Austrian alps and Barcelona

Sounds exotic!  In the Austrian alps and Barcelona on the same day.  Some of you will smile knowingly at my experience!  Yes, the hospital has referred me on to a gym to keep my 'escape pain' regime going. I took my form, which they had prepared for several class members, replete with personal health details, to a nearby gym. Unsurprisingly, even as I was making arrangements to have an assessment with a trainer at the gym, I pondered a fundamental issue - did I really want the regime to continue?  While attendance at the hospital sessions was enforced, this was entirely a personal choice.  Did I want to extend voluntarily an exercise regime?  

Anyway, with some diffidence, I did meet the trainer who filled in more forms and gave me a personal plan of exercise for an introductory month.  This involves using gym equipment which he demonstrated. I am supposed to engage in 5 minutes walking when I begin for cardio exercise and conclude with 5 minutes cycling.. This is when I made my discovery. The treadmill has a large screen offering travel routes. I found I could choose to walk or cycle in far off places. Beginning in the Austrian  Alps I was staggered at my level of engagement. I really was walking, alongside others, up this road surrounded by magnificent scenery. My gentle stroll didn't take me far but I guess that's the motivation - I'll want to go further and higher next time.

And at the end, my cycle ride along a promenade in Barcelona was a breathtaking contrast with the mountain track. Moving faster I enjoyed my time in the sunshine. I recognize that Carol and I will not be travelling again for a long time but this was a welcome surprise outing on the continent. I had been anticipating some dull repetitive machine exercises.  

It just goes to show how something that I assumed would be boring can surprise with delight.  I know that's how the text I mentioned last time: This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it can spring fresh experiences on the dullest and most repetitive days.