I chose the phrase “Forth Eorlingas!” as the name of my cycling/fitness blog because it exemplifies both my nerd heritage and my passionate desire to get in shape.
Like I said, I’m a nerd. I’m into literature, sci-fi, fantasy, comics, video games, writing, and other intellectual pursuits. I also love The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Theoden King bellows this phrase after he is freed from the thralldom of Saruman by Gandalf (novel, not film). It is a war cry of the Rohirrim named after Eorl the Young, one of the first kings of ancient Rohan. Theoden has awoken to a time of danger and fell deeds, and vows to muster his people and fight back against the darkness of Sauron, no matter the cost. It is a promise of vengeance. It is a call to arms. It embodies the attitude I have towards my cellulite-ridden body. The time has come to answer the call– it is do or die.
I enjoy being active, but I have never sought exercise out with any frequency. I am terrified that I will wake up tomorrow and discover that I have not realized any of my dreams because my weight and my perception of it have held me back. I am squandering my youth by living with an overweight figure and poor eating habits. The fact that I could not actually survive a zombie apocalypse or fight competently alongside the Rohirrim (if I happened to be teleported there) is my greatest shame. For all of the fire and passion in my personality–I would fail.
However, with the purchase of a new road bike and gear, the guilt generated from spending a considerable amount of money has bolstered my resolve to meet my fitness goals. This blog will (hopefully) keep me accountable and on track as I race to meet those milestones.
I would be remiss not to mention that I imagine my road bike as my steed, and thus, a war cry from the horse people of Rohan is quite appropriate. I have also decided to name my bike Roheryn, after the horse that Aragorn receives from Arwen.
Forth Eorlingas! 