I’m ashamed and disgusted with how out of shape I am. I just finished washing and drying about a week’s worth of dishes and I am sweating like I just ran a 5K. There are quicker, easier and less painful ways to kill myself than overeating, being slothful and living in stress. Of course, it always seems to be my way to take the easy route (though some might question my definition of “easy”), so I just get through each day doing the bare minimum to stay alive. It would take too much planning and effort to off myself.

I ran into my buddy Stan this morning. He was out for his morning run and I stopped and talked to him while I was traveling in the car from Burger King to my favorite breakfast spot. He’s got at least ten years on me but is in at least ten times better shape than I am. He’s got a hip problem that makes it hard for him to sit for more than five minutes, but he says that’s ok because he can walk and stand just fine and has plenty to do to keep busy. On the other hand, I have knee issues that make it hard for me to stand or walk for any length of time, but I have no problem sitting for hours on end. Is it any wonder he is in much better condition?

I’ve been thinking about buying a Schwinn Meridian adult tricycle. I tried getting on my two-wheel bike the other day and with my knees I just cannot lift one leg up over the middle bar while trying to hold myself up with the other leg. I’m also afraid that if I have to dismount the bike suddenly that my knee will give and potentially throw me into the path of harm. I decided two wheels was not the way to go right now. A tricycle though?

It sounds like a good solution for getting me outside and active. However, I do have one small shred of vanity left, and the idea that “old” people use these bikes has me saying, “Hey, I’m not that old yet!” Well, maybe, maybe not, but I am certainly in the same physical condition as an eighty-year-old man, so I should just face facts and deal with it.

I think a trike would work for me. It is only a one-speed bike, which could make it harder to ride. (Yes, I know there are other trikes with more than one speed, but they are either more expensive or have features I don’t like.) Then again, the land around here is pretty flat and if I am putting out some effort to ride the bike that means I’m actually burning calories. I like the idea of not relying on my knees to balance me or keep me from falling. I am not 100% sure that my knees won’t hurt while riding, but it’s a whole lot less weight bearing activity than walking or running, so I’m hopeful.

At just a little less than $300 it’s a bit of an investment, and a downright silly purchase if I don’t use the thing. I waffle back and forth whether I should take the plunge. The nice weather we have been having has been helping to convince me that being active outside would be a good idea. Maybe I’ll overcome my dread of being the “old fart on a trike” that people have to avoid running over, and get the trike. Then again, maybe not.