Tell us a little about your hobby.  

I have always loved traveling, and I picked up cycling about three or four years ago, and then I started blending the two. I am not a die-hard cyclist. The farthest I’ve ever done in a single ride was 76 miles with an e-bike. But I enjoy being able to clear my mind, spend time outdoors and see the beauty of nature.

When did this hobby start for you? 

I have a very demanding job, and I am a single mom of four kids. Between work and my family, there really hasn’t been time for me, my wellness or my own personal hobbies. But as my kids got a little older, I realized it was time to do a little more to invest in my own wellness. Pre-COVID, in early 2019 I started to diet, exercise and focus more on my physical and mental health. I found I really enjoyed both pilates and cycling. Then during COVID when we were so limited, cycling became a great way to get out of the house, be safe and still do a little vacationing. We did roadtrips during COVID with bikes on the back to places like Colorado, Minnesota and South Padre Island, Texas.

What’s something this hobby provides you that applies to your job?

This allows me to model the right behavior for my team at work and at home. I work hard and I ask my team to work hard, but we need to also find balance. Being able to center, clear your mind and gain focus makes us all more productive, healthier and happier. When I show people my hobbies, and when I actually put time to it, it gives them permission to do the same. I believe in driving value and results, but sometimes those results are easier to achieve when my head is clear from a 5-10 mile bike ride.  

Tell us a tip or fun fact about your hobby.

I have done a few organized cycling trips through a company called Backroads. As a result, I have met people from all over the world, from many different professions. Who would think that cycling has become a great way to build my network, and expand my circle of friends. Also, for those that may need extra incentive to give cycling a try, the cycling community here in Des Moines often plans their routes around local pubs found along the bike routes, which makes it as much about the journey as it is about the ride.

Padilla finds solace in biking and has cycled locally and all around the world, like in France.

Padilla finds solace in biking and has cycled locally and all around the world, like in Chile.

Padilla finds solace in biking and has cycled locally and all around the world, like on the the Raccoon River Valley Trail.