One month in, the Writing Big Year is intense to the point of near mania. I’ve finished two chapters but am falling a bit behind schedule, without much possibility of catching up later in the year. Protecting early rises by staidness and moderation in the evenings is a habit that’s onerous to master. In practice I’ve missed a handful of in-the-darkness alarms and had to scramble to make up time later in the days. So far I’ve honored the basic commitment. February will be key: can I deliver on the (adjusted) schedule? Let me also say how enjoyable this focus is.
The Fitness Big Year is a magnificent work-in-progress. I’ve kept up the daily jog/cycle/workout commitments and find the new activity mix exhilarating. Who knew riding a bike would be so much pure fun? Jogging has turned into a trial by fire but I’m only a bit behind target: 71 kms towards my 1,000-km goal. A persistent chest muscle injury hasn’t stopped me from getting to the gym 7 times, close to what I need to meet the 100 workouts/year goal. That injury, however, has led me to hold back on longer cycles and I’ve only managed 252 kms, only half what I’d hoped for in order to reach 5,000 kms over 2017. I’ll have to ride faster, or for longer, or both, or maybe I’ll have to put in some scary long rides. February also looms large for this Big Year.
Funnily enough, the Rock Music Big Year has proven straightforward. I’ve listened to 11 albums and written 11 “reviewlets,” exactly as proposed. I’d thought I’d listen on couch in evening; instead I’m one of those zombies you see walking the streets in a headphone cocoon. Such revelatory bliss! The only downside has been reduced book reading, but so be it.
February, be kind to me!