Optimism

There comes a point in the year when I really start to long for the winter to end. Almost certainly I won’t be alone in feeling like that!

I think I’ve reached that point now. The dark mornings are taking their toll, the wind has definitely been draining my legs, and even though we’ve been let off lightly by a lack of snow the cold and icy mornings have lost their sparkle.

Although we saw the promise of spring a few weeks ago (Double First) it was obviously too early to get overly excited. With temperatures approaching 20C it was really tempting to be like this guy:

Thankfully I have always been optimistic in my outlook. More glass half full than empty. I can definitely see the end of winter in sight now.

Even though I did look out my shorts for a few days, my winter gear was still close at hand. Thank goodness it was too, as the weeks after that false spring have been challenging (Seconds Out). Without a positive outlook it would be easy to be like these guys:

When things become difficult it’s important to keep focused on the things that are enjoyable: those amazing winter sunrises, the beauty of the snow and ice, the satisfaction of exercising at the start and end of the day, not to mention the freedom to eat all the cake I could want! ?

Despite the challenges I still get a buzz out of the commute every day. When waking up I maybe don’t have the same eagerness to get going, but once on the road and burning those calories it feels amazing. Sometimes the biggest challenge is taking that first step.

Keep the optimism levels topped up. It won’t be long now until we really are into spring. Then summer riding is just around the corner!