So, what went on in January? Well the distance challenge ended. I was a little disappointed in how it finished. I didn't get a century day in, nor did I hit 2000 miles. Yes, I got a nasty cold at the end, but not going to make excuses. We travelled a LOT, and I mean A LOT, during the challenge and it impacted my results in a negative way.
So let's talk about the actual numbers:
Weight Results:
- Starting Weight:
- Ending Weight:
Exercise Info:
- Number of rides: 115
- Time on exercise: 36:39:03
- Distance on rides: 627.14
- Number of rows: 0
- Time rowing: 0
- Distance Rowing: 0
- Weight Workouts: 1
Couple things stand out. Again, while I'm still over my target weight it's beginning to trend down. That's a very positive thing. I also crushed my mileage target. Since I won't be running and my knee/hip is still a lot tender so I've avoided the rower, I have to do more cycling which isn't altogether a bad thing, but I won't lie, I miss running and seeing races I did last year come up and knowing I can't compete is tough. Cross training is so important and I'm really in a bad spot. I finally got a cortisone shot in my knee, but it's not the miracle shot Merinda got, or maybe my knee is just that bad. I'm leaning towards option #2.
It was close, but I did get my January challenge done and closed my rings etc... and I started some weight work. I've been trying to get more cycling with arms but it was good to do some straight lifting. Looking forward to continuing that and building on it once we get home.
Last thing that was of interest was I broke down and bought an Oura ring. I've wanted to get some sleep tracking and readiness data for a long time, and while the Apple watch *can* do it, it's really not ideal. First off, I hate wearing a watch to bed but more importantly, it's battery just can't support it. I almost got a whoop, but I didn't want to wear another bulky device, so the ring was a good choice. Not sure about it's cost, but even after a week, the data it's delivering is pretty solid and it only gets better the longer I have it. IThe only concern I have is that as I lose weight the ring might get loose and the only recourse is to buy another. Not really ideal but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Anyway, what's the plan for February? Besides a book or two on the cruise? Well, a lot of working out :)
- Ride 500 miles
- February Apple Fitness challenge
- Perfect Month in Apple
- Gold in my February challenge
- Continue weekly weight workouts.
- Depending on my knee/hip try to row and possibly walk
- Read at least one book
- Get my weight below 230
I think these are very feasible. I'll be cycling on the boat, and while I won't maintain a 22 mile average per day, I think ~17 per day is reasonable. Plus I'll be walking a bit so I should see a good amount of exercise on the cruise. No diving this trip, but that's going to come soon enough. I should be a third done with the monthly challenge by the time we leave, so I can finish that once we're home. Otherwise, it's shaping up to be a solid month.
In closing, I've been working to increase my overall endurance. Not sure how it happened, but I seem to have lost a bit of that, despite the distance challenge etc... So I've been ramping up the amount and duration of my workouts. I'm going to try and keep it at 60 minutes/day on the cruise and I'll get some weight training in once I'm home. I'll also share some of the Oura data in case anyone is interested in getting one.
Now, if only I could get my blood pressure down... Glad to be getting myself back on track and talk soon!
