A couple years ago, I bought my very first road bike to train for a triathlon. I'd never ridden a road bike before and I certainly didn't have the muscles required to ride long distances. But the more I rode my bike, the stronger my legs became, the less sore my bum was, and the longer the distance I could endure. By the time the triathlon came around, I was ready, and it was an exhilarating experience.
I'm thankful for that experience in my life. I'd love to say that I still ride on occasion, but the truth is, my bike is collecting dust in the garage. At some point in my life, I'll get back on it. I'll retrain those muscles and I'll be able to ride long distances again.
I liken bike riding to writing. The more I write, the better I become, and the easier it is (hopefully). A dear friend of mine--Charity Bradford, you know who you are--gave me some excellent advice almost a year ago. She advised me to write every day. To set a time limit and just do it.
 |
| Image Courtesy of Stockvault |
So if you're struggling with your writing, get back on that bike and ride. Strengthen those "muscles". You won't be sorry.
Are you a bike rider? Are you taking the time to write every day? Are you strengthening those "muscles"?
Aloha Kristin,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the follow and right back at you (dot) com :)
I'm not a very good biker (with or without engine) but running is my "fun" thing to do :)
I try to do one marathon a year, wherever we're living (military family) so that gives me the motivation to train during the year.
I know it's cliché, but writing is like prepping for a marathon, too :) The more I write, the better I feel, that's for sure :)
PS... Good luck with A-Z and see you on the flip side :)
That's great you do marathons! It's on my bucket list...maybe someday. *sighs*
DeleteThanks for the follow! Look forward to seeing you around! :)
Writing every day is great advice if you can manage it. As with every skill, frequent practice helps hone it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your April literary endeavors.
Clare Dugmore Writes
Thanks, Clare!
DeleteWow Kristin I had no idea you did a triathlon!! That's awesome!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I'm not a writer per-say, I do "write" when I blog. I too feel the more I blog the better it is! Love your advice because it can be tied into any aspect of life...whatever someone is passionate about!
So true! It doesn't have to apply to just writing! :)
DeleteGreat post! Loved how you linked biking and writing! Not exercising those muscles as much as I would have liked! But at least writing has found a daily regime thanks to A-Z
ReplyDeleteYes! And it is hard to squeeze in anything else with A to Z!
DeleteI'm trying to write every day, although this month it will be difficult.
ReplyDeleteSame here. If I can keep up with posts and blog visits, I'll be good for April! :)
DeleteOh my gosh, I haven't been on a bike since I was a kid! The last time was after my spine surgery at 15. I remember being so scared that I wouldn't be able to balance and would fall over. I didn't fall, but it wasn't long after that when my family moved into an apartment and I had to get rid of my bike. I haven't been on one since. Now you're making me wish I had one so I could take a nice ride. :)
ReplyDeleteSpine surgery--whoa that sounds intense! Glad you're okay!
DeleteI don't ride anywhere near as much as I'd like to. I used to ride all the time when I was younger and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the reminder about writing every day. Sometimes, with everything going on, it's hard to work it in. I know I need to find time for it, one way or another!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely try to, but don't beat yourself up if you can't! :)
DeleteI used to be a biker. Every day for a minimum of 15 minutes, come rain, sun or snow, I was out taking the steepest hills, the most epic jumps, and the craziest routes. It's been a long time since I've been a biker, but I'm definitely a writer. I have a minimum of 200 new words a day, and when I'm in the 1st draft process, that number is 1000. That means above and beyond revisions, I need to be adding that many new words, or building a secondary project. It's definitely the only way to go.
ReplyDeleteCool that you were a biker! I love your writing system--I may need to adopt the same thing! :)
DeleteNice analogy! Building muscle memory to improve performance and stamina. Where are those bike shorts . . .
ReplyDeleteI always did hate the bike shorts! Lol.
DeleteWow, that's great to find a passion like that. I dont' ride much anymore (my bike was stolen). But I started yoga a year ago and it really helps my back so I can spend more hours writing:)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your bike! Darn those bike nabbers!
DeleteI hear yoga is great--especially for the back! :)
Great analogy. I haven't had a ride on a bike in a long while...
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteGreat advice, Kristin - like everything else, writing takes practice and exercise. We had the same idea for B today, too, even is for different reasons :)
ReplyDeleteWe did, didn't we! You know what they say...great minds think alike! :)
DeleteI decided a couple years ago that bike riding was an exercise I could really enjoy. I love the feeling of racing along and clearing my head, and I love the "after" feeling of doing something good for myself.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great feeling! So glad you enjoy it...makes me want to get back on and go for a ride.
DeleteYou are so right!! I didn't realize how much I missed writing until I got back on the bike.=) Been totally worth the time. I toldl Blake I want a bike for Mother's Day. http://bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com/2014/04/b-is-for-brother.html
ReplyDeleteOkay I'm inspired to get some air in those flat bike tires literally and metaphorically. Thanks for the inspiration. New follower here - waving from the A to Z challenge.
ReplyDeleteI try to write every day. I may not accomplish much, but at least I sit down in front of the keyboard and think. Hmmm, it's been a while since I've ridden my bike. Maybe I can convince my wife to start riding again.
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I rode a bike!
ReplyDeleteThat's an appropriate analogy. I used to write regularly until about 20 years back. Last year, when I decided to start blogging, I had a tough time getting the 'writing muscles' to function. Now, I write quite regularly, though not necessarily daily.