Today is my scheduled stress test and ultra-sound to confirm that my cardio system is in working order. I could have saved a lot of time and insurance money if someone would just say "that's normal." But I am a small cog in the medical systems need to turn a profit.
No pictures here, but let me tell you -- hair covers up a lot of sins. Rather than go through the "dry-shave" experience again (as detailed in a previous entry) I opted to trim down and "bare all" myself. Borat would be proud of the softball sized wad of hair that now resides in the bottom of the bathroom trash can. And yikes! I look like a McDonald's fed 14 year old, pre-pubescent boy! I sure hope the matting grows back fast -- and not curly.
Rode in the RankRoom Tuesday and did 16 on the road yesterday fighting some big winds. Rest day today and on to the weekend.
Spin On
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
What Was I Thinking
Well for starters, I was thinking that the end of cycling season (really never ends here) will give me some time to catch up on a variety of projects. I have been considering the Turkey Leg Century in November so I wanted to get some miles in after my disappointing efforts the last week or so. Actually, I did pretty good. I rode 18 Friday, spun Saturday (which based on time, heart-rate and calories is about equivalent to 25 miles) and rode 60+ on Sunday. My split times on Sunday were pretty good, better than my average (not including the spank my ass club ride) and I finished strong. I think the club ride actually did help me up my game a little. I suppose once a year is fine:)
Since I had so much time to think as I lumbered down familiar roads, I began developing names for various ass-pects of my cycling regime. For instance, Glute, Glute and Toot were very sore yesterday. I think the only treatment to prepare your anatomy for such rigors is to spend more saddle time. It is not natural for your pelvic bones to try and force their way free of your butt muscles, mine however did try for about 35 miles.
Many cyclists have names for their machines. I finally decided on "Bonk" for my Trek 5200. No matter how I coax and cajole, Bonk will just not go faster. Not sure what to do about that.
I did see a Gopher Tortoise (dead heat sprint, which I eventually won) and managed not to get pulled over by another golf cart. Good times. Good times.
Spin On
Since I had so much time to think as I lumbered down familiar roads, I began developing names for various ass-pects of my cycling regime. For instance, Glute, Glute and Toot were very sore yesterday. I think the only treatment to prepare your anatomy for such rigors is to spend more saddle time. It is not natural for your pelvic bones to try and force their way free of your butt muscles, mine however did try for about 35 miles.
Many cyclists have names for their machines. I finally decided on "Bonk" for my Trek 5200. No matter how I coax and cajole, Bonk will just not go faster. Not sure what to do about that.
I did see a Gopher Tortoise (dead heat sprint, which I eventually won) and managed not to get pulled over by another golf cart. Good times. Good times.
Spin On
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tick or Tock
So I met with the cardiologist yesterday and I guess I am fine. He asked me a bunch of questions and lead me to the conclusion that my new doctor was being over cautious -- as was I. The EKG they took looked like a "young, athletic heart" to him. The EKG's are apparently read by a computer at the doctor's office and my spike sent up caution flag. His experience tells him it is nothing to be concerned about. That being said, any doubts need to be eliminated so I return for an ultrasound and a stress test. While I wish this was all over, better safe than sorry. I guess getting BPMs over 200 is okay for some folks, I just wish someone would definitively tell me that.
Life, deadlines and commitments have left me feeling rather low and tired this week and off the bike or gym. Tonight I will try and hit Spin class with Ginger Snap and her one second jumps. I now refuse to do them since my "boyz" cannot take the seat slapping. Every 4 seconds is fine. It's about the anatomy, not the pulmonary.
Spin On
Life, deadlines and commitments have left me feeling rather low and tired this week and off the bike or gym. Tonight I will try and hit Spin class with Ginger Snap and her one second jumps. I now refuse to do them since my "boyz" cannot take the seat slapping. Every 4 seconds is fine. It's about the anatomy, not the pulmonary.
Spin On
Monday, September 15, 2008
Beat Me With A Club Ride
I was eager to get out on the bike Friday night, thought it would be a good idea to dust off the legs in anticipation of Al and I heading out for my first "club ride" Saturday morning. I pushed myself a bit knowing Saturday would be a challenge for me. I did about 16 miles and settled in for a Hennepin ale.
Saturday came early... Al was early to fetch me and we were late to the start. I was mentally prepared for the 60 miles he said they would be doing -- turns out it was 29 with a 7:00 a.m. start. We scrambled to gear up as the group buzzed around the parking lot like a swarm of angry bees. We took off at about 16+ miles an hour. Then we left the parking lot. Speeds accelerated quickly to 21 - 23. I was able to catch up and get in the draft for a time. Another rider said this was his fourth ride with this group and they will hit 28 MPH sprints... Well, I gave it what I could but five miles in they accelerated out after a stop light. I lost the wheel in front of me and couldn't make it back. I eventually lost sight of the group but Al hung back to fetch me. We did a brisk (for me) 21 miles total. We hung, chatted over coffee as the other 15 riders came in at various times.
I was pissed to have fallen short, but this was not my style of riding -- not sure I want it to be my style. They said, oh in about 6 months you'll be able to keep up. Well, getting dropped for 24 weeks is not something I think I would enjoy -- I already went to high school. The group was going for 80 miles Sunday morning.
Me, I went for a casual 10 miles with Nifi Sunday morning in great weather. I cleaned and tweaked bikes, did chores and rode 21 miles late Sunday afternoon. Put me 30 miles short of the Century schedule but Saturday was an a** kicker.
I am also a bit hesitant to push super hard until I visit the cardiologist Tuesday. My HR for Saturday was an average of 171... that is near my suggested max. The max I hit Saturday was 181. I might have some "wiring" issues. I hope to know more tomorrow.
Monday calls...
Spin On
Saturday came early... Al was early to fetch me and we were late to the start. I was mentally prepared for the 60 miles he said they would be doing -- turns out it was 29 with a 7:00 a.m. start. We scrambled to gear up as the group buzzed around the parking lot like a swarm of angry bees. We took off at about 16+ miles an hour. Then we left the parking lot. Speeds accelerated quickly to 21 - 23. I was able to catch up and get in the draft for a time. Another rider said this was his fourth ride with this group and they will hit 28 MPH sprints... Well, I gave it what I could but five miles in they accelerated out after a stop light. I lost the wheel in front of me and couldn't make it back. I eventually lost sight of the group but Al hung back to fetch me. We did a brisk (for me) 21 miles total. We hung, chatted over coffee as the other 15 riders came in at various times.
I was pissed to have fallen short, but this was not my style of riding -- not sure I want it to be my style. They said, oh in about 6 months you'll be able to keep up. Well, getting dropped for 24 weeks is not something I think I would enjoy -- I already went to high school. The group was going for 80 miles Sunday morning.
Me, I went for a casual 10 miles with Nifi Sunday morning in great weather. I cleaned and tweaked bikes, did chores and rode 21 miles late Sunday afternoon. Put me 30 miles short of the Century schedule but Saturday was an a** kicker.
I am also a bit hesitant to push super hard until I visit the cardiologist Tuesday. My HR for Saturday was an average of 171... that is near my suggested max. The max I hit Saturday was 181. I might have some "wiring" issues. I hope to know more tomorrow.
Monday calls...
Spin On
Friday, September 12, 2008
What Was Your First Clue
Friday... Finally. It was a cautious start to the week with Ike meandering around the Atlantic Basin. We were fortunately spared but my thoughts are with my niece and nephew-in-law in Houston. They have assured me they have a plan but hurricanes are nasty, unpredictable beasts. Be safe!
Today was the first of my follow-up visits from my initial consult with a new doc last week. He was concerned about some moles and I figure I live in the Skin Cancer Capital of the world I should get checked. I of course had a week of self examination in which I found one mole hiding in my arm pit. I think it winked at me one day as I obsessively checked on it. Alas, nothing to worry about, a clean bill of health for 2-3 years and a conversation on sub blocks. He recommend a Neutrogena spray on product -- a 30 SPF would be fine and lasts up to three non-greasy hours.
I had to chuckle when he asked me to drop my pants -- no, not in a rubber glove snapping way, just to check legs and feet. "you must be a cyclist" he said -- I was so proud of my newly shorn legs -- "you have some raised (insert medical term here) on legs." He didn't even comment on the chain bite scars I am sporting after Mountain Mama.
Tomorrow I am scheduled to do a 60 miler with Al for an early group ride. He insists it is important public relations to get familiar with the clubs if I want to open a shop. I couldn't agree more. I was scheduled to do 60 Sunday anyway. I am probably going to end up in the slowest group with recumbents and trikes. The fastest group travels at 28 MPH, me -- not so much.
Tonight a little neighborhood spin to put some Spänk in the shorn meat sticks and a good tall Belgian (ale).
Cheers to Brother Jeff (needs a moniker) who will be the recipient of a Cannondale R600 as he endeavors to start riding. It's never too late.
Spin On
Today was the first of my follow-up visits from my initial consult with a new doc last week. He was concerned about some moles and I figure I live in the Skin Cancer Capital of the world I should get checked. I of course had a week of self examination in which I found one mole hiding in my arm pit. I think it winked at me one day as I obsessively checked on it. Alas, nothing to worry about, a clean bill of health for 2-3 years and a conversation on sub blocks. He recommend a Neutrogena spray on product -- a 30 SPF would be fine and lasts up to three non-greasy hours.
I had to chuckle when he asked me to drop my pants -- no, not in a rubber glove snapping way, just to check legs and feet. "you must be a cyclist" he said -- I was so proud of my newly shorn legs -- "you have some raised (insert medical term here) on legs." He didn't even comment on the chain bite scars I am sporting after Mountain Mama.
Tomorrow I am scheduled to do a 60 miler with Al for an early group ride. He insists it is important public relations to get familiar with the clubs if I want to open a shop. I couldn't agree more. I was scheduled to do 60 Sunday anyway. I am probably going to end up in the slowest group with recumbents and trikes. The fastest group travels at 28 MPH, me -- not so much.
Tonight a little neighborhood spin to put some Spänk in the shorn meat sticks and a good tall Belgian (ale).
Cheers to Brother Jeff (needs a moniker) who will be the recipient of a Cannondale R600 as he endeavors to start riding. It's never too late.
Spin On
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Back in the Saddle
Okay, I was very skeptical of Lance making a comeback. Then I read this article:
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/armstrong200809?currentPage=1
The line that changed my mind was that it is about the yellow bracelet, not the yellow jersey.
Plus he drops the F Bomb like crazy!
Spin On (Lance)
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/armstrong200809?currentPage=1
The line that changed my mind was that it is about the yellow bracelet, not the yellow jersey.
Plus he drops the F Bomb like crazy!
Spin On (Lance)
Monday, September 8, 2008
As The Wheel Turns
Last week was more "As the Stomach Turns" but things smoothed out for the end of the week. Ended feeling good about things.
I met with a new doc on Friday, not pleased with my old GP and really disappointed that I got no follow-up on my Holter results even when I specifically asked to set up an appointment. Great Doc, bad practice management. So off to a new Doc I went. Nice guy, just as freaked about hurricanes as I am -- Ike was looming in our future Friday. All in all I am in good shape. The elevated heart rates seem to be, in part, attributed to the inhaler I was prescribed for exertional asthma. He was still concerned though so he did an in office EKG which showed a spike -- maybe normal, maybe my circuitry is not quite right. Next step is to visit a cardiologist. And a dermatologist for some odd moles -- nothing surprising.
Friday night I had a meeting to take a step towards fulfilling my dream of owning a bike shop -- it is officially in the works now, just need time (and money).
Saturday I took Emily to the vet to give her a once over. She is acting REALLY odd at feeding time, lately refusing to eat and even heading outside. Just want to make sure it is nothing serious but we are quite concerned. Blood work, nails and an ear cleaning. New food to try. More to come on this topic.
I took Shilo to do a home visit. The lady passed the "Lab Test" especially when Shilo peed on her floor! She has never had an accident in our house -- just excited I suppose. The home-owner was very cool, laughed and cleaned up.
Rode 25 miles that afternoon. Didn't feel great in the 104º temps, but the humidity was low so it only felt like 103º.
Sunday I was up, readied and headed out for 55 miles. I did okay for the front half but the second part KILLED me. I bonked with about 8 miles and one significant climb to go. I felt like I hydrated plenty, maybe it was the heat, maybe it was lack of build up but I limped home at 11 m.p.h. The highlight was getting pulled over by a cop -- on a golf cart for running stop signs. Only on Sanibel would they chase you down on a (gas powered) golf cart. I listened to the lecture, apologized and was thankful not to get a ticket -- plus I didn't have my driver's licence with me... at least I signaled my turns. What cyclist doesn't try to outrun a mechanized vehicle? I spent the remainder of my ride contemplating going to jail and wondering why they called it the "pokie."
Alas, Emily's eating behavior got worse -- she cowers over her bowl, refuses to eat, only kibble on the floor. We are getting desperate to find a solution. Blood test so far show some elevated liver functions but noting significant. We are waiting for more results and trying to pin-point an event or environmental situation that is freaking her out. Add to that Shilo is acting stiff on her back legs after bouts of exercise...
Spin On
I met with a new doc on Friday, not pleased with my old GP and really disappointed that I got no follow-up on my Holter results even when I specifically asked to set up an appointment. Great Doc, bad practice management. So off to a new Doc I went. Nice guy, just as freaked about hurricanes as I am -- Ike was looming in our future Friday. All in all I am in good shape. The elevated heart rates seem to be, in part, attributed to the inhaler I was prescribed for exertional asthma. He was still concerned though so he did an in office EKG which showed a spike -- maybe normal, maybe my circuitry is not quite right. Next step is to visit a cardiologist. And a dermatologist for some odd moles -- nothing surprising.
Friday night I had a meeting to take a step towards fulfilling my dream of owning a bike shop -- it is officially in the works now, just need time (and money).
Saturday I took Emily to the vet to give her a once over. She is acting REALLY odd at feeding time, lately refusing to eat and even heading outside. Just want to make sure it is nothing serious but we are quite concerned. Blood work, nails and an ear cleaning. New food to try. More to come on this topic.
I took Shilo to do a home visit. The lady passed the "Lab Test" especially when Shilo peed on her floor! She has never had an accident in our house -- just excited I suppose. The home-owner was very cool, laughed and cleaned up.
Rode 25 miles that afternoon. Didn't feel great in the 104º temps, but the humidity was low so it only felt like 103º.
Sunday I was up, readied and headed out for 55 miles. I did okay for the front half but the second part KILLED me. I bonked with about 8 miles and one significant climb to go. I felt like I hydrated plenty, maybe it was the heat, maybe it was lack of build up but I limped home at 11 m.p.h. The highlight was getting pulled over by a cop -- on a golf cart for running stop signs. Only on Sanibel would they chase you down on a (gas powered) golf cart. I listened to the lecture, apologized and was thankful not to get a ticket -- plus I didn't have my driver's licence with me... at least I signaled my turns. What cyclist doesn't try to outrun a mechanized vehicle? I spent the remainder of my ride contemplating going to jail and wondering why they called it the "pokie."
Alas, Emily's eating behavior got worse -- she cowers over her bowl, refuses to eat, only kibble on the floor. We are getting desperate to find a solution. Blood test so far show some elevated liver functions but noting significant. We are waiting for more results and trying to pin-point an event or environmental situation that is freaking her out. Add to that Shilo is acting stiff on her back legs after bouts of exercise...
Spin On
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