On #NationalWearRedDay I didn’t just wear red to support the women who suffer from heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 killer in women and which played a major role in my mother’s death in 2001, but I took care of my own heart too. African Americans are disproportionately affected by heart disease and stroke so I watch my blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.
I don’t normally get on my Peloton bike at night but having failed to ride in the morning and afternoon before going to the winery, I had no choice but to do so in the evening. I stopped on the way home from work and picked up a meatloaf dinner (maybe not heart healthy but it was delicious) from Mustards Grill and enjoyed the meal with a glass of Amarone della Valpolicella. (One glass is good for the heart.) As much as I wanted another glass of wine, I craved exercising even more.
On the Peloton, I did a 20-minute 2020 Black History Month 80s Hip-Hop ride with @tune2tunde and then her 30-minute Upper Body Bootcamp (earning a badge for my first Peloton bootcamp) followed by my favorite 30-minute @codyrigsby XOXO ride to support this instructor who shared in his IG that he is battling Covid-19 and that’s why he hasn’t been teaching lately. (I’m praying for you boo!) After a Tunde cool down ride and post-ride stretch it was time for a 20-minute restorative yoga class by @chelsealovesyoga to finish my fitness workouts at nearly 10 pm.
I could have made plenty of excuses not to work out tonight: I need to study. I need to do more winery work so it doesn’t carry over to tomorrow. I need to unwind with wine. I need to read the newspaper. It’s too late to work out and I want to do a Peloton ride in the morning so shouldn’t ride at night. But I looked at my bright red pants, a reminder that I need to take care of my heart first and foremost. And I was encouraged after spending probably too much time this morning catching up on the inspiring and motivational posts on BGMPelotonEdition‘s closed Facebook group.
I join my sorors of @dstinc1913 in spreading the word to encourage women to commit to a lifestyle change, educate yourselves and take action.
