Sunday, 11/1/2020 to Saturday, 11/7/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I walked 1 time this week for 3.15 miles (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 3 times this week for 17.65 miles
I biked 3 times for 42.38 miles this week.
I took 50,226 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING/BIKING: My left knee has had issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run. Let's say that I run ... carefully. I wear a Buff when I am out so I can slip it up when I approach someone.

Sunday, 11/1/2020

6758 steps, 46/117 resting/peak HR, 8:41 hrs sleep, 175.3 lbs, 9 floors climbed

walk: 3.15 miles, 48:50, 15:30 pace, 121 feet elevation gain, 82 avg HR, 97 max HR, 48F, 68% RH, 18 mph SW wind gusting to 28 mph, overcast with sprinkles.

The clocks were turned back so it was already light when I woke up around 6:45 AM. It was windy and looked crappy so I asked Alexa to open "Big Sky Weather". It was a bike day ... but it told me that light rain was coming in 30 minutes. I didn't really like the idea of biking into a wind driven rain so I opted for a walk since I do NOT run two days in a row. It seems to have worked all summer so I am sticking to it. It was certainly windy when I got out and it started to sprinkle about 5 minutes into my walk. I decided to not push my walking pace since I have a run scheduled tomorrow.

I watched the Patriots - Bills game. It was touch and go. The Bills built a slim lead 24-21 in the waning minutes. The Patriots were driving but someone punched the ball out of Cam Newton's arms at the 10 yard line and an alert Bill fell on it with 30 minutes to go. It's a win.

Monday, 11/2/2020

12920 steps, 46/137 resting/peak HR, 6:44 hrs sleep, 176.0 lbs, 18 floors climbed

run: 5.15 miles, 45:29, 8:50 pace, 56 feet elevation gain, 132 avg HR, 142 max HR, 161 avg cadence, 30F, 72% RH, 13 mph NW wind gusting to 40 mph, overcast with a few snow pellets

The wind woke me up during the night and I was awake when my alarm went off at 5:30 AM. I thought about a bike but went with a run instead. I dressed warmly with CW-X tights, a long sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve, balaclava and heavy running gloves. This is probably the earliest that I have worn tights (10/31) and balaclava (11/2). I just went out nice and easy to Island Cottage on the LOSP Trail. I thought that the trees would block most of the wind. I was correct except for the open areas where the wind really kicked me in the teeth on the way out. It wasn't so bad on the way back though I did see ice pellets for a couple of minutes. My splits were: 9:05, 8:55, 8:48, 8:38, 8:43 and 8:11 over the last 0.15 mile.

Tuesday, 11/3/2020

2944 steps, 44/125 resting/peak HR, 8:04 hrs sleep, 176.3 lbs, 1 floors climbed

bike: 13.35 miles, 1:02:24, 12.8 avg mph, 23.4 max mph,  59 feet elevation gain, 108 avg HR, 142 max HR, 41F, 66% RH, 6 mph NW wind gusting to 28 mph, partly cloudy

I went to bed early last night so I was awake around 4:50 AM. I caught up on email and Facebook while I heard the wind. It wasn't as bad as the morning before but it was a bike morning. It took a lot of willpower to get dressed, get ready and get out there. The cold around 40F and the wind chill from the wind wasn't that bad because I was dressed for it. The headwind going out slowed  me down but the tailwind on the way back was sweet! My high speed was 23.4 mph on level ground!

POLITICS ... prepare for a rant! Today is the day that the USA finally decides whether or not Trump can continue in his job as President. I know how my lovely wife, Christine, and I voted. I hope that I can look forward to Biden as the 46th President. He has failed on every level ... take your pick ... COVID-19, tax cuts for the rich, tweets, over 20,000 lies .. there are lots more!

I avoided most of the 2020 election return reporting by watching 4 ST-DS9 episodes off the DVR and then went to bed with just a bit of Facebook checking.

Wednesday, 11/4/2020

10421 steps, 46/139 resting/peak HR, 7:03 hrs sleep, 8 floors climbed

run: 6.25 miles, 53:39, 8:35 pace, 92 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 146 max HR, 162 avg cadence, 50F, 59% RH, 7 mph W wind gusting to 19 mph, sunny

A bit of politics. I was a bit out of sorts this morning. I had gone to bed a bit sad since it looked like a lot of the USA had continued to vote for their Republican senators and that the US Senate was still in play. I was gladdened that Biden and Trump were fighting it out in 6 battleground states. So ... I was thinking about that while I ran. I stopped three times to get pictures. My pace was a bit quicker than I thought. My splits were: 8:45, 8:35, 8:27, 8:39, 8:31, 8:32 and 8:13 over the last 0.25 mile. 

POLITICS ... COUNT. EVERY. VOTE!!!

Thursday, 11/5/2020

4410 steps, 43/116 resting/peak HR, 7:07 hrs sleep, 175.3 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.41 miles, 59:36, 13.5 avg mph, 20.1 max mph, 92 feet elevation gain, 105 avg HR, 127 max mph, 57F, 45% RH, 3 mph SSE wind gusting to 20 mph, sunny

It was a bit warmer but still windy this morning. I had a bit of trouble deciding what to wear. I finally decided on Brooks pants, long sleeve tech and Brooks jacket. There was a bit of cool breeze as I got near the lake and ponds so I was glad that I went with the jacket and not an additional short sleeve tech. Today there was a tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back.

More POLITICS ... COUNT. EVERY. VOTE!!!

Friday, 11/6/2020

12223 steps, 47/144 resting/peak HR, 7:25 hrs sleep, 176.1 lbs, 8 floors climbed

run: 6.25 miles, 54:55, 8:47 pace, 98 feet elevation gain, 133 avg HR, 146 max HR, 160 avg cadence, 57F, 57% RH, 3 mph SW wind gusting to 19 mph, mostly clear

I was up as usual at 5:30 AM. I did the usual things ... caught up a bit on email, Facebook, went down on weighed myself, had 3/4 of a donut and a bit of OJ, got dressed for a run and got out. It was a bit cool and windy so I wore shorts, long sleeve tech, Buff and Brooks running gloves. It was going to get light soon but I still had my headlamp and Noxgear lighted vest. I set up a steady pace on my "The Island Cottage loop" route. I didn't stop or slow down much on the 2 mini-hills on that route. I just powered up them. I got it done. My splits were: 8:53, 8:47, 8:49, 8:46, 8:36, 8:53 and 8:31 over the last 0.25 mile.

Then I got about my day ... working remotely on a Friday for Ricoh looking after the network printers at L3Harris SAS. I went onsite for a couple of hours in the afternoon to look after the printers in person.

More ... POLITICS ... COUNT. EVERY. VOTE!!!

Saturday, 11/7/2020

440 steps, 46/108 resting/peak HR, 8:25 hrs sleep, 175.7 lbs, 0 (sure!) floors climbed

bike: 15.62 miles, 1:10:24, 13.3 avg mph, 20.7 max mph, 157 feet elevation gain, 99 avg HR, 121 max HR, 50F, 47% RH, 3 mph WSW wind gusting to 18 mph, mostly sunny

I slept in until 6 AM. I puttered around a bit while I caught up on email and Facebook. It was around 50F and windy. I had a bit of trouble trying to decide what to wear. I went outside and decided on my Brooks pants and Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover. I thought about a long sleeve tech and Brooks jacket but I figured I would be too warm. I headed out and I was a bit cold at first but I warmed up ... like usual. What can I say about this particular bike ride ... one of the 83 I have taken in 2020? It wasn't too much different. I did look around ... I like riding along Lake Ontario on one side and the three ponds (Cranberry, Long and Buck) on the other.

POLITICS: Well ... enough votes were counted to allow CNN, AP, Fox News(!) and others to call it for Biden. Trump is still pledging to fight "all the illegal votes" in court and not concede the election. He will not go gently in that good night (the SDNY awaits him, his family and his minions). I predict that he will fight this at the way to the mat. Someone will have to intervene ... but who? Most of America says "Biden won, You're fired, Trump!"

Sunday, 10/25/2020 to Saturday, 10/31/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 4 times this week for 27.0 miles
I biked 3 times for 42.31 miles this week.
I took 48,866 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING/BIKING: My left knee has had issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run. Let's say that I run ... carefully. I wear a Buff when I run or bike so I can slip it up when I approach someone.

Sunday, 10/25/2020

9943 steps, 47/138 resting/peak HR, 9:30 hrs sleep, 175.6 lbs, 6 floors climbed

run: 6.25 miles, 55:10, 8:49 pace, 105 feet elevation gain, 129 avg HR, 143 max HR, 159 avg cadence, 42F, 73% RH, 9 mph SE wind gusting to 19 mph, mostly cloudy

I slept in again since there is no reason to get out early on a weekend. I puttered around like usual. Then I got dressed and got out there. I decided to up my distance a bit. I struck up a nice and easy pace and got up to a 10K. My left knee ... knock on wood ... felt fine. My splits were: 9:00, 8:42, 8:38, 8:49, 8:57, 8:52 and 8:25 over the last 0.25 mile.

I watched the Buffalo Bills play the NY Jets. Who knew that the Buffalo Bills would suddenly forget to score a TD? A defensive battle played out. The Bills ended up kicking 6 out of 8 FGs and winning 18-10. The Bills D held the NY Jets scoreless in the 2nd half with only 4 yards of offense.

I adjusted the front brake of my bike since it was rubbing the tire (It fell over on Saturday). I muttered (OK swore) a bit (OK maybe a lot) while I figured out how to adjust my side-pull brake. I researched it on Google and watched a few YouTube videos that didn't really help. My darling wife, Christine, fled upstairs ... but I had to call her back twice once I figured it out and needed more than two hands. My front brakes aren't locked to the tire anymore and the left pad doesn't rub the tire. Success! I think my Trek bicycle will be going in for service at Bike Zone this winter after 7 years.

Monday, 10/26/2020

1650 steps, 45/119 resting/peak HR, 8:45 hrs sleep, 176.4 lbs, 5 floors climbed

bike: 15.57 miles, 1:07:49, 13.9 avg mph, 19.9 max mph, 144 feet elevation gain, 103 avg HR, 131 max HR, 48F, 95% RH, 4 mph WNW wind gusting to 12 mph, overcast

One of the two trees that have Christmas decorations hung on them on the LOSP Trail between Island Cottage and Dewey

I am taking a week of vacation from Ricoh so I what most people on vacation do ... I slept in. I woke up around 7 AM. I noticed that it was sprinkling when I looked out so I puttered around a bit. It appeared to over around 11 AM so I went out. Well ... it wasn't yet. So I got a bit damp but I kept up my cadence and got it done.

Tuesday, 10/27/2020

10715 steps, 45/140 resting/peak HR, 9:12 hrs sleep, 177.5 lbs, 10 floors climbed

run: 6.25 miles, 54:50, 8:46 pace, 108 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 142 max HR, 162 avg cadence, 45F, 97% RH, 2 mph NE wind gusting to 14 mph, cloudy

My "Get Up" alarm went off at 5:30 AM and I stayed awake since I had gone to bed early the night before. So .. I got out and got my run in. Just a nice and steady "get it done" pace. I saw a "Biden - Harris 2020" flag on Beach Ave. and some Trump - Pence 2020 yard signs a few doors down. Well ... I know who my darling wife, Christine, and I are voting for! My splits were: 8:54, 8:47, 8:41, 8:45, 8:48, 8:43 and 8:29 over the last 0.25 mile. I did get the kitchen mopped. One of things I have on my "yet to be written down" things-to-do list.

A run/bike shelf for all the "stuff" that I use

I also put up a shelf for all my running and biking stuff. It is hung on thumbtacks (2 per side). I also put in some thumbtacks to hang stuff on the right. I may have put it up too high since it is almost at my eyelevel. I am thinking of screwing in some cupholders into the shelf to hang more stuff (or to hang it better than thumbtacks can hold it). I just have to remember to get to a hardware store ... safely.

Wednesday, 10/28/2020

891 steps, 44/113 resting/peak HR, 7:48 hrs sleep, 176.5 lbs, 3 floors climbed

bike: 13.35 miles, 57:23, 14.0 avg mph, 20.2 max mph, 72 feet elevation gain, 104 avg HR, 125 max HR, 46F, 94% RH, 3 mph S wind gusting to 12 mph, cloudy

My darling wife, Christine, had a dentist appointment in the late morning so I spent it with her instead of getting out of my bike. Well ... when she left and I started my bike it had started to sprinkle. Luckily it only lasted for 15 to 20 minutes. I kept up a steady cadence and got it done.

Thursday, 10/29/2020

11610 steps, 47/139 resting/peak HR, 8:46 hrs sleep, 177.5 lbs, 8 floors climbed

run: 7.25 miles, 1:04:36, 8:54 pace, 131 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 145 max HR, 159 avg cadence, 49F, 90% RH, 1 mph E wind, cloudy 

Well ... a run doesn't get done by itself. So ... I got up, puttered around a bit, got dressed, got outside and got it done. I set up a steady pace and thought ... why not up the distance? So ... I did. My left knee complained a wee bit but I kept my pace and got it done. My splits were: 8:45, 8:47, 8:55, 8:52, 8:53, 8:52, 9:12 and 8:59 over the last 0.25 pace.

Friday, 10/30/2020

2565 steps, 47/117 resting/peak HR, 9:24 hrs sleep, 175.7 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.39 miles, 57:05, 14.1 avg mph, 19.0 max mph, 59 feet elevation gain, 107 avg HR, 126 max HR, 37F, 74% RH, 8 mph WNW wind gusting to 32 mph, wind chill 31F, mostly cloudy

Today was a day to get some stuff done. I had spent my whole week at home just going out to run. So ... I headed out with our mail-in ballots and a grocery list. First I headed to a Early Voting center at a church on North Greece Rd. There was a line about 100 people deep outside around the church. I circled the church once before I found out that I could cut the line, go in and just drop our ballots in a ballot box. 

You simply have to have the "I Voted Today!" stickers!

Mmm ... cookies!

Then it was to BJs and Wegmans for groceries and ready-to-bake cookies. My darling wife, Christine, promptly made a scrumptious roast with baked potato and salad. More mmm!

I still had to get my bike in so I got out and got it done. Boom! It was a bit windy so I found out quickly that my Buff that I wear in case I meet someone could be used as a face warmer.

Saturday, 10/31/2020

11492 steps, 46/136 resting/peak HR, 9:29 hrs sleep, 175.8 lbs, 8 floors climbed

run: 7.25 miles, 1:04:42, 8:55 pace, 128 feet elevation gain, 130 avg HR, 142 max HR, 161 avg cadence, 30F, 62% RH, 1 mph SSE wind gusting to 8 mph, sunny

I really should have set my alarm for 6 AM, gotten up, got dressed and got off to Kelly's Apple Farm for the annual Donut Run but my heart wasn't into getting out in the dark, scraping the car and driving to Hilton. I am a bit discouraged about it. But ... I woke up around 7:30 AM, got up, got dressed (in tights and my usual winter gear of Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. Then I got out ... there was still ice on all the car windshield but luckily there was little wind. I set up a steady pace. It was a bit chilly but I warmed after ... wait for it ... a mile like I usually do. It was sunny and a nice day to run. My splits were: 9:02, 8:46, 8:46, 8:46, 8:49, 9:06, 9:02 and 9:06 over the last 0.25 mile.

It's the end of October so it's stat time!

I didn't take any walks.

I ran 16 times for 85.15 miles, 5.32 miles/run. I have taken 131 runs in 2020 so far for 617.67 miles, 4.72 miles/run.

I biked 15 times for 208.64 miles, 13.91 miles/bike. I have taken 80 bikes so far in 2020 for 1087.62 miles, 13.6 miles/bike.

I took 191227 steps. I have taken 1,913,335 steps so far in 2020.

Sunday, 10/18/2020 to Saturday, 10/24/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 3 times this week for 16.05 miles
I biked 4 times for 57.6 miles this week.
I took 41,131 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING/BIKING: My left knee has had issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run. Let's say that I run ... carefully. I wear a Buff when I run or bike so I can slip it up when I approach someone.

Sunday, 10/18/2020

798 steps, 45/114 resting/peak HR, 8:35 hrs sleep, 175.5 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 15.67 miles, 1:24:42, 11.1 avg mph, 20.1 max mph, 164 feet elevation gain, 102 avg HR, 127 max HR, 52F, 43% RH, 6 mph SSE wind gusting to 15 mph, overcast

I slept in again. I puttered around but bike rides don't get done by themselves so I got dressed and got out there. It was cool and windy so I  dressed in Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I chose my slightly longer "Out to East Manitou Rd and around" route which is a loop rather than the out and back "Out to East Manitou Rd. I was slightly warm when I biked downwind. But ... I was glad I was correctly dressed when I biked against the wind all the way on Edgemere Drive. 

Monday, 10/19/2020

11305 steps, 45/142 resting/peak HR, 6:14 hrs sleep, 176.1 lbs, 2 floors climbed

run: 5.35 miles, 47:04, 8:47 pace, 49 feet elevation gain, 9:15, 132 avg HR, 144 max HR, 149 avg cadence, 58F, 98% RH, 1 mph W wind, overcast

How I look when I run ... I favor a solid red

I got up at 5:01 AM, puttered a bit, dressed and got out a bit after 6 AM. It was cool so I wore shorts, long sleeve tech and Brooks running gloves. I wore my headlamp and Noxgear lighted vest. I just went out to Island Cottage and back. There was not a soul out. It turned out that I beat the day long showers by 15 minutes. So could be why no one was out. My splits were: 9:15, 8:46, 8:42, 8:39, 8:42 and 8:25 over that last 0.35 mile.

Tuesday, 10/20/2020

3628 steps, 46/122 resting/peak HR, 8:24 hrs sleep, 177.2 lbs, 6 floors climbed

bike: 13.40 miles, 1:04:17, 12.5 avg mph, 16.3 max mph, 82 feet elevation gain, 109 avg HR, 134 max HR, 50F, 87% RH, 2 mph SE wind gusting to 15 mph, overcast

I saw a water skier on Cranberry Pond!

It was wet when I woke up so I didn't bike. It was dry after I got off of Ricoh at 5 PM so I got out for my usual "Out to East Manitou Rd" bike. I'm a creature of habit and I like the wide shoulders on almost all of Edgemere Drive.

Wednesday, 10/21/2020

9866 steps, 50/138 resting/peak HR, 7:29 hrs sleep, 177.9 lbs, 4 floors climbed

run: 5.15 miles, 45:29, 8:50 pace, 66 feet elevation gain, 129 avg HR, 140 max HR, 161 avg cadence, 57F, 100% RH, 2 mph SW wind gusting to 11 mph, overcast with sprinkles 

day 120 of my walk/run/bike streak

I heard pelts of rain when I woke up during the night but ... it was a run morning and my alarm was set for 5:30 AM. I asked Alexa "open Big Sky weather". She replied that light rain was coming in 40 minutes. So I continued getting ready, got dressed and got out there before I could change my mind. Let's say that willpower was required. It was sort of cool so I wore shorts and a short sleeve tech. I chose my "Out to Island Cottage" route just to get it done. A light sprinkle started when I was on the way back. I got a little damp ... but I got my run in. My splits were: 8:53, 8:49, 8:57, 8:48, 8:41 and 8:44 over the last 0.15 mile.

Thursday, 10/22/2020

3855 steps, 34/112 resting/peak HR, 8:11 hrs sleep, 178.4 hrs sleep, 10 floors climbed

bike: 15.15 miles, 1:21:00, 11.2 avg mph, 18.5 max mph, 138 feet elevation gain, 100 avg HR, 116 max HR, 51F, 100% RH, 2 mph SW wind gusting to 5 mph, overcast

It was a bike morning so I asked Alexa to "open Big Sky weather". She replied that "rain will stop in 9 minutes with periods of rain in the morning". So ... I got dressed and go out into the before sunrise darkness. There were a few sprinkles of rain for sure. I had a Redbox DVD to take back to the 7-11 on Lake Ave so I did that first and then headed back to my usual "Out to East Manitou Rd" route. There was more sprinkles on the way back. I enjoyed seeing the reflection of house lights on Cranberry Pond and Long Pond ... so peaceful. I do like biking on Edgemere Drive with Lake Ontario on one side and 3 ponds (Buck, Long and Cranberry) on the other. My darling wife, Christine, was a bit worried when I was a bit later coming back from my bike.

Friday, 10/23/2020

11678 steps, 47/134 resting/peak HR, 7:23 hrs sleep, 177.9 lbs, 10 floors climbed

run: 5.55 miles, 51:04, 9:12 pace, 102 feet elevation gain, 126 avg HR, 136 max HR, 158 avg cadence, 61F, 94% RH, 4 mph SSW wind gusting to 11 mph, clear

A"scary" townhouse door

"Uggh" is the best word to describe my run this morning. I was still full from last night's supper of ribs, baked potato, green beans and salad. So ... a sluggish run ensued. It was those runs where every other thought was "Is this over yet?". But ... I got it done. My splits were: 9:20, 8:57, 8:58, 9:34, 9:20 and 8:49 over the last 0.55 mile.

My absentee ballot came in the mail ... finally. I can finally fill out my ballot! My darling wife, Christine, has had her for a month. I was a bit pissed at her when she disturbed me while I was trying to sign my signature. My signature has changed a lot over my lifetime so it is always a struggle since I only sign my name like once a month ... if that. Hopefully it will match close the one on file at the Monroe County Board of Elections.

Saturday, 10/24/2020

893 steps, 47/119 resting/peak HR, 7:48 hr sleep, 175.8 lbs, 0 (sure ...) floors climbed

bike: 13.38 miles, 1:02:25, 12.9 avg mph, 21.1 max mph, 75 feet elevation gain, 101 avg HR, 190 max HR (no way!), 45F, 77% RH, 8 mph W wind gusting to 32 mph, cloudy

I slept until it got daylight, puttered around and got out there for day 123 of my W/R/B streak. It was cool and windy out the west on my usual "Out to East Manitou Rd" route. So ... the headwind nailed me on the way out and aided me on the way back.

Today was the first day of early voting in New York State. I hope that the BLUE wave is starting here!!! There ... I said it. I am voting a straight BLUE ballot. I should say have voted since it is already sealed. Christine and I just have to drop it off ... either in the mail or at our local early voting sites in Monroe County.

Sunday, 10/11/2020 to Saturday, 10/17/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 4 times this week for 20.2 miles
I biked 3 times for 39.9 miles this week.
I took 46,910 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING/BIKING: My left knee has had issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run (most of the time). Let's say that I run ... carefully. I wear a Buff when I run or bike so I can slip it up when I approach someone.

Sunday, 10/11/2020

9362 steps, 42/164 resting/peak HR, 9:19 HR, 175.6 lbs, 9 floors climbed

run: 6.25 miles, 54:57, 8:47 pace, 128 feet elevation gain, 147 avg HR, 174 max HR, 159 avg cadence, 48F, 78% RH, 11 mph ENE wind gusting to 33 mph, cloudy

I woke up at 5:45 AM ... and went back to sleep. I woke up around 8:30 AM and puttered around a bit. But ... runs don't get done by themselves. So ... I got dressed, ate a little something and got out there. I wanted a bit longer run so I just kept running at a steady pace out the LOSP Trail, Island Cottage, Beach Ave and Greenleaf Rd. I took a few tiny walk breaks when I needed them ... no worries. My splits were: 8:54, 8:30, 8:55, 8:42, 8:52, 8:56 and 8:26 over the last 0.25 mile.

Monday, 11/12/2020

4366 steps, 46/119 resting/peak HR, 7:19 hr sleep, 175.1 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.31 miles, 1:04:51, 12.3 avg mph, 18.1 max mph, 69 feet elevation gain, 107 avg HR, 125 max HR, 55F, 83% RH, 4 mph SE wind gusting to 12 mph, mostly cloudy

I didn't get to sleep until just before midnight so I was a bit tired when my alarm went off at 5:30 AM. I fell back asleep for 35 minutes and then got up. Bikes don't get done by themselves ... so I got up, got dressed, had half a donut and got out there. It was 55F so I chose my Brooks pants along with a long/short sleeve tech combo to wear. I was a bit cool but I warmed up. It was tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back. There were a bit more people out: 1 bicycle and 2 walkers when it was dark and more once it got lighter around 7:15 AM. A nice way to start a Monday!

Tuesday, 11/13/2020

9078 steps, 34/143 resting/peak HR (34 resting HR?), 4:07 hr sleep (4:07 hr sleep?), 176.0 lbs, 3 floors climbed 

run: 5.15 miles, 44:32, 8:39 pace, 46 feet elevation gain, 132 avg HR, 146 max HR, 59F, 52% RH, calm, mostly sunny

Well ... everything started OK. I got up at 5:30 AM, got dressed, looked outside to check the temperature. I felt some droplets but thought nothing of it. I finished getting ready and then stepped back outside ... it was raining! The idea of running in the dark and rain didn't sit well with me so I went back inside ... a bit pissed off! I cursed a bit according to my darling wife, Christine. I discovered that the watch band keeper on my Vivoactive HR broke ... aarrgghh! I tried to find another from my old and broken Forerunners (2 310XTs, 2 305s and 1 230) but none were 28mm wide. I ended up ordered one on eBay later in the day.

I got out for my run after I got done with my day at Ricoh. It was weird at first ... running in the evening. I chose an out and back to Island Cottage to keep off the road as much as possible in case it got dark too early. I felt sluggish but I sped up once I warmed up. My splits were: 8:50, 8:39, 8:40, 8:36, 8:32 and 7:53. A negative split, baby!!6:10

Wednesday, 10/14/2020

1065 steps, 47/11 resting/peak HR, 7:24 hr sleep, 1 floor climbed

bike: 13.29 miles, 1:07:48, 11.8 avg mph, 16.5 max mph, 56 feet elevation gain, 100 avg HR, 116 max HR, 51F, 74% RH, 1 mph SW wind gusting to 14 mph, clear

I was up at 5:30 AM like usual, got dressed and got out by 6:10 AM. It was a bit windy so I dressed in my usual Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie.  I wore my Noxgear lighted vest. The sky was almost clear so I had a nice view of the crescent moon (aka "the new moon in the old moon's arms") and Venus. There is something so calm and peaceful about getting my exercise in as the world around me wakes up.

Thursday, 11/14/2020

12733 steps, 46/143 resting/peak HR, 6:38 hr sleep, 176.1 lbs, 9 floors climbed

run: 5.45 miles, 47:59, 8:48 pace, 112 feet elevation gain, 134 avg HR, 147 max HR,  63F, 42% RH, 4 mph SSW wind gusting to 19 mph, partly cloudy

I got out for my usual before sunrise run. Nothing unusual except that there were not ANY fishermen on the pier! One was headed out when I was headed back. My darling wife, Christine, gave me 3 things-to-do: take a shower, get a flu shot and get a haircut. I got all three done ... the last 2 were after my Ricoh workday was done.

Friday, 11/15/2020

769 steps, 46/114 resting/peak HR, 7:17 hr sleep, 175.9 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.30 miles, 1:07:40, 11.8 avg mph, 15.7 max mph, 43 feet elevation gain, 103 avg HR, 119 max HR, 48F, 92% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 10 mph, overcast 

I was awake at 5:01 AM, puttered at bit, dressed and out the door at 6:10 AM. It was a bit windy but I got it done. I saw 2 walkers and 2 bicyclists. One of those bicyclists was the "stealth" guy with no headlight, taillight, reflective gear or helmet.

Saturday, 10/17/2020

9537 steps, 46/144 resting/peak HR, 7:44 hr sleep, 175.9 lbs, 9 floors climbed

run: 5.35 miles, 47:25, 8:51 pace, 112 feet elevation gain, 132 avg HR, 146 max HR, 158 avg cadence, 37F, 45% RH, 4 mph SW wind gusting to 12 mph, sunny

It was cold out so I waited until it warmed up a bit. But ... it was still 37F out when I got out. I went with Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I could have gotten by with shorts but I was taking it easy so I didn't get too warm. Just your usual "Out to the pier" route ... nothing unusual. My splits were: 8:59, 8:46, 8:42, 8:53, 8:49 and 8:35 over the last 0.35 mile.

Sunday, 10/4/2020 to Saturday, 10/10/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 3 times this week for 10.5 miles
I biked 4 times for 55.55 miles this week.
I took 37.894 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING/BIKING: My left knee has had issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run. Let's say that I run ... carefully. I wear a Buff when I run or bike so I can slip it up when I approach someone.

Sunday, 10/4/2020

2700 steps, 45/131 resting/peak HR, 6:58 hrs sleep, 177.3 lbs, 11 floors climbed

bike: 15.55 miles, 1:17:52, 12.0 avg mph, 18.8 max mph, 181 feet elevation gain, 105 avg HR, 173 max HR (probably wrong), 45F, 81% RH, 8 mph SE wind, cloudy

I got out for my bike around 6:30 AM. It was a bit chilly but I know how to dress for it: Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I added my Noxgear lighted vest but didn't turn it on. My headlamp and taillight were on ... naturally. I did my slightly longer "Out to East Manitou Rd and around" clockwise. Not too many people were out: 1 walker, 1 runner and 3 bicyclists. I also saw the blue heron that likes to hang out by the boat launch on Buck Pond by the intersection of Island Cottage Rd and Edgemere Drive.

I watched the wild 4th quarter of the Browns, - Cowboys game. The Browns had a 27 point lead heading the 4th quarter ... game over, right? Well .. the Cowboys got within 3 points before the Browns answered with 8 points (a one play drive after the onside kick and blocked PAT that turned into a 2 point conversion) to win, 49-38, ESPN link here.

The darling wife, Christine, cooked two suppers today. She made tacos for herself to celebrate National Taco Day and she made ribs for me. I ate them during the first quarter of the Bills - Las Vegas Raiders games held out in "Sin City". Mmm! The game was a bit more interesting ... the Bills built a 2 TD lead and won by 1 TD, 30-23, ESPN link here..

Monday, 10/5/2020

8396 steps, 47/143 resting/peak HR, 7:18 hr sleep, 177.0 lbs, 9 floors climbed

run: 5.15 miles, 44:56, 8:43 pace, 105 feet elevation gain, 133 avg HR, 146 max HR, 50F, 94% RH, 5 mph W wind, cloudy

I was up to 5:10 AM and got up and out a bit after 6 AM. It was a run day so I wore the6/2020usual 50F running gear: shorts and long sleeve tech. I made up another route: The Dewey Ave loop. Meh. I had to add a bit at the end to get up to 5.15 miles. My splits were: 9:06, 8:33, 8:40, 8:43, 8:37 and 8:20 over the last 0.15 mile.

Tuesday, 10/6/2020

4329 steps, 46/118 resting/peak HR, 5:22 hr sleep, 176.6 lbs, 1 floor climbed

bike: 13.30 miles, 1:06:04, 12.1 avg mph, 17.3 max mph, 62 feet elevation gain, 108 avg HR, 128 max HR, 48F, 87% RH, 2 mph S wind gusting to 11 mph, clear

Well ... I was up at 5:30 AM and out on the bike at 6:00 AM. I had on the usual: Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. My headlamp, taillight and Noxgear lighted vest were all on as I headed out. Why is this important? Well ... down on the LOSP Trail between Greenleaf Rd and Dewey Ave is a bridge. It was dark with just me and the moonlight so I took the wrong side entering the bridge. Someone in the dark yelled :OTHER SIDE!" WTH? Someone was within 10-20 feet of their bridge exit. I didn't see a headlamp so the guy could have been a walker, runner or bicyclist. Yes, it would have been my fault but a headlamp would have helped because I did look! I yelled back "HEADLAMP!" but I bet I wasn't heard. Maybe their headlamp ran out of juice because mine did before I got back. I saw two other walkers ... both had headlamps and were seen easily. I will run that way tomorrow and on my bike on Thursday to see if I see anyone without a headlamp.

Wednesday, 10/7/2020

8636 steps, 45/140 resting/peak HR, 8:08 hr sleep, 176.8 lbs, 6 floors climbed

run: 5.35 miles, 47:46, 8:56 pace, 115 feet elevation gain, 133 avg HR, 144 avg HR, 59F, 65% RH, 4 mph SSW wind gusting to 18 mph, overcast

I was up at 4:53 AM and out at 6:01 AM. It was cool and windy so I wore shorts and long sleeve tech. I made sure that I was visible in the dark by wearing my headlamp and Noxgear lighted vest. I took up a nice and steady the whole way. I modified my usual "Out to the pier" route by heading down Latta Ave all the way to its end. I saw a bicyclist with a death with as I exited the Secret Sidewalk: no headlight, no taillight, no reflective clothing and no helmet. Whatever. My splits were: 

Thursday, 10/8/2020

3098 steps, 45/123 resting/peak HR, 6:47 hr sleep, 176.9 lbs, 0 floors climbed

bike: 13.31 miles, 1:06:20, 12.0 avg mph, 17.5 max mph, 56 feet elevation gain, 108 avg HR, 129 max HR, 47F, 87% RH, 1 mph SW wind gusting to 18 mph, partly cloudy

I was up with my alarm at 5:30 AM and out for my bike on my usual route at 6 AM. I entered the bridge on the LOSP Trail between Greenleaf Rd and Dewey Ave on the right side ... no one there. I only saw 1 bicyclist (with a headlight) and 2 walkers (1 with a headlight and 1 with a reflective belt) on the entire ride. I scared the usual rabbits and saw a blue heron on Long Pond and a red fox crossing Island Cottage by the LOSP Trail entrance.

Friday, 10/09/2020

8593 steps, 46/140 resting/peak HR, 7:35 hr sleep, 177.7 lbs, 4 floors climbed

run: 5:36 miles, 47:31, 8:52 pace, 115 feet elevation gain, 130 avg HR, 161 max HR, 41F, 100% RH, calm, partly cloudy

It was chilly when I woke up at 5:30 AM. It took a lot of gumption to get out of bed, dressed for a fun and out the door. But I did. I wore shorts, long sleeve tech, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I warmed up after 1 mile ... like usual. I ran by 10 fishermen on the pier ... you have to get up way earlier to beat them to the pier! My splits were: 9:01, 8:51, 8:51, 8:53, 8:50 and 8:37 over the last 0.36 mile.

Saturday, 10/10/2020

2142 steps, 44/117 resting/peak HR, 9:07 hr sleep, 176.3 lbs, 10 floors climbed

bike: 13.39 miles, 1:07:53, 11.8 avg mph, 19.1 max mph, 102 feet elevation gain, 106 avg HR, 128 mph, 74F, 63% RH, 6 mph W wind gusting to 26 mph, cloudy

I woke up at 5:45 AM and listened to the wind. I thought of riding my bike into the wind ... and went back to sleep. I wore back up at 9:20 AM ... it was still windy. But ... it was a warm day in October so I got out there for my ride. Exercise doesn't get done by itself. There was definitely a stiff headwind out of the south on the way out. But ... it was a bit of a tailwind on the way back. I saw 5 windsurfers on Long Pond. A nice noontime ride.

Sunday, 9/27/2020 to Saturday, 10/3/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 4 times this week for 19.30 miles
I biked 3 times for 39.69 miles this week.
I took 42,224 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING: My left knee has issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run (most of the time). Let's say that I run ... carefully.

Sunday, 9/27/2020

7917 steps, 40/144 resting/peak HR, 177.3 lbs, 5 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 43:04, 9:04 pace, 79 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 160 max HR, 158 avg cadence, 61F, 86% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 7 mph, clear

The latest from Instagram's chalk.mom

I got out a bit later on my usual "Out to the pier" route. I like running out on the pier, on the boardwalk of the Ontario Beach Park and on the Secret Sidewalk off of Beach Ave. I counted 29 fishermen on the pier. One guy had a one foot fish.

Monday, 9/28/2020

3847 steps, 45/113 resting/peak HR, 7:20 hrs sleep, 175.9 lbs, 5 floors climbed

bike: 13.30 miles, 1:04:56, 12.3 avg mph, 18.0 max mph, 102 feet elevation gain, 101 avg HR, 124 max HR, 64F, 88% RH, 3 mph SSW wind gusting to 12 mph, partly cloudy

I met an unexpected obstacle this morning on my before sunrise bicycle ride. I headed down the LOSP Trail from Greenleaf Rd like usual ... but my headlamp (and I) found a tree hanging over the trail about 1/4 mile in. I braked and found that I could just bend over and walk my bike to get under it. I continued onward. It was really quiet on my usual route with only 2 walkers, 2 bicyclists and 1 blue heron. There was a headwind on the way back. It was light when I got back to the tree. This time I just bent my head and rode under it. No worries. 

Tuesday, 9/29/2020

9848 steps, 46/139 resting/peak HR, 7:08 hrs sleep, 177.6 lbs, 2 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 41:39, 8:46 pace, 69 feet elevation gain, 132 avg HR, 142 max HR, 162 avg cadence, 57F, 100% RH, 2 mph SW wind, overcast with light rain

I was up at 4:51 AM ... why go back to sleep if I know my alarm is going off at 5:30 AM? There was a light sprinkle .. but I was up and it was a run day so I got dressed, got out and ran. I made up a route that eventually got to my usual 4.75 miles. I found that the tree that was hanging over the LOSP Trail yesterday was gone . There was no trace of it ... no logs, no sawdust. It was damp, a bit drippy but I got it done. My splits were: 9:03, 8:48, 8:34, 8:32 and 8:45 over the last 0.75 mile.

Wednesday, 9/30/2020

steps, 

bike: 13.31 miles, 1:07:31, 11.8 avg mph, 19.7 max mph, 69 feet elevation HR, 95 avg HR, 125 max HR, 52F, 100% RH, 1 mph SW wind gusting to 13 mph, overcast with light drizzle

It had rained overnight so I waffled about doing another run or doing my scheduled bike. I asked Alexa about "Big Sky Weather". It said that there was a light drizzle that would stop in a hour. I verified that by stepping outside so ... I changed into my bike stuff for mid 50F. Truth ... I took a tumble off my bike when I tried to zip up my Brooks jacket when I wasn't going fast enough to ride without hands on the handlebar. Luckily ... I left no skin behind, didn't tear any clothing on the pavement or pulled any muscles. Anyway .. I continued onward in the before sunrise darknesss ... and resolved to be more careful. I did get a bit wet. There was only one bicyclist out and one blue heron on Buck Pond gave me the side eye when I rode past.

It's the end of the month so it's stat time!

I walked 3 times in September for 7.55 miles, 2.85 miles/walk and 32 times so far in 2020 for .66.58 miles, 2.08 miles/walk.

I ran 12 times in September for 45.0 miles, 3.75 miles/run and 115 times so far in 2020 for 532.52 miles, 4.63 miles/run.

I biked 15 times in September for 209.27 miles, 13.95 miles/bike and 65 times so far in 2020 for 878.98 miles, 13.52 miles/bike.

I took 150.783 steps in September and 1,722,108 steps so far in 2020.

7 Races 7 Continents medal and shirt

Wednesday, 10/01/2020

5079 steps, 45/102 resting/peak HR, 6:36 hrs sleep, 178.8 lbs, 3 floors climbed

run: 5.05 miles, 44:30, 8:49 pace, 49 feet elevation gain, 130 avg HR, 149 max HR, 52F, 96% RH, 4 mph SSW wind gusting to 12 mph, clear

I was awake at 5 AM and puttered a bit before I got up. Today was day 100 of my W/R/B streak of at least 1 mile so I wanted to get it done. I think my body was a bit reluctant but my mind won out. My running gear was: shorts, long sleeve tech, light running gloves and a headlamp. My MP3 player needed charging so I listened to Spotify (and chewed up mobile data). I chose an out and back to Island Cottage for the solitude and to get over 5 miles. My spreadsheet tells me that that is the first time I have run over 5 miles in almost 5 months. I ran 13.1 miles on 5/10/2020 for the Big Foot Virtual Half and injured my left knee. Anyway ... I saw the full moon setting over the western horizon on the way out and then the sky getting quite light on my way back. My splits were: 9:06, 8:46, 8:49, 8:46 and 8:39.

Friday, 10/2/2020

2143 steps, 45/114 resting/peak HR, 6:24 hrs sleep, 177.3 lbs, 3 floors climbed

bike: 13.28 miles, 1:03:25, 12.6 avg mph, 17.0 max mph, 66 feet elevation gain, 105 avg HR, 135 max HR, 46F 81% RH, 8 mph SE wind, cloudy

I was up around 5 AM and out just after 6 AM. It was a bit chilly but I knew how to dress for a 46F bike: Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I added my Noxgear lighted vest. It may be dark but I think between my bike headlight, bike taillight and the aftorementioned Noxgear lighted vest that the few drivers who are out and about can see and hopefully avoid me. So ... out on my usual "Out to East Manitou Rd" route. The light from the full moon shimmered on each of 3 ponds (Buck, Long and Cranberry) on my left as I rode out Edgemere Drive. It was quite peaceful and pretty. I did have a bit of headwind on the way back but I am quite used to it.

Saturday, 10/3/2020

8311 steps, 47/140 resting/peak HR, 8:13 hrs sleep, 178.0 lbs, 8 floors climbed

run: 5.25 miles, 46:10, 8:48 pace, 95 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 144 avg HR, 159 avg cadence, 46F, 100% RH, 6 mph W wind, cloudy

I was up around 5:45 AM without an alarm. My cell went off of "Do Not Disturb" at 5:30 AM so ... notifications woke me up. I come out a bit after 7 AM. It was 46F again so I wore shorts, long sleeve tech and light running gloves. I wanted to get a bit above 5 miles so I didn't take the shortcut out to the LOSP Trail. There were 24 fishermen on the pier and one of them had caught a what looked to be 18 inch fish. I was sweating when I got done but not dripping. My splits were: 9:07, 8:44, 8:40, 8:40, 8:45 and 8:29 over the last 0.25 mile.

Sunday, 9/20/2020 to Saturday, 9/26/2020

This blog post is saved as I write it to avoid the Blogger "Auto Save" feature. I have found (as have others) that if you accidentally delete your entire blog post before you publish it that "Auto Save" will kick in within seconds to take you to a blank page. I have done this more than once! This feature is turned off once you publish the blog post. Then if you accidentally delete your entire post it is not final until you click Update (so you have a chance to realize that you are about to do something stupid).

I didn't walk this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 3 times this week for 14.25 miles
I biked 4 times for 60.2 miles this week.
I took 35,866 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING: My left knee has issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run (most of the time). Let's say that I run ... carefully.

Sunday, 9/20/2020

784 steps, 46/128 resting/peak HR, 9:28 hrs sleep, 176.5 lbs, 0 (!) floors climbed

bike: 15.92 miles, 1:17:50, 12.3 avg mph, 29.3 max mph, 121 feet elevation gain, 112 avg HR, 141 avg HR, 45F, 64% RH, 7 mph ENE wind, partly cloudy

I slept in until 6;30 AM. It was 40F so I puttered around a bit before I got out at 8 AM. It had "warmed" up to 45F. I wore running pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie. I traded up to my heavy running gloves instead of my usual bicycle gloves. I was OK except that my face was a bit cold. I decided to head out to the pier first. There was at least 20 fishermen out there. I saw one had a two foot fish that he had caught. Then I headed out to East Manitou Rd and back. I got up to 29.3 mph on the Beach Ave hill by Dewey Ave. But I took it nice and easy most of the time. I do enjoy riding out on Edgemere Drive.

Monday, 9/21/2020

7569 steps, 47/147 resting/peak HR, no sleep data (VA-HR on charge), 176.6 lbs, 4 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 41:55 miles, 8:49 miles, 82 feet elevation gain,136 avg HR, 151 max HR, 159 avg cadence, 40F, 89% RH, 5 mph W wind, wind chill 38F, sunny

My boss at Ricoh advised me to take some vacation so I am taking the next 3 days off (2 as Floating Holidays and 1 as Vacation). I get 5 Floating Holidays per calendar year and 4 weeks of vacation every fiscal year (end of March). I will have 0 Floating Holidays and about 17 days of vacations left when I go back to work on Thursday.

So ... I forgot to turn off my 5:30 AM alarm. I putter around a bit until I got out around 8 AM. It was colder so I wore shorts, long sleeve tech and light running gloves. I was warm enough to forget about the cold after one mile ... like usual.  I wanted to see Lake Ontario so I chose  my Out to the pier run of 4.75 miles. I took some tiny walk breaks during mile 4. My split were: 9:05, 8:34, 8:47, 9:09 and 8:48 over the last 0.75 mile. Day 90 of my walk/run/bike streak.

Our tiny flower garden on the last day of summer ... some are still hanging on

Today would have been my father's 95th birthday if he were still alive. He died on 3/10/2014 and Mom on 1/14/2004. I wonder whether they would say about their kids, the choices they have made and the state of the country? I am sure that my mother would just shake her head and that my father would utter a few choice swear words. 

My Mom and Dad never voted. My brother, sister and I tried to get them to but they never did. I wish I could vote right now ... I know who I will vote for and I can't wait to  vote BLUE up and down the ballot ... IMHO our lives depend on it. I try not to put politics in my running blog but ... in this hyper partisan lead up to the 2020 election I just can't help it. I know that anything I write won't make any difference in anyone's beliefs but it makes me feel a little better.

Tuesday, 9/22/2020

865 steps, 45/130 resting/peak HR, 8:34 hrs sleep, 176.4 lbs, 3 floors climbed

bike: 15.42 miles, 1:16:30, 12.1 avg mph, 18.1 max mph, 106 avg HR, 187 (not correct) max HR, 141 feet elevation gain, 45F, 61% RH, 2 mph W wind gusting to 12 mph, sunny

Today was vacation day 2 of 3. I slept in until 6:30 AM. The temp was around 45F when I got out on a bike day. I chose my Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, Brooks jacket, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I was slightly too warm. I was a bit tired and was thinking "I only have 1 mile to go" when I saw Roger Howe running down the LOSP Trail.

Wednesday, 9/23/2020

8091 steps, 47/145 resting/peak HR, 8:53 hrs sleep, 177.6 lbs, 10 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 42:28, 8:56 pace, 92 feet elevation gain, 135 avg HR, 158 max HR, 158 avg cadence, 55F, 74% RH, 5 mph SW wind gusting to 16 mph, sunny

Today was my last day of 3 days of vacation so I slept in until 6;30 AM. I puttered around a bit but it was a run so I got out for my usual "Out to the pier" route. It's a relaxing route along Lake Ontario. I took a couple walks in mile 4. My splits were: 9:07, 8:26, 8:59, 9:28 and 8:31 over the last 0.75 mile.

Thursday, 9/24/2020

7044 steps, 45/114 resting/peak HR, 7:03 hrs sleep, 177.1 lbs, 0(!) floors climbed 

bike: 13.36, 1:01:45, 13.1 avg mph, 18.5 max mph, 75 feet elevation gain, 108 avg HR, 122 max HR, 58F, 98% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 9 mph, cloudy with ground fog

I was awake at 4:47 AM so I puttered a but . I got out early before sunrise. It certainly is dark now at 6 AM! It was pretty quiet cycling in the dark for most of the way. It was light by the time I got home. I saw 2 walkers, 2 bicyclists, 1 runner and 2 blue herons. The 2 blue herons were just sitting by themselves on Buck Pond about 1/4 mile apart.

Friday, 9/25/2020

10831 steps, 45/141 resting/peak HR, 8:13 hr sleep, 177.9 lbs, 8 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 45:04, 9:04 pace, 79 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 160 max HR, 158 avg cadence, 61F, 86% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 7 mph, clear

I went to bed last night a bit after 9 PM. I slept better well. I was well rested when my alarm went off at 5:30 AM. It was warm so I just wore shorts and a short sleeve tech when I got out just after 6 AM. It was still dark so I added my headlamp. There were street lamps but the headlamp helped. I was surprised when I got to the pier. There were about 20 fishermen out there at 6:25 AM! One had just hauled out a 2 foot fish! I was amazed by how light it had gotten in the 10 minutes it took me to get to Greenleaf Rd. I took a couple tiny walk breaks in mile 3 (like usual) ... but I got it done. My splits were: 9:21, 8:46, 9:08, 9:14 and 8:41 over the last 0.75 mile.

Saturday, 9/26/2020

682 steps, 44/112 resting/peak HR, 7:49 hr sleep, 178.0 lbs, 1 floor climed

bike: 15.5 miles, 1:16:00, 12.2 mph (RoadID estimates), 61F, 86% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 10 mph, sunny

I was out a bit later so I didn't really need my headlamp. I could have used a short sleeve tech over my long sleeve tech though ... the wind was cold! I forgot to turn on my Garmin when I started. I did my "Out to East Manitou Rd and around" in a clockwise direction. It felt like I had a headwind the whole way but I was treated to a nice sunrise as I headed home on Edgemere Drive.

Sunday, 9/13/2020 to Saturday, 9/19/2020

I walked once for 3.15 miles this week (at least according to Garmin)
I ran 3 times this week for 10.05 miles
I biked 3 times for 40.14 miles this week.
I took 39,220 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING: My left knee has issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run (sometimes).

Sunday, 9/13/2020

7883 steps, 47/116 resting/peak HR, 7:53 hr sleep, 178.7 lbs, 10 floors climbed

walk: 3.15 miles, 48:44, 15:28 pace, 79 feet elevation gain, 94 avg HR, 129 max HR, 65F, 100% RH, 2 mph S wind gusting to 21 mph, overcast with light sprinkles 

I slept in until 5:45 AM ... lol. I puttered a bit and got out for a run around 7 AM. I saw the lady that always around the complex while she talks on her cell every morning. She said that we were both trying to beat the rain. There were dark clouds in the west. I tried to start up for a run but my left knee acted up. I cursed a bit to myself but I paid attention to what my body told me and shifted to a walk. I was out there longer so I caught a bit of the sprinkles that moved in when I was a mile away from home.

The latest from Intagram's chalk.mom

I busied myself when I got home with the obligatory mugs of coffee and Premier League soccer (football in the Europe). I did 3 loads of laundry while I watched the Bill decimate the Jets, 27-17.

Monday, 9/14/2020

5177 steps, 47/121 resting/peak HR, 6:47 hr sleep, 179.1 lbs, 5 floors climbed

bike: 13.33 miles, 1:02:11, 12.9 avg mph, 20.6 max mph, 72 feet elevation gain, 104 avg HR, 136 max HR, 61F, 80% RH, 7 mph NNW wind gusting to 22 mph, mostly cloudy

The temperature was around 60F so I wore shorts and 2 long sleeve tech shirts. The wind kicked up as I got near Edgemere Drive so I riding right into the wind. But I had a nice tailwind when I turned to go home. So ... it was all good.

Tuesday, 9/15/2020

4355 steps,45/133 resting/peak HR, 7:51 hr sleep, 179.0 lbs, 1 floor climbed

run: 2.25 miles, 20:38, 9:09 pace, 62 feet elevation gain, 124 avg HR, 140 max HR, 159 avg cadence, 47F, 99% RH, 3 mph SSW wind gusting to 7 mph, mostly cloudy

 

It was a run (hopefully) or walk morning and it was in the mid 40s. What to to wear? Well ... I overdressed. I wore Brooks pants, long sleeve tech, short sleeve tech, Brooks hat, Brooks light running gloves. It was a bit cold when I started. I started up on a run ... and had no left knee pain ... so I ran onward at a slow pace. I wanted to run a 5K but decided to keep it at 2 miles just to be safe. So ... it out to Beach Ave and back. I did speed it up a bit. My splits were: 9:38, 8:50 and 8:26 over the last 0.25 mile.

Wednesday, 9/16/2020

3409 steps, 46/121 resting/peak HR, 8:19 hr sleep, 179.5 lbs, 1 floor climbed 

bike: 13.41 miles, 58:42, 13.7 avg mph, 20.0 max mph, 85 feet elevation gain, 108 avg HR, 134 max HR, 71F, 50% RH, 2 mph SSW wind gusting to 15 mph, partly cloudy

I woke up and it was 6:30 AM! I checked my personal cell and it was still for everyday at 5:30 AM. It started to go off when I fiddled with it so it must have froze up overnight! Crap! I was all set to do an early morning bike ... oh well. So ... I got for out an evening bike on my usual route. The sun was hazy from the wildfires out west. It felt weird to exercise in the evening instead of the morning. I used to exercise all the time in the evening too.

Today was my 63rd birthday. I may be getting a bit slower (and have more aches and pains) but I am still getting out to exercise. I am currently on a 85 day exercise streak of either a walk, run or bike. I looked at the Facebook feed and On This Day told me that:

    2 years ago - I ran the Canaltown Day 5K in Palmyra NY

    3 years ago - My Ricoh boss brought me a birthday cake

    4 years ago - Christine and I went to Oktoberfest at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit

    5 years ago - Christine took me out to supper at Red Lobster

    6 years ago - Christine and I went to Randy Reitz DDS and then to Famous Dave's

    7 years ago - I went for a run in Niagara Falls ON and then Christine took me to Hooter's

    8 years ago - I took a 7 mile trail run in Mendon Ponds Park

    9 years ago - Christine and I were out in Cleveland OH for her nephew xx and Brooke's wedding

    10 years ago - Christine and I went out to see the Benches of Rochester

    11 years ago - I ran Dirt Cheap #6 in Mendon Ponds Park and got stung by a bee

What about one year ago? My blog tells me that I took a 15.05 mile ride which was my first (and only) ride of 2019 and my first as a 62 year old. 

How things change. I had run 11 years in a row (2009 - 2019) of greater than 1000 miles with a max mileage of 1662 in 2017. I was running in 2020 just fine until May when I ran the Big Foot Virtual Half ... and then left knee pain made my running painful most of the summer until September. So ... I will be lucky if I make it to 600 running miles this year. I morphed into a "do what I can when I can" form of exercise. I have biked 60 times for 808 miles in 2020. I do like riding out to East Manitou Rd with Lake Ontario on one side and ponds (Buck, Long or Cranberry) on the other.

 

Thursday, 9/17/2020

9840 steps, 49/142 resting/peak HR, 7:36 hr sleep, 178.0 lbs, 7 floors climbed

run: 3.15 miles, 27:56, 8:52 pace, 43 feet elevation gain, 132 avg HR, 151 max HR, 161 avg cadence, 62F, 78% RH, 13 mph ENE wind gusting to 16 mph, overcast

Just your usual 5K out to Dewey Ave and back. I am just happy to be able to run at any pace nowadays. Just one foot in front of the another ... and hope for no left knee pain. My splits were 9:27: 8:46, 8:23 and 8:44 over the last 0.15 mile.

Friday, 9/18/2020

1000 steps, 45/115 resting/peak HR, 8:00 hr sleep, 178.1 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.4 miles, 1:04:26, 12.5 avg mph, 19.4 max mph, 56 feet elevation gain, 107 avg HR, 124 max HR, 55F, 69% RH, 7 mph NNE wind gusting to 22 mph, cloudy

An early morning ride on the usual route on a windy morning. It was pretty dark and a wee bit slick since it had sprinkled overnight. I saw a beautiful sunrise on Edgemere Drive on the way back but I couldn't take a sunrise selfie because I couldn't find any clear place to take a picture.

Saturday, 9/19/2020

7556 steps, 46/142 resting/peak HR, 8:38 hr sleep, 177.6 lbs, 3 floors climbed

run: 4.75 miles, 42:29, 8:56 pace, 89 feet elevation gain, 133 avg HR, 147 max HR, 157 avg cadence, 52F, 45% RH, 9 mph NE wind gusting to 16 mph, sunny

I slept in until after 7 AM and then puttered around until after 10 AM. No worries ... I got for day 88 of my walk or run or bike streak. I didn't want a simple out and back so I headed out on my "Out to the pier" route. It was sunny and breezy. There were more walkers out so I weaved in between them as I made my way all the way out to the end of the pier and then along the boardwalk in Ontario Beach Park. I had my buff up on my face when I encountered someone without a mask ... a young idiot.

Sunday, ,9/6/2020 to Saturday, 9/12/2020

I walked once for 2.05 miles this week (at least according to Garmin).

I ran 2 times this week for 6.3 miles
I biked 4 times for 55.52 miles this week.
I took 25,371 steps this week according to my Garmin Vivoactive HR (VA-HR) smartwatch.
My VA-HR gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

RUNNING: My left knee has issues with running. I can walk, bike ... and run (sometimes).

Sunday, 9/6/2020

966 steps, 51/117 resting/peak HR, 8:27 hr sleep, 180.6 lbs, 1 floors climbed

bike: 13.35 miles (estimated), 1:00:00 (estimated according to RoadID), 13.35 mph (estimated), 

Here is the RoadID eCrumb and the manual Garmin below: 

I know I turned on my Garmin this morning ... but I looked at my Garmin at mile 10 on my bike on my usual route and saw the time instead of my mileage. Oops! So RoadiD eCrumb will have to suffice. It was at 1:00:18 when I got back so I estimate 13.35 miles at 1:00:00 since I turn it on first and off last when I get home. The eCrumb is just for my wife (who was still asleep) and my kids (probably still sleep) to track me while I am out. Anyway ... my usual bike on my usual bike. It was cooler this morning so I wore pants and a long/short sleeve tech. Another beautiful sunrise on my usual route between Lake Ontario and three ponds (Buck, Long and Cranberry).

Monday, 9/7/2020

5644 steps, 50/144 resting/peak HR, 9:15 hr sleep, 179.9 lbs, 7 floors climbed

run: 3.15 miles, 27:32, 8:44 pace, 26 feet elevation gain, 136 avg HR, 146 max HR, 161 avg cadence, 70F, 72% RH, 4 mph SW gusting to 24 mph, cloudy

I woke up to the sound of the wind around 6 AM ... and the the rain. (UPDATE: I learned later that the Rochester airport had a peak wind gust of 60 mph). It sounded cold and raw so I just stayed in bed. I got a bit bored while I checked my email and Facebook. I stepped outside a bit after 9 AM and found that it was warm (not cold) and windy. So ... I got out for a steady 5K. Just one foot in front of the other. My splits were: 8:55, 8:46, 8:35 and 8:13 over the last 0.15 mile. A negative split is always sweet!

Tuesday, 9/8/2020

2780 steps, 47/121 resting/peak HR, 7:00 hr sleep, 179.5 lbs, 4 floors climbed

bike: 13.36 miles, 58:32, 13.7 avg mph, 19.7 max mph, 62 feet elevation gain, 109 avg HR, 128 max HR, 66F, 80% RH, 5 mph E wind gusting to 11 mph, cloudy

I got out for an early morning bike. I was glad that my bike light was charged for the first half of the ride. There weren't too many people people out ... I think I saw 2 walkers and 2 bicyclists.

Andy Ciaio & Wilt Alston (no idea of who is who)

I found the above picture off of Andy's Facebook page. He pulled it off of the Oak Tree Half Marathon page. The Oak Tree Half Marathon went virtual but encouraged runners to run the actual course during the week around Labor Day. Andy and Wilt ran the course together and a photographer caught a picture of them. Andy thinks they were around mile 4. I have run this course twice ... my first half in 2006 and 2015. I always have hated this course ... a lot of it is a dirt road with a lot of small rocks to avoid. Ahh ...the memories of running 40 half marathons.

Wednesday, 9/9/2020

8139 steps, 44/105 resting/peak HR, no sleep data, 178.8 lbs, 4 floors climbed

walk: 2.05 miles, 29:49, 14:33 pace, 49 feet elevation gain, 85 avg HR, 99 max HR, 64F, 100% RH, 3 mph NE wind gusting to 9 mph, overcast

I didn't sleep well so I didn't have much energy plus I had to be at work onsite at 8 AM. I opted for a brisk 2 mile walk. Just an out on Greenleaf Rd down to Beach Ave and back.

Thursday, 9/10/2020

1009 steps, 49/130 resting/peak HR, 6:13 hr sleep, 178.5 lbs, 2 floors climbed

bike: 13.32 miles, 56:20, 13.7 avg mph, 20.2 max mph, 49 feet elevation gain, 115 avg HR, 138 max HR, 66F, 100% RH, calm with SE gusts to 9 mph, a bit of fog, partly cloudy

I got out a bit after 6 AM into the pre-dawn darkness. My headlight was needed as I set out. I met another bicyclist with their headlight lighting their way as I headed onto the LOSP Trail heading west. There weren't too many people out: I met 3 bicyclists, 4 walkers and 1 runner.

I took this picture of the sunrise on the way back on the LOSP Trail just before I got to Dewey Ave. I see a lot of stuff when I am out in the morning ... 

Friday, 9/11/2020

5636 steps, 45/143 resting/peak HR, 6:49 hr sleep, 177.8 lbs, 3 floors climbed

run: 3.15, 28:16, 8:58 pace, 49 feet elevation gain, 131 avg HR, 145 max HR, 56F, 90% RH, 6 mph NNE wind gusting to 19 mph, cloudy

I was up at 5:30 AM in the pre-dawn darkness. It was a run day so I waited a bit until I could see. I am not running as far now so I just ran a 5K out to Dewey Ave and back. I do what I can with what I can. I have learned ... don't push it so I didn't. My splits were: 9:27, 9:00, 8:33 and 8:03 over the last 0.15 mile.. A negative split ... best achieved when you start slow I guess.

Saturday, 9/12/2020

1197 steps, 45/111 resting/peak HR, 8:06 hr sleep, 178.4 lbs, 1 floor climbed

bike: 15.49 miles, 1:12:26, 12.8 avg mph, 18.6 max mph, 154 feet elevation gain, 104 avg HR, 121 max HR, 48F, 87% RH, 1 mph S wind gusting to 6 mph, sunny

A bit colder so I wore a bit more and went a bit farther. I wore long pants, long sleeve tech and Brooks jacket  I added my Brooks beanie at the mailbox at the Greenleaf Rd ... my ears were cold! I saw some of the Bagel Bunch runners on Janes Rd.

Christine and I lazed around all day. Christine says that she took me out to Red Lobster in 1977 for my birthday when we were going out long ago ... before we broke up, had separate marriages, raised kids, divorces. I just remember that I didn't know how to eat shelled seafood like lobster because I had never eaten it before. Well ... I provided the idea of having takeout from Red Lobster. We decided to each have their Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon combo. I entered the order, she provided the debit card info and I did the driving ... teamwork!

my dinner - sides of baked potato and Caesar salad

Christine's dinner - sides of baked potato and green beans

I tell you ... it was 43 years between Christine buying me a Red Lobster birthday dinner. It was just as good ... mmm!