The Biggest Reward From Going Uphill
A few weeks ago, we took the bikes out and went on a family bike ride. We have it set up so that my son Jaden is on dad’s bike, while I ride solo. My husband likes to ride the fire trails and mentioned that it would be an easy ride. Naturally I said "sure."
Let me tell you, that was not true. He totally lied.
This trail ride was no joke. I ended up walking my bike up ALL of the hills rather than riding up them, which demonstrates to me that someone who is in good shape is not necessarily in bike trail riding shape. The athlete in me is always up for the challenge and uphill biking for me is definitely a challenge.
Anyway, I dredged on, walking my bike towards the top, and then there was another top, and then another, until finally, I got to the real top! This was the moment I huffed and puffed for over the last 30min? Naturally, I was excited for the next bit...the downhill. I could finally reap the reward from all of that uphill drudgery while yelling Yippee!
As I was having fun finally riding my bike downhill, I realized that since we were on an out and back trail, I would now have to go back up those hills that I just had so much fun going down. Shoot! This was supposed to be an easy ride and an easy workout day. 🤷♀️Not.
I share this story because if you compare your exercise and nutrition to the trail I was on, where uphill is very hard, and downhill is easy, there’s always another uphill that you’re going to have to climb even after a downhill. Meaning, there’s always another challenge to face but then after the uphill, there's always a downhill that you can thoroughly enjoy.
It’s not just how you push through those challenges to get to the top of each hill that makes the downhill that much sweeter and more fun, it's the strategy you use to do it.
Creating a core of healthy habits and a baseline fitness routine that you know you can stick to no matter what uphill drudgery is along your path is what will help you stay steadfast through the challenges, push past them so you can reach another top. That way when nothing is in your way, you can reap the rewards of your downhill yelling yippee! I look and feel fantastic! Ready to do it again!
What do I mean by your downhill?
Your downhill might look like fitting back into your pre-baby jeans, or having toned muscles and keeping them, or having so much energy you don't know what to do with it, or enjoying a wine and a piece of birthday cake once in a while without packing on weight again.
Think about the things you can do to reach the top, no matter what, even if it feels like you are walking so slow (like me with my bike) that you aren’t sure when you will reach the top. Just remember, you will get there.
The idea is that a good strategy helps you create a baseline that you can layer on top of with each new uphill and downhill so you feel accomplished, strong, and empowered to push through the next one.
Tips to guide through some uphill fitting in fitness and healthy eating challenges:
Commit to 2-3 windows of time per week to exercise (fit it in)
Keep temptations out of the house (you will have to go out and get it if you really want it)
Meal prep and batch cook whenever possible (huge time saver)
Make sure you sleep!
There’s always another hill that you’re going to have to climb. The key is to develop a fitness and nutrition strategy that can help you through the uphill while making you feel fantastic, free and effortless on the downhill.
I hope this motivates you to get moving uphill so you can ride your downhill soon. Comment below or GET IN TOUCH if you’d like to share one of your moments