Run + bike day: 3.1 mi run, 6.5 mi cycle

The story of the day

On 2026-08-31, Matthew Brunken completed 2 logged sessions totaling about 9.63 miles of aerobic work (3.12 run miles + 6.51 bike miles). Focus: run + bike aerobic — another day on the road to the California International Marathon (CIM) in December 2026, with the Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon still the nearer race checkpoint.

The standout block was Lincoln Cycling (Cycling, 6.51 mi, 12.8 mph). Cycling is intentional easy aerobic work in this build — not filler and not a rest day. Brunken uses the bike for much of his low-stress cardio so running legs can absorb long runs and quality without junk mileage.

Sessions

• Lincoln Cycling — Cycling, 6.51 mi, 0:30:33, 12.8 mph (Runalyze)
• Lincoln Running — Running, 3.12 mi, 0:26:29, 8:29/mi, Easy run (Runalyze)

How it fits the season

California International Marathon (CIM) in Sacramento remains the December 2026 north star. The Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon is the intermediate measuring stick. Easy bike miles, easy runs, treadmill logistics, and long runs all keep weekly aerobic rhythm intact without forcing every day to be a running test.

Coaching takeaway

Cross-training only "doesn't count" if you refuse to log it. Publishing bike days beside run days tells the truth about how this marathon build actually works — and keeps the public diary continuous for athletes and search engines.

Looking ahead

Protect running legs according to today's mix. A solid bike day can still want sleep and fueling. The CIM highway is long; Kansas City gets its say first.