Way to Bring Me Down, Strava

In the last couple of days, I have been closer to feeling normal (ish). Radiation is pending, but the effects of seizure, biopsy, hospital stays, and spinal tap have begun to fade.  I felt good enough to go with Jill yesterday to the YMCA and do 30 minutes on the recumbent bike.  Burned about seven calories, but it’s a start.

Today is a lovely day, and Jill was heading to Brushy Creek Park to walk and run about five miles.  I felt even better, so I dusted off Marlin (my hybrid bike, not to be confused with Tre, my road bike), and went along.  Relevant aside- now that I know that the ribbons have been growing for 5 to 10 years, I need to view my recent history through that lens.  Might explain behavior like, say, naming my bikes.

Anyway, it was a sunny day on a protected trail.  I had on my helmet and was within a few miles of Jill at all times.  I did 9.2 miles.  I could tell I am already out of cycling shape, it was a little hot, and I was very slow.  But those were likely the best damn 9.2 miles I have ever ridden.  It felt so good to be out on a bike, getting exercise, and having a transportation event end as expected.  I feel like I have this sign that used to say: Transportation events without serious incident: 38,914.  It reset to zero last July when Red (my previous bike) met Honda Fit, and back to zero again two weeks ago.  Now it’s at 1.

I know it was a slow ride, because I opened up Strava, which told me my pace was 9.7.  I’m usually in the 13-15 mph range. I am still happy with the ride.  Apparently Strava thinks I can do better.  Under my stats, Strava informed me: “This was easier than your usual effort.”

Well, yeah, Strava.  Brain tumor much?  And shouldn’t you have known about that?  Couldn’t you tell that from my heart rate?

Thanks for harshing my buzz, Strava.

So, I went into the Strava settings, and what I hadn’t realized is that there is a setting for “Judgey”.  Somehow, my Strava was set high, at “Over-caffeinated CrossFit Instructor.”  I dialed it way down to “Your Nana.”

Restarted the app, pulled up the same data.  This time, Strava tells me: “You did such a great job.  It’s lovely  to see you,  How’s the family?”

That is so much better.  And there are even a few more lower levels if I need to go lower.  Next level down is “Your dog Blossom.”