Ready Set Go! 2013 Resolutions, Road Biking to a Sprint Triathlon

Ready set go! 2013 New Years Resolutions are in motion as the quest for an affordable, quality road bike begins.

I’m super excited! I have been looking for a new challenge to keep me busy and fit, and allow more freedom in my life. So today I took the first steps (very first steps) toward obtaining a road bike, and achieving one of my 2013 resolutions, participating in a sprint triathlon.

I must admit, I was procrastinating on actually purchasing one. Searching around for the right deal and learning about all the varieties, gear levels, framing size and the extra costs (i.e. pedals, clip in shoes, helmet and water bottle holder) can be overwhelming. Not to mention, bikes suitable for racing aren’t cheap!

But today, I took the first step. I haven’t been on a bike in so long, and I’ve never been on a road bike with such small tires. I thought for sure I was going to tip over and fall the first time I attempted to go around the parking lot for my test run. I was surprised when the guy helping me let me ride off on my own. You trust me? Do I have to pay for damages if I crash?

Once I got on and placed my feet on the pedals, there was no turning back. A whoosh of wind glided over my face and I immediately fell back in love with riding. My fear of falling vanished when I took the first three strokes on the pedals. An “ahhhhahhhhhh” moment came over me. Yes, this is what I need to be doing! Freedom.

I tested three bikes, the Felt F85, the Trek Lexa S and the Raleigh Revenio 1.0.

I first noticed how the gear shifted, which was different on each bike. I could tell the Felt F85 (red and white bike) had better gears because the shifting was much smother and easier. I barely noticed when I shifted over. While the others were a bit more difficult, not hard by any means, but more clunky. The Felt F85 also had more of a racing feel to it. I could tell this was a performance bike from how I was positioned, my chest was closer to the ground and my back leaned more forward.

I haven’t made my final decision yet, and I may go to another bike shop to compare other brands and prices. I know I’m definitely leaning more towards the red and white Felt F85, the sprint race is calling me…

Are you a road biker? Have opinions on what to look for? Best deals? What not to do? Tips for tracking rides or tips for saving money? Please share for all the newbies like me out there!

Philly 2013: New Beginnings and New Promises w/ the Mummers on 2 street!

What do you think of when you hear of Philly? Cheese steaks? Tough people and crime? Sports fans? Or perhaps you have no preconceptions about the area. As for me,  I never thought much of Philly. Only 3 hours away, I just never had a reason to go. I knew they were known for their cheese steaks and to be honest violence always came to mind when I thought of the area. But once I landed in the city to ring in 2013, what I experienced was completely unexpected and sensational.

New beginnings and new promises were set in Philly, and I see now why Philadelphia travel guide says. “Philadelphia is a vibrant place to live—a city with an impressive past and a fascinating future.”

The streets were filled with colored light, art memorials surrounded the city side walks and buildings, culture and style everywhere, varieties of beer at each yummy restaurant and music filled the air. The old part of the city was cobble stone and original 1700’s style architecture. You could almost feel Ben Franklin walking the streets with you. A completely different vibe than D.C, Baltimore or NYC. Philly is soulful, artistic, historic, cultural, gritty and all around inspiring. The place to feed the great minds of 2013.

I brought in the new year laughing and dancing with friends at a rock and roll chic bar, Johnny Brenda’s, on a corner block in South Philly surrounded by tram lines. New Years day was celebrated at a house party on the most colorfully decorated city street i’ve seen with local artists, fashion and jewelry designers and practicing yogis. The evening ended at the Mummers after party on 2 street.

The New Years day Mummers Parade — with over 10,000 performers this year dressed in costumes — is the oldest folk festival in North America. The streets filled with floats and music, and colorful costumes worn by tough Philly men whose Mummer role has been passed down by local families for generations. Apparently, they spend a year working on their costumes, and I must say, as someone who has witnessed parades and festivals around the world — including Carnival — these costumes were legit and impressive!

The after party on 2 street, where the Mummers gather with the rest of Philly to share the only day it’s legal to drink on the street, is where the city showed it’s best side. Strangers opened their doors to their 3 story art loft (which 30 years ago was a Butcher shop) to people on the street. At no cost, they offered kegs, bathrooms and even Stromboli! A girl held a picnic basket filled with homemade meatballs for people to taste, a “lounge” was on 3rd floor and a piano was being played. Truly an experience like no other!

The scene was a rare moment where humanity shined. Giving, sharing, laughing, good clean fun, respect, old family feel, and lots of dancing and Happy New Year wishes. The cops, dressed as though they came straight from the 50’s, were even part of the fun as they turned a blind eye to the pungent marijuana smell illuminating the air.

So if you’re thinking about heading to Philly for a little excursion, DO IT!  There’s plenty to discover — culture, art, lively music, yummy restaurants and interesting conversations. And if you’re around for New Years 2014, you might just see me dancing away the evening on 2 street. Cheers Philly, I will return.

 So what am I promising myself this year? To put it simply:

1. I promise to keep my heart and mind open to new ideas, new opportunities, new places, and  to let go of judgement both for myself and others

To find out my 2013 specific resolutions, including my new blog to inspire new Yogis and promote sustainable living, click here... 

Happy 2013!! Here’s to new beginnings and new promises, what are yours? Have you been to the Mummers Parade? Have an interesting story? Please share!

New Yoga/Sustainable Living Blog: Stay Tuned!

Here’s what 2013 has in store for me…

1. A NEW YOGA/SUSTAINABLE  LIVING BLOG!

That’s right, along with owhataworld, which brings you the personal growth stories of a not so average woman and tips for daily success, I will be creating another blog. This blog will help share the goodness yoga brings to ones life, outline health benefits, house tips for sustainable and healthy living including yummy recipes, and follow my journey as I begin to construct a yoga studio in my house.

Stay tuned for more information and new ways to follow!

2. My Own Yoga Studio

3. A Sprint Triathlon

4. Books! Including: “Meditations from the Mat” by Rolf Gates, “Yoga of Heart” by Mark Whitwall and “Be  here now” by Ram Dass,

5. Yoga Guide

6. Cooking, Clean Eating and Vegetarianism

7. Spanish!!

8. More Tea

9. Texas Trip

9. Florida Trip

10. California Trip

11. Philly – A Return to Discover More

12. Composting

Do you have tips to share for new yogis? Composting? Yummy recipes? Good books? Or does anyone out there have similar resolutions or live/visited the places I plan to travel in 2013?

Please share with me and other followers below.