Missing my Younger Single Days

Today as I was driving to the dentist's office through our wonderful metropark system, I saw a stream of cyclist with their "race" shirts on.  I thought maybe it was a group of cyclists training for an upcoming race.  Then I noticed a constant stream of cyclist and it appeared that a "race" was on.  I was so envying these cyclists.

WHY YOU ASK?

Because twelve years ago I participated in a cycling event for Multiple Sclerosis with two of my guy friends it was such a rewarding thing to participate in.  We met so many neat people and we did something for others!  We spent the better part of the summer training at least 3 times a week for the race.  When I was all done with the race I just felt good about me, life and people.

So as these hundreds of cyclist zoomed by on their bikes in the misty rain this morning, nostalgia just flooded my brain.  I was missing the day that I was young enough, in shape enough and had enough energy to cycle 150 miles in two days.  I missed the carefree-ness of that period of time in my life.

I missed that the only person I really needed to worry about in this world was me (although I never just worried about me), the only things I needed to worry about was working and paying my mortgage and what I was going to do on any given weekend evening.  It was a simple time in my life.  Back then I was lonely and really hoping to find my "Mr. Right".  I never thought, I would be at a place in life when I long for just a few peaceful minutes of quiet.

The year I did the 150 mile bike tour for MS, I also ran 3-4 10k's and was constantly looking for something fun to do athletically.  I played co-rec volleyball and co-rec touch football.  At the time, I never really thought all that was really "special".  I now realize how much that time in my life was really special to me.

A couple of weeks ago a single 20-something friend of my nieces was complaining how she hated "dating".  Especially going on the "first date".  I tried to convince her that this period of life is supposed to be fun and full of adventure.  She should look at each new date with excitement and with little expectations.  It was when I figured that out, that I loved "dating".  I loved meeting new people and its that "attitude" that landed me my husband today!

I wouldn't trade my life today, I love my husband, being married and having my two kids.  I'd be lonely and lost without them.  But I have to admit, I do often miss those adventurous single days.  Today I have adventures, but definitely at a different level and of a different definition.

I come to find out that the cyclists were doing the Pan Ohio Hope Ride.  Riding from Cleveland, Ohio to Cincinnati, Ohio - I caught the racers when the race just got started.  I wish them all well on their adventure through Ohio and thank them for their efforts in raising awareness and money for the American Cancer Society!