fitness · monthly check in

Sam’s monthly check-in: What’s up, what’s down, the October Version (with usual CW for very brief discussion of diet and weight loss)

Sam B

What’s up?

Google Fit upped my targets! It was 60 active minutes a day and now it’s 85. I’m making it most days between biking, swimming, and walking between meetings and walking the dog.

Swimming lessons were fun. I wish there were a larger group I could join for beginners who want to start lane swimming. I like it but I’m not good on my own.

And I’m still riding to work.

I’m tracking food and being purposeful about food choices, aiming to lose weight and minimize knee pain. I am seeing the doctor who is helping me this afternoon in fact.

What’s down?

Well, it’s November very soon. Brrrr. Also, dark. And I need a plan for that month. Something ambitious and fun that makes November feel less bleak. Suggestions welcome!

I don’t know if it’s up or down, but I’m still considering surgical options for my knee. Now it’s partial knee replacement that’s on the table.

I’m reading, “Return to sports and recreational activity after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.” Naal FD, Fischer M, Preuss A, Goldhahn J, von Knoch F, Preiss S, et al. Am J Sports Med, 2007 Oct;35(10):1688-95.

Photos below are from The Art of the Bicycle at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. October also included a visit to Jeff’s boat in Chicago and Sarah and Jeff I visited the museum. You can read Jeff’s blog post too about our little river loop trip.

Published by Sam B

Philosopher, feminist, parent, and cyclist! Co-founder of Fit Is a Feminist Issue, co-author of Fit at Mid-Life: A Feminist Fitness Journey, published by Greystone Books.

6 thoughts on “Sam’s monthly check-in: What’s up, what’s down, the October Version (with usual CW for very brief discussion of diet and weight loss)”

  1. I feel you with needing to fill November with *something* so it doesn’t feel so bleak.

    I’m going to be experimenting with lots of recipes because our extended family is getting freezer portions of their favorite foods, modified for allergens/sensitivities for Christmas. I’m also going to be diy-ing my house, and working two jobs– because Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing, and it helps to be busy.

    Do you have an idea of what you’d like to do for November?

  2. Pingback: Sam’s monthly check-in: What’s up, what’s down, the October Version (with usual CW for very brief discussion of diet and weight loss) - About Diet Life

  3. I had 2 partial knee replacements this year – rightie in February and leftie in May. I’m so glad I did, there has been minimal pain and it’s much easier to get around now.my pain was mostly going up and down stairs or hills. I could walk on the flats ok, but I was still nervous and wonky. I’m now able to do strength training moves I couldn’t before (squats, leg press) and am building strength in my quads and muscles around the knees. I’m not good at doing physio type exercises – I tried to follow your example but failed! I can also now ride my bike up hills pain free. I’m just not very fit after being debilitated before the surgeries. Anyway, I’ve been meaning to chime in with my 2 cents and recommend the surgery. Also, I’m a good healer. I don’t know why, I just get over things quickly. Hopefully you’re the same?

  4. What do you think about some sort of swimming goal? The plus is that the pool is always light and you are less dependent on the weather. Swim a certain distance, go a certain number of times, do exercises with a pullboy…

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