My 2016 was marred by a persistent, minor, but very painful chronic injury* that seemed like it was designed by a cruel universe to specifically prohibit cycling. I took several month-long breaks trying to let it heal and eventually had a surgery in late September. It seems to be on the mend but still gives me discomfort that worries me it isn't done with me. My fitness has sort-of suffered for it. My diet has had to change, which has been a plus, and I've lost a little weight. But I definitely feel the lack of exercise shortening my endurance. The months I took off were all in the prime riding seasons of spring and fall. So, I bike-commuted about 40 days total... less than one in five. I may get one more in before Christmas. I'd hoped to have 1000 miles this year and if it weren't for this problem, I probably would.

Next year we will be welcoming some new family members so that will take a month and a half out of my winter. But it will also completely wipe out my accrued vacation and sick leave so I'll probably have lots of days to ride in! After that, my employer turned down our sick time accrual but I'm about add a week of vacation accrual due to being here 10 years, so total available time off is a wash.



* details omitted to spare you the embarrassment of reading them