I had an epiphany on the subway home last night, as I endured yet another dig in the ribs* and backpack in the face. If I’m going to be miserable in winter, I might as well be getting some exercise and fresh air.

So this morning I pumped up Monty’s tires, swathed myself in various toasty fabrics,** and rode to exercise class. It’s not frigid cold here. I stopped feeling chilled within 5 minutes. By the time I got downtown I was already warmed up for an hour’s workout, my mood vastly improved. Yay me!

I suffer from SAD, which is getting worse as I get older. Self-medicating with excessive amounts of coffee and dark chocolate*** isn’t working very well. I’m giving myself a new prescription: BIKE. Stop coming up with reasons not to. While winter cycling can be a tad arduous, I’ve never regretted doing it once I reach my destination.

*I can knit lace on the subway without jabbing anyone. Why can’t people keep their sharp elbows to themselves?

**Icebreaker merino underlayers are great – warm, breathable, comfortable.

***Here’s the upside of working for a restaurateur: Yesterday he asked me to go taste our chef’s new chocolate truffle (bittersweet chocolate shell filled with black olive caramel – sounds outlandish, tastes delicious). Hey, someone has to do it.