The biggest hurdle in life is often that voice in your head. You know, that voice that says “there’s no way that you can do that” or lists excuses why it’s just not possible.
Well. That voice came back into my head when I changed places of work and my commute became longer than before (click the link to learn all my excuses at that time). When I worked downtown I didn’t have a parking space so my options were cycling or transit. When I finally started cycling to work I noticed a change in my mood. I was much happier than the person I was when taking transit. There were even days where it was pouring rain that I had more fun on my bike than I did taking the bus in the rain. You can call me crazy if you like, but before you judge, try it yourself 
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My commute was only 6.3 km and took about 25 minutes. There were several mornings where I didn’t really want to ride my bike, but I never regretted it when I did. It was the mental hurdle of excuses that really didn’t exist.
So back at square one.. I took a job just over 13 km from home and had all the excuses in the world again. EVEN after I discovered that there is a shower and lockers at the office. I have a parking spot, and need to drive to sites on occasion (once every 2 weeks). That’s only an excuse to drive on that day that I need to go to site. It takes me about 20-30 minutes to drive in traffic. It would take over 1 hr on transit. I also had this excuse in my head that I didn’t understand the route I needed to take without riding in too much traffic. Again…all I would need to do is leave slightly earlier the first time so that I could account for error in my route.
Well I finally gave it a shot. I didn’t follow the exact bike route that google gave me, but I never found myself travelling in the wrong direction and I beat google estimated time. That’s always my goal. Google estimated time: 55 minutes, Kat time: 46 minutes.
I began thinking about time efficiency and it just makes sense to spend the extra 32 minute commute each day to ensure happiness. Exercise and limited traffic makes me extremely happy. Driving time each day rolls in at about 60 minutes or more with traffic plus a 60 minute run or cycle or gym session = 120 minutes. Cycling each day rolls in at around 92 minutes. Ensured exercise + 28 minutes saved = Awesomeness.
Though…I will miss singing at the top of my lungs in the car. But I’m sure I will drive once or twice a week to make that happen. Or just sing on my bike…up all those hills…
Cheers to your Healthy Life!
xoxo
Kat
