For the first month, it was terrible.

For the second month, it was terrible.

For the third month, it was terrible.

By month 6, it moved from terrible to tolerable.

I discovered that I only needed to get my bicycle clothing on in the morning and I was committed. Once I was on the way to work, I had to keep pedaling. If I wanted to get home, I had to keep pedaling.

To ensure I would get my cycling clothing on and not allow the daily commute to become monotonous, I started doing a bigger ride each weekend with a friend.

To make myself stick with weekend rides, I started planning a big climbing ride or double century to keep my cycling on track. The risk of finishing behind my buddy was a powerful motivator.

Eventually, I found other benefits:

I avoid traffic; my commute always takes about the same amount of time.

I am the fittest I've been since high school.

I can do most physical activities without issue.

My blood pressure is excellent and my resting pulse is in the 50s.

I am calm when I get to work in the morning.

I am more effective at work.

And I burn off most stress by the time I get home at night.

Best of all, it is easy. I put my clothes in my backpack and shower at work: I don't have to make time for the gym.

If you've been thinking about this: it will be hard, but it is worth it.

With a Perspective, I’m Bruce Gutman.

Bruce Gutman is manager in the software industry and lives on the Peninsula.