Not much news in the way of cycling. About time to consider taking up rafting. 7-10 inches of rain in our area in two days. More on the way. Might have to be riding the trainer tonight.
Sunday was a recovery day from the 15 bags of yard trimming and extreme heat. Monday was a scheduled rest day and Tuesday was to be weights but I had nothing in me at the day's end. Home to watch rest day re-cap of the TdF and walk the girls.
Time for MM training is running out and it has been an a** kicker at work -- both workload and lots of emotions. It is bringing me down. I will have to dig deep to get back in the proper frame of mind.
Spin On
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
News of Greatness
Not much riding this weekend -- too many chores and work to catch up on. I did try out the bike for 20 Friday, first time since the fitting. Felt good over-all. No residual pain anywhere aside from a little fatigue on my lower, left side back. My feet ached a little, probably due to the new cleat positions.
Saturday was Spin. The instructor had some surgery and could not coach from the bike. I think it was worse! We did some hefty jumps and pushes from the saddle. I went sans-heart monitor so I could really only focus on the pain:) I thought a lot about what the MM climbs would be like -- a little troubling if a Spin instructor had me down!
From there it was home for seven hours of vag__a hot yard work. Hot and humid, I changed clothes five times! I hope that counts in lieu of doing 65 on Sunday -- felt like it should -- since I had to spend some "quality" weekend time in office. "Yeah. that would be great." No riding Sunday, just another dose of yard work to finish up what the rain ended Saturday.
So, what is so great you ask? Well I have a great sister (three actually). One has three great daughters of her own (and one son of same caliber). One married a great guy and now I am a Great Uncle (again).
Meet Logan Michael -- perhaps the newest Team R2R member. Note to self -- order x-small jersey next year.
In other great news, I have a healthy heart! The Holter monitor results show no abnormalities. 42 bpm resting, 67 bpm average and a max of 172 bpm during my workout. Plus one spike on the chart at 2:00 a.m. when the smoke alarm went off! You can actually see one huge spike -- humor. A new Polar F11 HR monitor is on the way.
Spin On
Saturday was Spin. The instructor had some surgery and could not coach from the bike. I think it was worse! We did some hefty jumps and pushes from the saddle. I went sans-heart monitor so I could really only focus on the pain:) I thought a lot about what the MM climbs would be like -- a little troubling if a Spin instructor had me down!
From there it was home for seven hours of vag__a hot yard work. Hot and humid, I changed clothes five times! I hope that counts in lieu of doing 65 on Sunday -- felt like it should -- since I had to spend some "quality" weekend time in office. "Yeah. that would be great." No riding Sunday, just another dose of yard work to finish up what the rain ended Saturday.
So, what is so great you ask? Well I have a great sister (three actually). One has three great daughters of her own (and one son of same caliber). One married a great guy and now I am a Great Uncle (again).
Meet Logan Michael -- perhaps the newest Team R2R member. Note to self -- order x-small jersey next year.
In other great news, I have a healthy heart! The Holter monitor results show no abnormalities. 42 bpm resting, 67 bpm average and a max of 172 bpm during my workout. Plus one spike on the chart at 2:00 a.m. when the smoke alarm went off! You can actually see one huge spike -- humor. A new Polar F11 HR monitor is on the way.
Spin On
Friday, July 11, 2008
Good Touch. Bad Touch.
Before Fitting
Stolen from BRAIN Web Site
Okay, it is probably title blocks like that which cause me to get spammed by German teenage girl porn sites, but I can't help myself. So, that is why I have changed some of the security preferences for those of you who leave replies. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Alternate Title: Normally I Don't Let Men Touch Me...
I went in for a bike fitting yesterday and it was apparently long over due. Bike Route Al took some initial measurements, checked the bike and said "Dude, it's like you are riding a Townie!" Way off. He later likened my riding geometry to a recumbent -- nice. Anyway, I should be in the proper riding position now. Seat raised over an inch, (another) new stem, seat and pedal adjustments. It does feel more comfortable and I hope to test it out tonight on the road. I need to make a little note for the stem reminding me to unlock my elbows -- probably the cause of my hands going numb.
I hope to get back to Spin Class tomorrow and then long over-due yard work. Sunday should be and attempted 65 again, but I need to get back into the office. Plus, the heat of last week kicked my butt and left me weak for the week. I think fewer is better this weekend, then I have two more to go until MM.
I am caught in Medical Records Hell now. Holter test over a week ago and my Doc keeps telling me to call the Cardio Doc and visa-versa. I just want to get some answers -- guess I will spend some quality phone time this morning.
Spin On
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Waiting It Out
First, Happy Birthday, Jacamo! Congrats on the Half Century Mark! Many more, my friend.
Venice Back Alley
Venice Grand Canal
The above pics from Venice. Although the day was a bit cool and cloudy, we got in a great gondola ride. Amazing that the city was built on a marsh, supported by over a million (now petrified pilings) and consists of 118 islands with over 430 connecting bridges.
Today was the day I was to get my Holter results. It is of course the day my docs office is closed. So I wait.
Feeling a bit weary today. I upped the weights and added some new machines last night at the gym. Could be the red wine and late night TdF coverage too. I can't bare another Saab commercial. What is worse than a repetitive, repetitive ad? I'm in the business and it is killing me!
Spin On
Venice Back Alley
Venice Grand Canal
The above pics from Venice. Although the day was a bit cool and cloudy, we got in a great gondola ride. Amazing that the city was built on a marsh, supported by over a million (now petrified pilings) and consists of 118 islands with over 430 connecting bridges.
Today was the day I was to get my Holter results. It is of course the day my docs office is closed. So I wait.
Feeling a bit weary today. I upped the weights and added some new machines last night at the gym. Could be the red wine and late night TdF coverage too. I can't bare another Saab commercial. What is worse than a repetitive, repetitive ad? I'm in the business and it is killing me!
Spin On
Monday, July 7, 2008
Troll Booth Keeper
Lots of events this weekend, from July 4th to rides. But the thing that "got my goat" was the Sanibel "Troll" Booth again. I was again flagged down trying to go over the bridge. "She" insisted I use the sidewalk they put in. I told her it was too slow and dangerous to use. "I don't care" was the reply. I insisted (as I used the sidewalk) that the slowdown and position was not safe. "I don't care, complain to the County" was the reply. I stated that I thought it was ridiculous. PING! The magic words "Bikes are taking money away". Aaah, money, the root of all evil. For years -- decades actually, you could ride the bridge at no cost as a cyclist. The new bridge opened less than a year ago. Now a month ago they make us use a slow and dangerous sidewalk to go through the Troll area. I felt like shouting "Same rules, same rights" but realized I would then be subject to the $6 toll. I will be seeking some support and information from the local clubs and shops before contacting the County.
Rides: Friday was a casual neighborhood spin on the 6K. Should have been 24 but I felt lazy and tight after weights Thursday. Saturday I did 24. Felt good despite the heat. I was pretty worried about what the vet would tell us after checking Emily, she had been having a rough week. Fortunately she said she noted no more deterioration and changed from aspirin to Rimadyl. Emily seems be feeling better which, in turn gave me a little more spänk in my legs.
Sunday I set out for 65. I only managed 61+ because it was so f**king hot! I was feeling weak after the last climb home and my HR was climbing slowly. I knew it was more important to cool down then hit the mileage. I needed shade, AC and hydration. I was able to watch the end of Wimbledon, TdF and Olympic trials. It was a TV Tri-fecta!
Spin On
Rides: Friday was a casual neighborhood spin on the 6K. Should have been 24 but I felt lazy and tight after weights Thursday. Saturday I did 24. Felt good despite the heat. I was pretty worried about what the vet would tell us after checking Emily, she had been having a rough week. Fortunately she said she noted no more deterioration and changed from aspirin to Rimadyl. Emily seems be feeling better which, in turn gave me a little more spänk in my legs.
Sunday I set out for 65. I only managed 61+ because it was so f**king hot! I was feeling weak after the last climb home and my HR was climbing slowly. I knew it was more important to cool down then hit the mileage. I needed shade, AC and hydration. I was able to watch the end of Wimbledon, TdF and Olympic trials. It was a TV Tri-fecta!
Spin On
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Dr. Holter, I Presume
Above is a picture of Florence overlooking the Arno River. Florence is a beautiful, historic city home to Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Venus. I highly recommend the trip if you can.
Yesterday I went in for my Holter monitor. I didn't really know what to expect (other than I would be getting a shave:). That was the worst part I guess, dry razor, alcohol rub down and an emery board scuffing of the afore mentioned areas. Seven paddles attached and connected to a recorder about the size of a cigarette pack. I asked if I could work out and the nurse was surprised, no one had ever asked that -- mainly because the typically see octogenarians. Anyway, it was not too bad aside from the itching!
Weather did not comply and I did an hour+ on the trainer. It felt good actually, listening to music, dry and reading bad closed-captioning on the news. I ramped it up pretty good, even did a couple sets of jumps just to ensure my Holter got a workout too. Hard not to get it wet with all the sweat -- hope I'm no buying this unit!
The rest of the night was typical, quietish, walking the girls, watching Olympic swim trials. I still get nervous when the competitions starts, a left-over from my seven years of competing I suppose.
All was well until 2:00 a.m. when the smoke alarms went off! There is something that triggers one (dust, moisture, etc) and they all synch to go off together. Why is it always in the dead of the night!? I have to do some investigating into that next. At the least, should give the cardiologist a good read.
Weights tonight, hopefully and some good rides over the 4th.
Happy Independence Day to all and enjoy the start of TdF!
Spin On
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Bike Gods Were Angry...
After my spin class HR issues I was a little anxious about attempting 60 miles on Sunday. I got up and began prepping. I was actually feeling nervous, like I was riding an event. But I felt I had to ride the distance, it needed to be accomplished and act as a turning point before Mountain Mama.
I had spent Saturday afternoon cleaning The Carbon Suppository (Trek 5200) and putting the seat bottle cages -- I knew I would be needing all the access to fluids I could get. So I was ready. I told myself not to over-do, just finish. The temps were going to be 95º plus. Add in the humidity and it had to feel over 100º. Things seemed to be moving along. I managed to slip in behind a giant motor coach at the toll booth and was able to avoid the "sidewalk" set up for bikers. Cool. On the first decent one back bottle pops out. Crap. Off the bike, hike back up the bridge, fetch and secure said bottle. Next bridge a weird rubbing sound starts. I had just gone over the entire bike. Thought it was the front brake. Stop, check it out -- nothing. Continue on. Suddenly it gets worse, way worse. I stop again and could find no problems with the bike and brakes. Then I notice the same offending bottle had slipped down out the cage and was rubbing the tire. Re-secure both bottles and head out again. Next causeway, the other bottle pops out and flies into the middle of the road. Stop, wait for traffic to clear, fetch, re-secure bottle and head out. Again.
At the four-way stop I balance and wait my turn. Unlike the guy in the rented SUV who pulls out and notices me right when I am in front of his grill. No collision. I guess it is Karma repaying me for splitting some pedestrians like an Italian scooter the other day. Of course they had right of way, but they NEVER even looked while crossing the road. Their kid never stopped texting!
As I had hopped (or more professionally "predicted" the headwinds shifted during the course of my ride. I had some good tailwind out, cross on the way back and tailwind at the finish. Sweet. Of course the Ride Gods threw down at me one more time as I was feeling week. I pass some guy, no helmet, ipod, on a balloon tire bike with a white plastic basket. I breeze by him and keep on going. I was fidgeting with my hand position and I note he is right on my tail! He drafts on me for a while. Now that's just insulting -- balloon tires and a basket riding me! That gave me a little more mojo.
I did the complete 60 with decent HR levels. I told myself if it went over 200 and stayed up I would call Nifi and bag the ride, but it was pretty good. Curious about the Holter monitor Wednesday.
Settled in for the afternoon and stayed cool inside.
Spin On
I had spent Saturday afternoon cleaning The Carbon Suppository (Trek 5200) and putting the seat bottle cages -- I knew I would be needing all the access to fluids I could get. So I was ready. I told myself not to over-do, just finish. The temps were going to be 95º plus. Add in the humidity and it had to feel over 100º. Things seemed to be moving along. I managed to slip in behind a giant motor coach at the toll booth and was able to avoid the "sidewalk" set up for bikers. Cool. On the first decent one back bottle pops out. Crap. Off the bike, hike back up the bridge, fetch and secure said bottle. Next bridge a weird rubbing sound starts. I had just gone over the entire bike. Thought it was the front brake. Stop, check it out -- nothing. Continue on. Suddenly it gets worse, way worse. I stop again and could find no problems with the bike and brakes. Then I notice the same offending bottle had slipped down out the cage and was rubbing the tire. Re-secure both bottles and head out again. Next causeway, the other bottle pops out and flies into the middle of the road. Stop, wait for traffic to clear, fetch, re-secure bottle and head out. Again.
At the four-way stop I balance and wait my turn. Unlike the guy in the rented SUV who pulls out and notices me right when I am in front of his grill. No collision. I guess it is Karma repaying me for splitting some pedestrians like an Italian scooter the other day. Of course they had right of way, but they NEVER even looked while crossing the road. Their kid never stopped texting!
As I had hopped (or more professionally "predicted" the headwinds shifted during the course of my ride. I had some good tailwind out, cross on the way back and tailwind at the finish. Sweet. Of course the Ride Gods threw down at me one more time as I was feeling week. I pass some guy, no helmet, ipod, on a balloon tire bike with a white plastic basket. I breeze by him and keep on going. I was fidgeting with my hand position and I note he is right on my tail! He drafts on me for a while. Now that's just insulting -- balloon tires and a basket riding me! That gave me a little more mojo.
I did the complete 60 with decent HR levels. I told myself if it went over 200 and stayed up I would call Nifi and bag the ride, but it was pretty good. Curious about the Holter monitor Wednesday.
Settled in for the afternoon and stayed cool inside.
Spin On
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