Biggest Loser Redemption!

A while back, we purchased a bike trailer. You know, one of those little tow-behinds that you carry kids in? We've used it to go back and forth to Gramma's house (about 1/2 mile), but not had the opportunity to really test it out. So last weekend, MacKenzie and I decided to go grocery shopping at Hanks and use the trailer to haul our groceries back. Save gas, exercise and get some fresh air.

The first 4 blocks to Hanks were great. Zee Zee hit a tree or two, and she got thrown over a couple curbs until I got used to the width of the thing--but I felt fantastic. Then, about 6 blocks in my thighs began to burn. I shifted down, felt a little better, and kept going on. Soon, I was dripping sweat and going ridiculously slow. When people looked at me riding at a snails pace, I just looked around as if I was enjoying the beautiful scenery. Until MacKenzie would holler from the back "why are you going so slow Mom?"

Finally, we arrived at Hanks. My thighs were so numb, I fell off my bike. Then I had to find a place to park the dang thing where I could lock it. After taking up the entire bike rack, I challenged someone to steal the contraption (at least I would have an excuse to call for a ride home) and went in the store.

Now I'm not a genius, but the exercise must have made me particularly brain dead. I didn't just pick up some bread and yogurt. I also got 2 gallons of milk, 2 cases of soda, a case of water and two bags of groceries. After fitting this in the trailer that I wish someone had stolen, I took off home with renewed hope.

The hope was short lived. I got to JB Thomas (about 3 blocks) and stopped. As people passed, I pretended to check the left tire. I went another three blocks, and had to stop again--this time, checking the other tire. Two blocks later, I stopped again, and before I could get off the bike, MacKenzie yelled "You've already stopped and checked both tires Mom!" So I covered her up with my sweater, and told her she was cold.

After six more stops, a bucket of sweat, and ten questions from MacKenzie about why I was breathing funny, we made it home. I couldn't walk or climb the stairs at work for two days, and the trailer has been parked ever since.

So why did I title this posting "Redemption?"

Although I could barely bike to Hanks and back, I won the Biggest Loser competition at work today! The contest started in August--and the first place pot was $165. Apparently I lost over 7% of my body weight. While that isn't saying much, being the "biggest loser" might just be the motivation I need to try that trip to Hanks again!

Or not.