At the beginning of this year I listed a bunch of activity and fitness plans. I won’t bother linking to the page, as nothing really went as planned. Life, menopause and fitness– all zigged and zagged in unexpected (to me) ways. I know you all want to get back to the business of wringing as much as possible out of the remaining days of summer, so let’s get down to business.
What didn’t happen: the plan that my making specific physical activity goals would somehow of its own accord lead to enough training for me to complete them.
I planned some charity rides this summer (including the PWA Friends for Life ride that Sam and Sarah are doing as I type), but I just wasn’t ready for them. I’ve been cycling often since spring, but have found I’m traversing a much slower fitness curve this year. I’m talking really slow. At this point in the summer I can comfortably ride 30–35 miles (up to 60k), and can push it a bit further, but that’s it for right now.
What did happen: many opportunities opened up for varied activities with friends and family, and I rediscovered the joy and utility of daily yoga (for the nth time– someone needs to remind me that this is always a good thing for me).
I’ve been enjoying my new cycling pattern immensely. My friend Pata and I do weekly Friday coffee rides– ride to coffee shop, sometimes picking up other friends on the way, and then out to the country for a nice ride. I bike commute for errands around town several times a week. I’ve also done lots of slower, shorter-distance riding with friends and family. My niece Grace told me yesterday that renting beach bikes on our family vacation was the most fun thing she’s done this summer. Big win!
This summer of fitness has been one of group and friendly activities that I don’t normally do, but love love love, if I can do them at a pace that feels non-life-threatening. Take hiking– I went on a few hikes in the Arizona desert in summer with my friends Don and Kay, and they were satisfying and fun (if rather sweaty). Norah and I are going to do some new England hiking (hear that, Norah? :-)) this fall. At my pace. This I can sign onto gladly.
My trip to Arizona gave me another fitness present: yin yoga. I found a cute storefront funky inexpensive yoga place that had yin yoga classes, and I happily sunk into them, stretching and relaxing and releasing. I’m planning to try out some yin yoga in Boston, but for now have found some nice youtube classes.
Finally, my level of fitness and drive has put me in the mood for home organization and projects. I’ve been moving furniture in and out, doing work on my porch, tending to plants, and starting some painting projects. All of this is making me feel good, opening up paths for more happy activity– physical, mental, creative, and domestic.
Which is my idea of a perfect summer– a happy jumble of fun.
How is your summer of activity going? Any surprises? I’d love to hear from you.
Sounds like a great summer, Catherine! I’m doing a half-marathon at the end of September and my fitness plans have been derailed by the super-hot weather we’ve had in Scotland (we pale Celts are not used to it). Still, all the time I’ve been able to spend outside and the barbecues in the back garden have made it worth while.
Sounds like a great summer. For me, I could never train for things that take me out of my comfort zone–either distance or sped wise–alone. I like riding with groups that have shared goals and when I don’t have that I’ve ended up paying a coach. I trained for the bike rally either on their training rides or with local friends also doing the rally. So if those distance events are a thing you want to do, sign up with friends and train together. That’s my strategy anyway. YMMV.