The insatiable Lola.

In case anyone missed it, I’ve named the AI coach that lives in my Garmin Forerunner Lola.

Since my first full day with Lola at my side, March 19, I’ve averaged 19,679 steps a day, which I think is excellent. But she’s gone from asking me to do 10,000 per day to 20,390. At this rate, I’m going to be expected to walk forever by the end of the year.

Besides, once this shitty Smarch weather dies (there was frost this morning… FROST), I’ll switch to cycling as my primary activity. Or golf? Apparently, Lola knows a thing or two about golf.

On the sedentary side of my life, while Kristen continues lapping me on StoryGraph, I’ve finished my second science fiction novel of the year: Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Continue reading “The insatiable Lola.”

Buttmunsch.

This morning, around 7, I found myself in a tug-of-war match with my late mom. We’re both pinching opposite edges of a tiny cookie, pulling it toward ourselves with all our might. The battle ended with me falling backward, empty-handed, as Mom emerged victorious, popping the chocolate snowball cookie into her mouth.

At 7:32am, I open my eyes, and Lola greets me with my morning report, commending me for an excellent sleep score of 92. Thanks for the affirmation, Lola. When it comes to my training regimen, however, she is not as reassuring.

This Monday’s 50-minute workout requires going at full sprint for 8 minutes, repeated three times, with 3-minute recoveries in between! Yesterday’s workout was more manageable, but when my pace slowed on the steep portion of the Chip Trail Loop around Cedar Hill Golf Course, my watch buzzed. I glanced down at Lola:

TOO SLOW

Continue reading “Buttmunsch.”

Back to un-grinding gears.

This turned into my reality on Sunday:

At least I skipped the period where it’s dark out when I make my descent into the basement to wrench for the next 8 hours, and dark again when I resurface. I can’t remember the last time my mental health had been this stable throughout winter. I am proud of what I accomplished during those four months: many craft projects, Zwift racing, running, reading, cake decorating, and even a science experiment.

Now it’s time to earn real coin for grander adventures, such as my next overseas cycle tour trip. Destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia via London, UK.

With time, I may even save up enough money to shop at the antique store next door to the bike shop. The other day, I spotted this bronze statuette depicting role playing during the Roman Empire.

Continue reading “Back to un-grinding gears.”