Dream Almost Thwarted

I hope you have already read my article about my previous trips. But, my dream of a crazy trip started years before I jumped on a bike at age 18. I was about 8 or 9 years old and visiting my aunt and uncle in the north end of San Antonio. I got to know their next door neighbor who was about my age. I don't remember if I ever met his older, college-aged brother or not, but I do remember the very first thing I ever learned about him. Sometime before, this older brother had ridden his bicycle from San Antonio to Oklahoma. From that day, I dreamed of something similar. And yes, I fulfilled that dream.

And then, like I mentioned in my introduction letter, in my early 50's, I started having dreams of this upcoming trip across Tenn. About 4 years ago, I started walking, but not serious like I am doing today. But then about May or June of 2015, when I would walk, either in the mall (yes, I was a mall walker) or about 1/4 mile walks at work, I started getting chest pains. Nothing would last but just a minute or two after resting. At first, my family doctor guessed it was possibly a side effect from one of the medications I was on. But finally, my doctor sent me to a cardiologist. It was detected that I possibly had a blocked artery.

So, in late Feb. or early March of 2016, she and a former partner went in and did a 'roto-rooter' job on what is known as the 'widow-maker'. It was 100% blocked.  And a stent operation was very successful. I saw my cardiologist several times that year, and at my one-year check up in April, 2017, she said I was doing great and not to come back for a full year. I returned in April of 2018 and got the same report. So, on May 3rd, I started walking seriously. Maryville has a great walking path greenbelt that from end to end is about 9 miles long, with several miles of side paths. So, 3 to 4 mornings a week, I am now walking 4 miles a day at a 15 min/mile pace. I am walking with my cart with a box of old books for weight. I will up the weight as I go along. So if you ever do see me walking, I have no dog inside. :)