A Challenge For You: Try Something Bold
September 17, 2009 Posted by The Little Red Hen
This summer, I found myself enthralled with a sporting event- something out of the ordinary for me. I watched several stages of the Giro d’Italia bike race through Italy. The scenery was beautiful, the behind-the-scenes dramas described by the announcers were interesting, but what really captured my attention was the cycling itself. The pace, the serenity, the effortless athleticism of it fascinated me. (Now, keep in mind, I was watching it on TV so I was probably missing all the sweating, injuries and cussing.) Anyway, I got it in my head at that time that I should try cycling, and for some reason, the idea hasn’t gone away.
As a child, I loved being on a bike. When you are a kid, it greatly increases the amount of freedom you have (my parents let me ride pretty far, as long as I was with my older brother) and your overall velocity (who doesn’t like to go fast?). I see the same joy in my kids when they fly down the sidewalk making siren noises, and I want to join in the fun. But now, my old mountain bike sits in the basement with rotten tires that haven’t taken anybody anywhere in years.
I’ve been watching cyclists in my community all summer, even looked at bikes a couple of times (even used bikes have prices that make me gulp audibly). I mentioned my interest to a neighbor who cycles occasionally. He offered to lend me his bike some weekend to try it out before I spend money on a sport I may not pursue. I’ve been waffling about it: Do I want to end up miles from home with no energy to get back? Am I prepared to fall over at intersections when I can’t get my shoe unclipped? Will I be happy with myself if I give him his bike back and never touch one again? And why do the words “traumatic brain injury” keep going through my mind?
But what if I like it?
So this is the weekend I have decided to do it! I am going to borrow the bike, try to channel my inner athlete, and attempt to find, if only for a minute or two, the joy I remember from my childhood. And I want you, our readers, to join me. Pick something you have been wanting to try but have avoided for one reason or another, and try it this weekend! Pick up a softball bat, cook like Julia Child, paint your bedroom a bold color- whatever. And write to tell us about it.
Lisbeth says:
September 17th, 2009
I love this idea! I did something new that’d I’d been wanting to try this last weekend. I went climbing at Portland Rock Gym. It was a lot of fun! If you’ve never done that you should try it.
tahtimbo says:
September 17th, 2009
Not like this is something I “always wanted to do” but I’ve decided to challenge myself to do 100 crunches a day every day till the end of this year. I’m starting it today and have already done 100 today but I’m going to do another 100 for yesterday too. I know I can do this!
Little Red Hen says:
September 17th, 2009
Wow, you two are inspiring! I checked out the Portland Rock Gym online, and it looks great! It also looks like it takes some guts, so good for you Lisbeth! And Tahtimbo is doing 100 crunches a day- I’m impressed! That’s another thing I’ve been challenging myself with (well, 30 crunches 30 leg lifts/day) and now you have given me the kick in the pants I need to really commit to it.
The bike is in the garage, staring at me. Wish me luck!
Chris Spagnuolo says:
September 17th, 2009
Wow, you all are very inspiring. And you’ve inspired me to commit to something too! I love to hear that Little Red Hen is getting out on her bike…wonderful. I love cycling too and for the past two years I’ve been “talking” about riding my bike to the top of Mt. Evans on the highest paved road in North America (over 14,000 feet!). So, that’s it…I’m going to finally get around to doing it and ride to the top of Mt. Evans. Whew! Can’t wait!
Gail Stewart says:
September 17th, 2009
I’ve wanted to try pilates for a long time. I think I’ll take you up on your challenge and sign up at my local gym for a pilates class. Here goes nothing.
Carolyn B. says:
September 17th, 2009
My challenge is less physical and more “cerebral”. I’ve always wanted to learn to play chess. My father and 3 brothers played all the time and I never really got into it. But now as an adult, I feel like I might have been missing out on something. There’s a park near my house where people play chess at lunchtime. My challenge will be to learn to play chess. Once I learn, I’ll stroll over to the park and give it a whirl with the chess players there.
Little Red Hen says:
September 17th, 2009
I want to know how the chess turns out on Monday, Carolyn! Good for you. And pilates sounds like a great challenge and I admire your commitment to it (a whole class- great Gail!)
But we’re missing a few challenges- my fellow hens, any plans?
Terri Sullivan says:
September 17th, 2009
I started cycling this past March and got hooked immediately. Took me back to those freedom days of childhood when we would ride our bikes everywhere, with wild abandon. The thrill came back. Now I want to try a duathalon, which means I need to start running. So that’s what I’m going to do this weekend, hit the pavement and start training.
Heidi says:
September 17th, 2009
Become proficient in cooking 3 or more of the 5 “mother sauces” – Béchamel, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Tomato sauce, or Velouté. That’s it. Easier said than done…I think!
Little Red Hen says:
September 17th, 2009
Terri, you have given me confidence. I hope your running goes as well as the cycling has. And Heidi, what an undertaking! I think, for me, one of them MIGHT be doable, but 3 (or more) is huge- you must be quite a cook already. Best of luck to you!
Painted Hen says:
September 17th, 2009
I second Gail on this one. I have a pilates mat, workout tape and exercise ball that have been collecting dust for the past year (yep, still in their original packaging too). Time to change that and give it a try! Good luck and have fun Little Red!
Val says:
September 17th, 2009
I totally agree with trying new things out of your comfort zone, or things that you have maybe done before, but not in a very long time!
It is great to take risks, and can be very freeing! 
Healthy Hen says:
September 17th, 2009
We went to home depot. My Rooster picked the honey-dew green paint and I smiled. We painted the living room and dining room on every wall. It was bold. Four weeks later we went to Home Depot. We bought Benjamin-Moore’s classic Shaker Beige and we painted every wall. Ahhh! Bold can be discreet and very calming. But having tried electric honey-dew green makes me appreciate beige. Go for the ride!
Paige says:
September 17th, 2009
Oh my what a dilemma. My list is tremendous. Let’s see (1) Run with the bulls in Spain (2) Build an igloo and live in it (for a little while at least) (3) Swim with sharks…no wait,make that dolphins (4) Skydive. Let’s be realistic now. I’ll settle for watching the sunrise. I’ve never done that before and I think I should know what it looks and feels like. And maybe volunteer for a humanitarian organization. I guess I’ve got quite the list going here. Thanks for making me think about these things. I think I’ll start with a sunrise. Seems an appropriate way to start a new beginning of challenges and fun.
Chris Spagnuolo says:
September 18th, 2009
Hey Little Red, how did the ride go today? Hope you had fun. I’m kind of bummed to report that I have to change my challenge. I found out today that CDOT has already closed the last 5 miles of the road to the summit of Mt. Evans! So, I won’t change my goal…it’ll just have to wait until next spring. In the meantime, I’ll be looking for another ride over a big mountain pass somewhere in the next week.