So, it turns out this post was no April Fool after all.
As I remarked then, the Good Ship Walaka needed a bit of a course correction; I think I can report that we are back on track. Here's the tale of the tape, as the boxing reporters say:
- I have lost 34 pounds from my pre-holiday all-time high
- I maintained a 93% consistency in morning workouts since the start of the calendar year -- 97% if I get some grace for losing some days to the flu
- I am averaging eight miles of power walks or intervals every week, plus additional short walks
- My blood pressure has been consistently normal for a month and a half
- My thyroid medicine needs to be reduced, likely because I am in better shape
Not half bad, eh? And it hasn't even felt like a sacrifice, really; more like a renewal.
But the best part is this: I took the bike to get some new tires installed, since, being bereft of the functionally endless pavement of the Burke-Gilman Trail, I needed something a little wider and knobbier to navigate the gravel tracks that (inefficiently) lace Bellingham. Friendly Fairhaven Cycles upgraded me to a 38c with nice grippies on the side. I took a little shakedown ride out Taylor Dock, thought Boulevard Park and down the South Bay Trail, through downtown to Waypoint Park in the waterfront redevelopment area, and back. The new tires did reduce my feeling of instability on the rough roads, but mostly it just felt felt good to be back riding again.
We'll do it again tomorrow, and Friday is Bike-to-Work Day, so even though I am taking a vacation day, I'll make the commute and join the festivities. I daresay there'll be bike commuting for reals when my slightly more relaxed summer schedule kicks in.
I'm just going to keep rolling on.
A work in progress