The Transition Zone 5

The Right Name for the Game

Slow down, Gordie. There's a well-known curve ahead

(Similar photo appears w blog title, top of page)

The month of July saw the end of one set of 90 walks/runs ("Speed Up, Man") and the beginning of another (100 walk/runs: "The Transition Zone"). It seems I know how to pick names for the sets. I did in fact feel like my attempts at shuffling or jogging were speeding up in June and July, and I sense good things will continue to happen in July and beyond. Though I still hesitate to call myself a runner, I believe that by September I will have earned the title, especially when going downhill.

"Whoa. Watch out! Speedster coming through" 

"Transition Zone" seems an appropriate term to describe where I am right now - related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback - for a couple of reasons:

     My sore left foot is healing and to remove small amounts of

     stress I will continue to cycle once or twice per week.

     Though it appears the number of walks will improve this month

     ('Get Out The Door' (GOTD) rate of 80 - 90%, compared to 73%

     in June), the total number of miles covered will be below the monthly

     average again, i.e., under 120. 

I don't mind transitioning downward from 120 miles per month to 100 - 110 during summer months because there is much to do each week (other enjoyable, 'active' activities), and higher numbers might result in more stress injuries. Finding the right training program to mount a comeback is an ongoing business, and I have lots of time to sort things out as I go along. 

"I'll study the numbers each month and sort things out"

More photos from along the way:

 Greenway Park is still my favourite destination for walking/jogging

My Old South loop provides lots of shade during hot evenings

Progress is being made. All is relatively well. 

Please link to The Transition Zone 4

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 4

Another Good Week in the Books

Part of my Old South two-mile loop, Baseline Rd., looking west

Thankfully, recent hot temperatures in London cool down a few degrees after supper and walking or riding is made easier, more enjoyable.

Yesterday evening, the last day of the week according to my calendar, I collected my 6th walk or shuffle or bike ride in 7 days, for a total of 27 miles. Not a bad result during such muggy weather, when it is entirely possible to be absolutely stuck to the vinyl seats in one's kitchen for hours on end.

Biking in Springbank Pk. takes pressure off my left sore foot 

Walking south on Cathcart St., my home stretch

Yesterday's walk, number 10 of 100 in my current set of outings (aka The Transition Zone), may only mark 10% of my goal for the next three months, but my left foot is repairing itself nicely - no hurries, no worries - so I expect positive results to continue.

Please link to The Transition Zone 3

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 3

Lower Miles Per Week

Yesterday was a lovely day for cycling for two hours steady

I can honestly say that I'm learning as I go. For several months I felt pleased when I walked 30-plus miles per week, not realizing that I was perhaps go 'too far too fast' and skating on thin ice as far as walking injuries were concerned. Because of high mileage (and perhaps the wrong type of footwear) I likely prompted soreness to develop in my left foot.

I now feel pretty comfortable completing fewer miles per week, per month. Two weeks ago I covered 21.5 miles (walking and cycling*), and last week I covered 26.5 miles. My foot feels somewhat better but I know I need to tread carefully and take the time needed to recover fully before I increase my efforts related to shuffling and jogging.

Photos from along the way:

 I am heading toward 'Animal Hill' in Springbank Park

I will return to steadier shuffling/jogging when ready

*I count 20 minutes of walking or cycling as 1 mile.

Please link to The Transition Zone 2

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 2

Three in a Row

On Tuesday I started a set of 100 walks/jogs/bicycle rides that I will call 'The Transition Zone'. I will be hoping to recover fully from a mild but lingering foot injury, and hoping to walk a little less while jogging a little more.

During the last set of 90 walks/shuffles (aka 'Speed Up, Man'), I perceived positive changes. While walking and shuffling - within my limits - I felt stronger and jogged faster and farther during intervals. I hope to continue to see the same improvements during the next four months.

There is no doubt I am making good, gradual progress related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback, moving from couch-potato-like to fitter and healthier. And I am quite content to take my time... because I have the time.

Photos from along the way:

Springbank Park is busy even on a weekday

Please link to The Transition Zone 1

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 1

Successes Continue to Mount

July 10 - 12 included a good conclusion and a fresh start

Sunday, July 10 was a busy day. I cycled for over two hours on city pathways (east to Highbury Avenue; west to Springbank Park), and later walked a mile before settling down at a local pub to watch the Euro 2016 final. 

Monday was a significant day. I walked/jogged 4 miles in my neighbourhood, chatted with a former student (from 1980 approx.) along the way, and once I crossed the finish line I recorded the 90th and final entry in the "Speed Up, Man" set of walks.

And on Tuesday I started the next set of walks.... in easy fashion. I walked downtown for a couple of cold pints - whistling a happy tune - and counted the effort as #1 in the all new and exciting set of 100 walks entitled "The Transition Zone." I call it that because as I continue to make gradual but noticeable progress related to 'The GREAT Canadian Comeback', there is much work to be done.

My shuffling and jogging are in the early stages and experts would say I need to make vast improvements in the strength, stamina, speed, and smooth departments. Hey, no arguments from me.

Photos from along the way:

 Lovely soccer field at Chelsea Green Park, Adelaide St.

 A runner heads east toward Highbury Avenue 

 The city pathway takes us under Adelaide Street

 I cycle west and over the King St. Bridge

 Busy Maurice Chapman pathway near Springbank Park

I call this photo "The Big Goof"

Please link to Steady As She Goes 12

Photos GH

Steady As She Goes 12

Pleasant Summertime Mode

Hey, it's summertime, life gets busy and the bike and beach beckons

I feel like I am getting back on track after a disjointed, busy month of June. Add in the fact that I own a motorcycle, spend a fair amount of time in a wee wood-working shop from March - November, and am easily distracted, it's a wonder I walk/shuffle/cycle as many miles per month as I do. Thank goodness I have the 'Steady Eddie' gene or else The GREAT Canadian Comeback would fall to the side of the road.

Good cycling*, good temperatures - last night in Springbank Park

July is another month and I feel I am off to a decent start. My left foot needs a bit of rest and repair, so I will cycle and walk/shuffle on alternate days for awhile, and shift to more cycling if the foot continues to cause trouble.

June - By the Numbers:

22 walks/shuffles and rides (1) in 30 days

73.3% GOTD (Get Out The Door rate), my lowest since October, 2015

Average GOTD dropped a notch, as in May, to 89.4%

I covered 118 total miles, 4th lowest in 8 months

Average miles per month lowered to 120.0 (still pretty darn good, however, in my opinion)

I notice too that I have completed 86 of 90 walks in the "Speed Up Man" set, so within the next few days I will set a few goals for the next few months, as per usual.

'Keep on Going, Gord' springs to mind.

Stay tuned.

*Since I can walk a mile in 18 - 20 minutes, I record 20 minutes of cycling as 1 mile on my charts. Last night I cycled for 1HR30MIN = 4.5 mi. in my records.

Please link to Steady As She Goes 11

Photos GH