Personal Record

Over the Labor Day weekend I achieved something I've been working at for years. I keep track of my bicycling, hiking, and running on the Strava app. This includes times over particular segments. My favorite local hill, actually kind of a nemesis, is Kiltie Climb. It's short but evil, with over 10% grade at one point. I set a personal record back in 2018, when I was 45. I'm now 52 and I finally managed to break it.

The evidence. Since I'm riding a mountain bike, I'll never compete for the overall, not even in my age group. But I absolutely destroyed my previous best. The only problem is that it will now be that much more difficult to beat again.

It feels great, even though it was punishing at the time. I like hill climbing but I'm not built for it. I'm more of a sprinter, both running and on a bicycle.

I think I'm just healthier. My recent lab results have been good and I've been walking regularly and maintaining my strength training schedule.

Discipline pays off. It's nice to know I can still improve at this age.