July 2020 – Couch to 29K: A Health and Fitness Journey

Should We Kill The Author?

Over the past few years, many troubling truths have surfaced in Hollywood and in the literary world about media that I either consume(d) or held near and dear to my heart. As a child, I admired Bill Cosby. Mom and I bonded over his family friendly comedy. As a teenager and college-aged woman, I religiouslyContinue reading “Should We Kill The Author?”

July Mini Biking Update

I’m working on a longer post about non-biking stuff, but I wanted to leave a quick biking update now that July is almost over. Overarching Goal: Bike 2,100 miles by December 31st 2020 Current Progress: 790 miles out of 2,100 Optional Goals: Bike from St. Croix Falls, Wi to Siren, Wi (one way) Bike fromContinue reading “July Mini Biking Update”

Bike Touring in Maple Grove, MN

The Elm Creek Park Reserve is a biking paradise unto nothing I have ever encountered before. The bike path is well-paved and clearly marked. The trail features rolling hills and twisty turns that make riding feel exciting and like a proper adventure, and the mixture of wetlands/marshland, suburbia, scenic creeks, rivers, and lakes, make bikingContinue reading “Bike Touring in Maple Grove, MN”

It’s Nice To Slow Down and Smell the Roses

After my 50 mile soul-transforming odyssey last Monday, I decided to take all of Tuesday to rest and relax. By Wednesday, I was back on my bike and I did a cool 10 mile tour around St. Croix Falls. I’ve been so focused on speed and distance because I have a distance-based goal, but IContinue reading “It’s Nice To Slow Down and Smell the Roses”

Doubt Comes In (But I Beat It)

I accomplished another biking milestone! I completed my first Imperial half-century (50miles) on the Hardwood Creek/Sunrise Prairie Rail Trail. I started in Hugo, MN and turned around in North Branch, MN which is the half-way marker and the natural end of these rail trails. I initially planned to do this feat today (Tuesday) because theContinue reading “Doubt Comes In (But I Beat It)”

Virtual Cross Country Expedition Pt. 1 (The First 700 miles)

On yesterday’s ride, I crossed the threshold for 700 miles biked in 2020. When I first set the goal of biking “cross country” in a metaphorical/virtual sense, I arbitrarily chose a number I thought was reasonable. At its core, the intent of this goal was to simulate the distance I’d bike if I were toContinue reading “Virtual Cross Country Expedition Pt. 1 (The First 700 miles)”

Depression Is A Disease Of Perspective

Earlier this week, I was watching a video game critic’s deep-dive analysis of The Last of Us Part II. For the non-gamers of the world, The Last of Us is a two-part video game series created by the publishing company Naughty Dog. It’s part shooter, part survival horror, and part grim post-apocalyptic role playing gameContinue reading “Depression Is A Disease Of Perspective”