Another year, another totally awesome trail race. Due to the foot issues, I did step down at the last minute, from the 10k to the 5k. The problem with the 5k is, that the race ends too soon. It is such a fun race.
Talk to the muddy hand.
Juneathon ’15, day 5
Day 5 was a low-activity day, as it is the eve of the 10k trail run on Day 6 [that I’m not properly ready for]. Day 5 consisted of 15 minutes of yoga, and a lot of walking, at our town’s annual river festival. And then there was some dancing to these guys.
So…maybe it wasn’t such a low-activity day after all.
Juneathon ’15, day 4
Juneathon day 4 was accomplished with a 3.5-mile bicycle ride around the lake/park. My favorite wheat field is turning golden. Harvest time will be in 2 or 3 weeks.
Juneathon ’15, day 3
Last night was a 3.5 mile run/walk on my loop around the lake/park in the country. The weather was lovely, with a slight breeze. I felt tired and heavy. The foot is not doing well. *sob* So I spent the entire run trying to decide whether to stick with the 10k trail run this Saturday or drop down to the 5k. Then I had foot cramps in the night that wouldn’t go away. Overall, just a depressing episode. Working on a better day today! 
Juneathon ’15, day 2
Yesterday’s fitness totals:
- 15 minutes of yoga stretches
- Bicycled to the office and back for a total of 8 miles in one day.
The morning weather was ideal for a bike commute. The evening commute was on the too sunny and warm side. 
It’s Juneathon eve
After spending another 6 months trying to manage Morton’s Neuroma and its contributing factors, and pretending I didn’t have a blog, it is time for another Juneathon attempt. I am taking a deep breath and resolving to see progress in mileage and fitness this month. I started last week with my first 5-mile run/walk in ages. It felt great to be out there.
Yesterday, I participated in a community bicycling event for all ages and cycling abilities. Adding up the miles cycled to, from, and as part of the event, my total was 11 miles, and a lot of fun.
Some things I’ve learned while being sidelined from running with Morton’s:
- Bicycling at a gentle pace can be enjoyable and does contribute to the fitness level.
- Yoga stretches done gently are great for posture and contribute to the fitness level.
- Walking to and from the transit system does contribute to the fitness level.
Janathon days 4 and 5
Last night I did only a mile run because I got started after dark. There’s a point on my route where it gets creepy after dark, so that’s where I turned around and ran back. Then I curled up on the couch with my knitting and Buddy the dog, and watched the USA premiere of Downton Abbey season 5. What a great episode!
Tonight I got out slightly earlier, but it still got dark on me. I managed to cover 1.5 miles to add to this morning’s 15-minute yoga session. I’ve said it before, but I love running at night. I don’t know why.
Bicycling, my way
These past few months I’ve had to curb my running. So, I dedicated myself to becoming a part-time bicycler. I found some awesome cycling blogs for those of us who don’t wear awesomely embellished colorful spandex and otherwise look like we’re in the Tour de France. I’m not mocking those serious athletic cyclers; it’s quite the opposite. I’m in awe of their hard-driving ability, and I love the outfits. But, I don’t see myself ever achieving that level of cycling ability. I’m just not good at it. Plus, I’m afraid of the speed. So, I was happy to find that there is a growing support structure for those of us who use cycling to get from Point A to Point B, or who bicycle for reasons other than extreme athletic development. The cool theme of these blogs comes across in their names, although I don’t think they are affiliated with each other:
- Cycle Chic (My fave cycling blog, and the leader of a “Cycle Chic” network. Check out the links to many companion blogs on the right side of the home page.)
- Cyclist Chic (A compilation of cycling blog posts, some of which are political rants about cycling laws and attitudes toward cyclists, and overall, a very informative blog.)
- Cyclechic Shop (Lovely cycling clothing and accessories. And I do mean lovely.)
I bought a new spare bicycle online on Black Friday. (How could I resist a 26″ women’s 18-speed bike for $48?) At that price, I’m not expecting a durable, trouble-free biking experience, but a spare to keep on hand. After struggling through the bike assembly last night, and concluding to my relief, that it is in fact a complete bicycle for that price, I took it out for a test ride. I rode a mile, bundled up from the cold breeze. I would have gone farther, but it was dark out. So for Janathon day 3, I was a biker.
New year, new Janathon
How many emails did I get this week that said “New Year, New You”? Each one offered a product: makeup, exercise plan, clothing; a literal makeover inside and out. No thanks. I’m doing fine. I resolve to be more organized this year, and to otherwise keep doing what I’m doing. And blog more regularly. It’s been awhile…no, okay, it’s been months. But I’ve been busy while I was away. I’ve missed blogging, though.
My first two days of Janathon were identical and routine for me:
- 15 minutes of yoga with my favorite video series — Priscilla’s Yoga Stretches
- My 1.2-mile loop around the little park.
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I am finally reading On the Road, by Jack Kerouac. I’m forming my own clear opinions on this book. I’m not sure I will have the courage to write a review when I finish reading it. But I’ll try to say something; knowing whatever I say about it has probably been said before. It is quite a polarizing piece of literature. I now see why.
run | sew | read 