Tougher than Tough

Since being sick for a week over Thanksgiving I've been battling migraines, massive shoulder tension and nausea on a daily basis.  My body isn't happy with the fact I had to lay on the couch on a week while sick (yeah, me neither buddy).  It's challenging to push through this crappy time.  If all goes well and I eat all the macro-nutrients, and do all the movement things, this pattern of pain and nausea will be replaced by awesome-town in a week.  Until then I get to tell myself to suck it up and go anyway.  

There was talk of cancelling the group night ride last night due to weather, so I packed up my Go Pro and my bike for a solo adventure around the Dallas levees in the afternoon. 

Dallas skyline taken under the freeway.

Once I got on my bike I was certain I'd layered poorly.  It was freaking cold, and the levees were empty.  On a cold, overcast day, a deserted levee is fertile ground for an active imagination. By the time I made it underneath the freeway I'd scouted a few solid locations for the next True Detective, and yells from the murder of crows in the background completed the soundscape.  Yes, my un-tasked mind is dramatic, but the more important part of the story is that I was riding my bike despite feeling like crud.

Trail sign along the paved section of the park.

Riding gravel in the Dallas levee.

After 40 minutes I circled back.  I was ready for some smooth pavement. But first, I needed to make it up a little climb for smoother gravel.  And what greeted me at the top?  A sign to tell me I was tough.  After I got home and looked closer at the billboard in the photo I now see that the sign is talking about the toughness of caregivers. But I think the sign still applied to me suffering in the cold, choosing to take care of myself.

Isn’t this area of Dallas scenic?

Even when it's not fun, when I feel like crud, and when the weather isn't awesome, it pays to do the the thing.  Push through the crummy parts because of what it makes of me.  Plus, I really want this head pain to go away.

P.S.  It did!  An hour after I awoke the next day I felt awesome!  Now to get on my bike and ride before the goodness leaves again.