As the year winds down, I’ve been looking back on my fitness path and the unexpected challenges that came my way. Back in October, I made the decision to get back into shape. Things were going well; I managed to get in seven rides by October 23rd. It felt great to be on the bike again and sticking to a schedule. But then, I got a reminder that I’m not as young as I used to be.

It started with my Apple Watch. I started getting notifications that I might have symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib). At first, I thought it was just a glitch. I felt fine, so I brushed it off as some kind of tech error. But the notifications kept coming, and after a while, I couldn’t ignore them anymore. I decided to get it checked out, just to be safe.

Unfortunately, the watch was right. I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats irregularly. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. It’s one thing to know you’re getting older, but it’s another to have your body remind you in such a stark way.

Finding the Right Treatment

The first step was seeing a cardiologist, who started me on medication to help manage the condition. But the meds didn’t agree with me at all. The side effects were rough, and it felt like I was trading one problem for another.

After doing some research, I found an electrophysiologist—a doctor who specializes in the heart’s electrical system. This turned out to be a game-changer. He reviewed my case, adjusted my medication, and things started to improve almost immediately. I’m scheduled for an ablation procedure at the end of January, which should help address the issue more directly.

Back in the Saddle

The best news? I’ve been cleared to ride again! For anyone who loves cycling, you know how tough it is to be sidelined. The only downside is that it gets dark so early this time of year, which makes after-work rides nearly impossible.  I’ll be back on the bike this weekend (December 21st), and I couldn’t be more excited.  I plan to stick to the e-bike for a while to ensure everything feels right before fully transitioning back.

Lessons Learned

This whole experience has been a wake-up call. It’s reminded me of how important it is to listen to your body and take action when something feels off—or, in my case, when your watch tells you something’s off! It’s also been a reminder that staying active is crucial, not just for physical health but for mental well-being too.

I’m looking forward to hitting the road again and sharing more updates on my rides and progress. If you’re dealing with health challenges of your own, don’t give up. There’s always a way forward, even if it’s not the path you originally planned.

Here’s to more rides and a healthier future—one pedal stroke at a time!