint.