three fingered wave

When I cross paths with other runners it seems natural for me to give a little wave of acknowledgement and encouragement for a person that is choosing to be out participating in the same activity. I'm more likely to wave if I'm on a trail - somehow the sidewalks and streets have become all business. 

Hikers will often do this, too. Maybe that's where I learned it. They'll even say Hi or stop to exchange information. 

Bicyclists do this. Usually just a wave or a nod of the head but only, seemingly, if you're dressed in the same manner and/or riding an equivalent or better bike. 

On longer runs I carry a water bottle in one hand. Sometimes I'll switch the bottle to my outside hand so I can wave with the closer hand to the other runner - I'm not sure why but maybe it just seems more welcoming. 

Sometimes I don't switch the bottle but just raise three fingers while holding the bottle with the other two. I do this when I get tired or someone appeared unexpectedly or I've already waved to the same person earlier in the run.

Some people refuse to wave back. Or say Hi. Or smile. Or acknowledge my presence in anyway. Maybe they're lost in thought. Or have a different perspective on what it means to be a part of the running community. 

good idea

Tie some sparkly ribbon to your seat post...

hand stand Or smooth move Or sweetness

I went out to dinner with "the ladies" tonight. The Lady and The Daughter and The Gran. We met there having come from different parts of our days. They took a car. I took a bike. After dinner, on the way home, they passed me (could have given me a little more space!) but I caught up to them at the light at the bottom of the hill and I rested my left hand on her right rear view mirror as casually as if that were just what cyclists always did as they got to a stop light - and wouldn't that be so nice! No need to un/de/clip or foot down. They noticed. The light turned green. We rode off into the sunset… 

bicycle wheel on car - youtube

epidemic!

[after heavy editing] Please use the turn signal mechanism provided with your vehicle every time you change direction… 

bringing sexy back!

running the plank

Before your next run (or ride, or day) try a quick planking exercise. Even just 20 seconds or so helps to engage the core which should help you find proper running form sooner and make for a more enjoyable experience. 

front row parking...

…as usual

nice bike and/or...

As I was riding home from my regular Sunday morning group ride today I heard someone call out from a passing car, "Nice bike!" I was turning left from the middle of a moderately busy intersection and trying to navigate through traffic so I couldn't quite interact or reply. I thought about the comment for a bit. I mean, yes, it's a nice bike - midnight purple, Faliero Masi, Ultegra, etc… But, really, what I think/hope she wanted to say was, "Nice Ass!" 

humorous bike locking

One of my friends got her bike almost stolen recently. Miraculously someone saw it in progress and the thief was stopped. Unmiraculous was that I'd told her that her bike was locked up only to her front wheel and she should lock it up better and not leave it out for days at a time locked improperly. 

I do my share of improper locking myself, although, not in high traffic areas. Almost every Sunday morning I lock my bike to itself (front wheel to frame) next to my garage after pumping up the tires and otherwise prepping it for The Brunch Ride. Then I go back inside and get kitted up and such - usually only leaving the bike alone for several minutes. 

Today, though, with the recent bike theft attempt in my mind, I locked the front wheel to the frame AND an old metal tub that's great for icing down beverages on the back patio on warm summer evenings. It seemed a humorous scene, imagining someone trying to walk off with that collection of cabled together oddities. 

a touch of PF

For the last few days I've had a sensation in my right heel. It's like there's a sewing needle imbedded in the far back and to the right. Is this Plantar Fasciitis? I looked it up and apparently it's very common with runners. Luckily for me it doesn't bother me when I'm running. But I fear that it could someday progress into a terribly depressing hobblement. So I suppose I'll take the course of action  I've always taken with my many injuries and ailments: a) ignore the pain. b) increase my activity level. c) plead  ignorance. d) drink more alcohol. e) run like the wind. f) get some kind of new accessory - I'm thinking maybe a seventies style headband… g) blog it!