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'If I Can Do It Now, Anything Is Possible'

Tribune photo by VICTOR JUNCO

Janine Dorsey is getting fit and helping the environment - all at the same time.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 10, 2008

Janine Dorsey, 37, Tampa

Goal: Biking to work on a regular basis.

Why I did it: To increase my fitness while saving gas and being more "green."

How I did it: I have the good fortune of living close enough to my workplace to have an easy commute. My drive is usually along scenic Bayshore Boulevard where I would pass dozens of people jogging, walking and biking for exercise. I am not one who will exercise for the sake of exercise alone. I have to be achieving a goal at the same time: getting the dog walked, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house. It occurred to me as I passed all these fit and healthy people that I could also be saving gas, putting fewer miles on my leased car and reducing my carbon footprint if I joined them by biking along Bayshore.

The first day I attempted it, I avoided any dangerous intersections by parking at a lot about a mile from my house and a little more than three miles from work. I took my daughter's mountain bike for the trip. I quickly found out that it was not the bike for me. An extremely uncomfortable seat and the leaning forward made for a very unpleasant ride. I dreaded the return trip.

Lessons learned: I needed to pack a change of clothes and something to clean up a bit with as I was pretty sweaty on the first trial ride. I also sprang for a new beach cruiser-type bike with a more comfortable seat. It just got easier after that. I now have my routine down and have even ventured off my usual route to explore other neighborhood streets along the way.

Hurdles: The biggest hurdles I encountered were schedule conflicts and the weather. During summer, the kids' camp details change on a weekly basis. Throw in a half-dozen doctor appointments over the course of two weeks, and it suddenly starts to get easier to just drive. But I had purchased a new bike, and the incentive of having made that investment spurred me to remain committed to my plan to use it as often as possible.

With our typical summer weather pattern of late afternoon showers, I am fine with the bike ride. I go in and get done early enough to avoid the lightning. But when we had atypical scenarios, I had to take a risk or forgo the ride that day. It never seemed to rain on the days I had an appointment conflict and couldn't ride anyway!

When I am unable to do the work ride, I try to run an errand on the bicycle that day instead. I have made several trips to the library and am also close to my local CVS drugstore and Publix supermarket. If the kids want to rent a movie, Blockbuster is only a mile-and-a-half away. My dentist is only a few blocks from my house.

Going the distance: I'm glad I started this during the summer. If I can do it now, anything is possible. The most frequent comment I get from people is "But it's so hot!" I stick to the side of the street where there's shade and believe it or not, riding a bike is more comfortable than walking in the heat. You generate your own breeze!

Best advice: Make sure you have a comfortable and reliable bike. Also, if you live too far from your workplace, why not drive part of the way and bike the rest? Three miles at a leisurely pace (I really should kick it up a notch) only takes me 15 minutes. And I feel invigorated the rest of the day, caffeine-free!

Keyword: Made It, to tell us about a personal fitness goal you have reached and how you accomplished it. Or send your story to mshedden@tampatrib.com or Mary Shedden, The Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker St., Tampa FL 33606.

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