Well, it's been a while for an update and I apologize for that. That unknown health issue has complicated life again. I nearly passed out at work on friday night, was wheeled past my coworkers in a wheelchair and driven home by my mom and sister since I wasn't well enough to drive my own vehicle.
I haven't trained since. I've been working and resting trying to recover from this latest issue, which isn't far off from where I was in August and September.
As many of you know, I am stubborn as hell and refuse to give up or give in. I have a follow-up appointment in January. I am seeing a new doctor and starting over while not completely starting over. Same practice, new doctor. I do have a preliminary diagnosis, but I am not comfortable with divulging at this time. While I do have a preliminary diagnosis, it is not official or final, which is why I am not comfortable with divulging any more at this time.
I do plan to return to training as soon as I feel up to it, but I am trying to balance the training, work and my physical health. Please continue to follow and once I know more and I am comfortable with letting that info be more public, I will let you all know. Prayers are welcome and much appreciated.
Always remember, you never know until you tri.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
October totals and Now November
First the October totals. I rode a lot of miles in October and funny thing is I will likely eclipse my October bike total next week.
October's totals:
Bike: 8h 27m 46s - 107.64 Mi
Run: 50m 18s - 2.58 Mi
Strength: 30m
2010 totals
Bike: 22h 19m 51s - 286.15 Mi
Run: 1h 30m 18s - 5.08 Mi
Swim: 1h 13m 41s - 600 Yd
Strength: 30m
My November totals for running have already eclipsed my yearly totals for walk/jog training. I can tell that I am finally on the mend.
So lets update today's training first. At 10:30 this morning, I rode out from the church with my friend Sandra for a nice, brisk 23 mile ride. It was just over 50 degrees as we rolled out. Average pace shows as 12.3, but my gps rolls the clock if I don't pause for stretch stops, which brings the average down. After packing up the bikes, I met Sandra back at her house and we rode to the pool in her van and spent the next hour in the pool. Sandra is learning the crawl and how to breathe without inhaling the pool on the right side. After 53 minutes in the water, we were both worn out and headed home. I swam on Wednesday and the improvement between Wednesday and today was amazing.
November's totals:
Bike: 2h 41m - 35.37 Mi
Run: 40m - 2.5 Mi
Swim: 1h 13m 41s - 600 Yd
Not bad for 2 months out from surgery. I have a ride planned for tomorrow and will be at about 60 miles for the month.
October's totals:
Bike: 8h 27m 46s - 107.64 Mi
Run: 50m 18s - 2.58 Mi
Strength: 30m
2010 totals
Bike: 22h 19m 51s - 286.15 Mi
Run: 1h 30m 18s - 5.08 Mi
Swim: 1h 13m 41s - 600 Yd
Strength: 30m
My November totals for running have already eclipsed my yearly totals for walk/jog training. I can tell that I am finally on the mend.
So lets update today's training first. At 10:30 this morning, I rode out from the church with my friend Sandra for a nice, brisk 23 mile ride. It was just over 50 degrees as we rolled out. Average pace shows as 12.3, but my gps rolls the clock if I don't pause for stretch stops, which brings the average down. After packing up the bikes, I met Sandra back at her house and we rode to the pool in her van and spent the next hour in the pool. Sandra is learning the crawl and how to breathe without inhaling the pool on the right side. After 53 minutes in the water, we were both worn out and headed home. I swam on Wednesday and the improvement between Wednesday and today was amazing.
November's totals:
Bike: 2h 41m - 35.37 Mi
Run: 40m - 2.5 Mi
Swim: 1h 13m 41s - 600 Yd
Not bad for 2 months out from surgery. I have a ride planned for tomorrow and will be at about 60 miles for the month.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
YAY!!
Wow, was that a pleasant surprise this morning. I went out to my ride this morning planning to ride around 16-18 miles and relax this morning. I showed up at the ride and my partner told me that she was going 27 miles and my only other option this morning was a longer ride than 27 miles. I chose the 27 and forewarned my group that I would drop back on the hills and meet them at the top and recover. I don't normally ride this late in the year. Today's ride equalled my latest ride of the season, which was in 2005.
I haven't ridden further than 18 miles since the surgery on my right knee in Mid-September. I knew just from looking at the cue sheet that it would be a very difficult 27 mile ride for me. Hills are not really my friend right now, especially since I tore the scar tissue. I have one hill that has beat me every time in the last two weeks. I am starting to get mad about that. We only had a small group of 4 riders on the 27 mile route this morning, 3 women and one man. I had made it 16 miles in, including being chased by a particularly persistent dog. This hound chased me for close to a 1/4 mile. I was in the wrong gear, had forgot my dog spray at the house and finally just yelled at the dog to go home in my best alpha human voice and he actually listened. Only problem was that I was standing on my pedals in the wrong gear, going uphill and could not escape this dog. When I could finally drop gears and spin, I was really hurting!!! My quad was screaming. I stopped further up the road and stretched and was good to go again. Now, about that hill. This hill is a bugger for me normally even when I have a good base. The grade kicks up halfway up the hill and starts beating me up. Considering the previous 16 miles and the dog chasing me, I was toast halfway up. I had to stop. I stopped for a minute or two, caught my breath, stretched the quad AGAIN and hopped back on. My buddy Joe asked if I wanted him to help me up the hill and push. The last time I was pushed up a hill was 2005 and I told him the following, "I haven't been pushed up a hill in 5 years and don't intend to start now!! Thank you, but at this point, it's a matter of pride and I refuse to walk up a hill or be pushed up a hill that I know I can make it up.". I know that by November 20, I will make it up that hill without being pushed or having to stop partway up and recover. The huge plus of the month of October is that with a 9 mile ride tomorrow, I will have my first 100 mile month all year. I have only ridden about 270 miles this year and 91.78 of those miles have been since October 1!! It is nice to ride and not feel my patella rub on my femur. The last two cycling seasons have been very painful and I am ecstatic to go into next season for Triathlon and cycling pain free!! I may finally be able to ride my Century and ride it pain free.
Last but not least, I should be hitting the pool in the next week or two and planning to pick up my wetsuit hopefully in February and start the open water training in late March or early April. Still walking instead of running, but that is right on track, so no worries. I'll post my October distances tomorrow night and update the November plan tomorrow night!!
I haven't ridden further than 18 miles since the surgery on my right knee in Mid-September. I knew just from looking at the cue sheet that it would be a very difficult 27 mile ride for me. Hills are not really my friend right now, especially since I tore the scar tissue. I have one hill that has beat me every time in the last two weeks. I am starting to get mad about that. We only had a small group of 4 riders on the 27 mile route this morning, 3 women and one man. I had made it 16 miles in, including being chased by a particularly persistent dog. This hound chased me for close to a 1/4 mile. I was in the wrong gear, had forgot my dog spray at the house and finally just yelled at the dog to go home in my best alpha human voice and he actually listened. Only problem was that I was standing on my pedals in the wrong gear, going uphill and could not escape this dog. When I could finally drop gears and spin, I was really hurting!!! My quad was screaming. I stopped further up the road and stretched and was good to go again. Now, about that hill. This hill is a bugger for me normally even when I have a good base. The grade kicks up halfway up the hill and starts beating me up. Considering the previous 16 miles and the dog chasing me, I was toast halfway up. I had to stop. I stopped for a minute or two, caught my breath, stretched the quad AGAIN and hopped back on. My buddy Joe asked if I wanted him to help me up the hill and push. The last time I was pushed up a hill was 2005 and I told him the following, "I haven't been pushed up a hill in 5 years and don't intend to start now!! Thank you, but at this point, it's a matter of pride and I refuse to walk up a hill or be pushed up a hill that I know I can make it up.". I know that by November 20, I will make it up that hill without being pushed or having to stop partway up and recover. The huge plus of the month of October is that with a 9 mile ride tomorrow, I will have my first 100 mile month all year. I have only ridden about 270 miles this year and 91.78 of those miles have been since October 1!! It is nice to ride and not feel my patella rub on my femur. The last two cycling seasons have been very painful and I am ecstatic to go into next season for Triathlon and cycling pain free!! I may finally be able to ride my Century and ride it pain free.
Last but not least, I should be hitting the pool in the next week or two and planning to pick up my wetsuit hopefully in February and start the open water training in late March or early April. Still walking instead of running, but that is right on track, so no worries. I'll post my October distances tomorrow night and update the November plan tomorrow night!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Good or Bad
Yay!!! Back on the bike this morning after a week of resting and healing. I didn't realize how painful torn scar tissue can be. I rode today with a very good friend. We always try to push each other as well as encourage. I so enjoy riding with her that I hate being off the bike. Today's ride was a series of good and bad moments!!
The route today has one one of my least favorite climbs. It has a great downhill run into it, but the only problm was that as I geared down going up the hill, my gears wouldn't drop. So I had to stop on the uphill to fix the gears. I climbed back on the bike and started climbing and had more gear issues, nearly falling. Off the bike again and fixing gears, back on the bike and I can't get clipped and still in the wrong gear. Off the bike, drop all gears and back on again, finally moving forward, but couldn't clip my left foot because I was going so slow that if I sopped pedaling to clip that I would fall over. I was praying that my left shoe wouldn't slip off the pedal because I would be in just as much trouble. Finally crested the hill and recovered while spinning. After that we only dealt with one idiotic dump truck driver who passed us quite irresponsibly and nearly had a head-on with the SUV coming toasted us. Thankfully the SUV driver slowed down or it could have been ugly. We had a great tailwind for a good portion of the ride. The headwind was pretty gnarly at points, but we still made it and had fun.
The knee and quad are still pretty sore and more so following the ride and having a little fun with Sandra. We were kind of racing to the last hill and finish and I came out of the saddle and the area where the scar tissue tore told me that it was not a good idea to continue that course of action. I let Sandra go and took it easy at the end.
It was great to be on the road again, despite the discomfort and soreness. Tomorrow will be better.
The route today has one one of my least favorite climbs. It has a great downhill run into it, but the only problm was that as I geared down going up the hill, my gears wouldn't drop. So I had to stop on the uphill to fix the gears. I climbed back on the bike and started climbing and had more gear issues, nearly falling. Off the bike again and fixing gears, back on the bike and I can't get clipped and still in the wrong gear. Off the bike, drop all gears and back on again, finally moving forward, but couldn't clip my left foot because I was going so slow that if I sopped pedaling to clip that I would fall over. I was praying that my left shoe wouldn't slip off the pedal because I would be in just as much trouble. Finally crested the hill and recovered while spinning. After that we only dealt with one idiotic dump truck driver who passed us quite irresponsibly and nearly had a head-on with the SUV coming toasted us. Thankfully the SUV driver slowed down or it could have been ugly. We had a great tailwind for a good portion of the ride. The headwind was pretty gnarly at points, but we still made it and had fun.
The knee and quad are still pretty sore and more so following the ride and having a little fun with Sandra. We were kind of racing to the last hill and finish and I came out of the saddle and the area where the scar tissue tore told me that it was not a good idea to continue that course of action. I let Sandra go and took it easy at the end.
It was great to be on the road again, despite the discomfort and soreness. Tomorrow will be better.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Random thoughts and questions answered
Since I am still resting following the torn scar tissue, I figured I would answer some questions!!!
As a mom, I understand that trying to fit training in with my mom, wife and work obligations can sometimes be like herding cats. I have to first of all thank my wonderful husband!!! Without him, I would be unable to fit as much training into my week as I typically do. He is definitely a partner and my ultimate fan and cheerleader. We've been married for over 16 years and together for 18 years. He has always supported me in whatever I've done. There is no finer man or husband alive.
My ultimate fan (b) is my reason, motivation and inspiration for what I do. My daughter is the best nurse, cheerleader, critic and snuggler. I love to hear her little Minnie Mouse like voice while cycling or racing saying, "Go Mommy Go!!!"
She even does it while I am riding my trainer during the winter. She makes me want to do better for her. When I became a mother, It was very quickly apparent that I needed to be a good, healthy and strong role model for my girl. I want togive her a good example to follow as she grows and matures.
So, moving from there. I've realized that in order for me to be a good mom to my girl, I had to be good to myself as well. So many women lose themselves in the role of mom and forget that they are a person as well. If you don't take care of yourself, you are of a reduced value to your family. As a parent, a mother and a woman, I realize that this is MY RESPONSIBILITY!!! Not anyone elses.
So how do I fit training into my life along with mom stuff, wife stuff, church stuff and MS stuff. First of all, I do not set distance goals, I set time goals. I find it is a lot easier to fit in a 20 minute walk or 60 minute bike ride. I have found that it is easier to fit 20 minutes vs. trying to fit 1-2 miles in. It's the same for the bike. I plan out my bike time and see how far I go. It helps that I have the support that I do from my family. My parents help, my hubby helps and it makes it easier to me to plan and train without worrying about where my daughter is, who she is with. Thanks to everyone who helps in whatever way they can.
Last but definitely not least, my teammates. They push me when I need it and pull me when I just can't go any further. The fellowship of having such a great team and great friends is awesome.
Okay!! Hit me with your best shot. What questions are you just wanting to ask? Post them in the comments section or end a FB message. Enjoy your weekend and remember, You never know until you tri(y)
As a mom, I understand that trying to fit training in with my mom, wife and work obligations can sometimes be like herding cats. I have to first of all thank my wonderful husband!!! Without him, I would be unable to fit as much training into my week as I typically do. He is definitely a partner and my ultimate fan and cheerleader. We've been married for over 16 years and together for 18 years. He has always supported me in whatever I've done. There is no finer man or husband alive.
My ultimate fan (b) is my reason, motivation and inspiration for what I do. My daughter is the best nurse, cheerleader, critic and snuggler. I love to hear her little Minnie Mouse like voice while cycling or racing saying, "Go Mommy Go!!!"
She even does it while I am riding my trainer during the winter. She makes me want to do better for her. When I became a mother, It was very quickly apparent that I needed to be a good, healthy and strong role model for my girl. I want togive her a good example to follow as she grows and matures.
So, moving from there. I've realized that in order for me to be a good mom to my girl, I had to be good to myself as well. So many women lose themselves in the role of mom and forget that they are a person as well. If you don't take care of yourself, you are of a reduced value to your family. As a parent, a mother and a woman, I realize that this is MY RESPONSIBILITY!!! Not anyone elses.
So how do I fit training into my life along with mom stuff, wife stuff, church stuff and MS stuff. First of all, I do not set distance goals, I set time goals. I find it is a lot easier to fit in a 20 minute walk or 60 minute bike ride. I have found that it is easier to fit 20 minutes vs. trying to fit 1-2 miles in. It's the same for the bike. I plan out my bike time and see how far I go. It helps that I have the support that I do from my family. My parents help, my hubby helps and it makes it easier to me to plan and train without worrying about where my daughter is, who she is with. Thanks to everyone who helps in whatever way they can.
Last but definitely not least, my teammates. They push me when I need it and pull me when I just can't go any further. The fellowship of having such a great team and great friends is awesome.
Okay!! Hit me with your best shot. What questions are you just wanting to ask? Post them in the comments section or end a FB message. Enjoy your weekend and remember, You never know until you tri(y)
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Well CRAP!!!
So today was supposed to be my last therapy session following my knee surgery. Everything was going great until the third set of my last exercise. I had done the most intense therapy session I have ever done and was excited that things were going so well. I made it through 2.5 laps of step lunges, but on the first lunge of the return lap, I had my right leg back as the trail leg, dropped into the lunge and felt something pop.... quite painfully so!!! I stopped there, went to my table for ice and to talk to my physical therapist. He believes that I tore some scar tissue, we won't know until we see how the knee and quad reacts. I am praying that it was only scar tissue because I would be really bummed to have to back off the training I have been doing.
Unfortunately, I am in quite a bit of pain. My therapist has eased my mind a little bit. He said scar tissue like every other tissue has a blood supply and nerves. He would be surprised if it was anything other than scar tissue. As I type this, I am sitting on the couch with the inverted margarita machine running and elevated on the leg ramp. What sucks is that we had family plans for this weekend and those are now in doubt. We had planned a trip to the zoo for Saturday, but that's a lot of walking, so if my knee swells or the pain doesn't abate, we aren't going!!
I was able to get two 15 minutes quick walks in today. Training plan only called for one. I also was able to get an upper body workout in prior to PT and one heck of a lower body workout at PT. I'll be sore tomorrow, but worse than that, my right quad/knee is questionable. Say a few prayers everyone.
Unfortunately, I am in quite a bit of pain. My therapist has eased my mind a little bit. He said scar tissue like every other tissue has a blood supply and nerves. He would be surprised if it was anything other than scar tissue. As I type this, I am sitting on the couch with the inverted margarita machine running and elevated on the leg ramp. What sucks is that we had family plans for this weekend and those are now in doubt. We had planned a trip to the zoo for Saturday, but that's a lot of walking, so if my knee swells or the pain doesn't abate, we aren't going!!
I was able to get two 15 minutes quick walks in today. Training plan only called for one. I also was able to get an upper body workout in prior to PT and one heck of a lower body workout at PT. I'll be sore tomorrow, but worse than that, my right quad/knee is questionable. Say a few prayers everyone.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Additional rest day and iMapMyRide+
Considering everything that I did this weekend with my husband, then working the fair booth most of the day today, I decided to rearrange this weeks training schedule. Today was an additional rest day and I will do today's walk tomorrow. Considering what I have gone through health-wise in the last couple of months, I need to be aware of and listen to what my body is telling me. I am enjoying seeing the physical changes, but I need to be careful not to screw myself up again.
Some people have asked me how I map and track my rides. I currently use iMapMyRide+ on my iPhone. I have a couple of complaints about it.
1. Battery Life - This app drains my battery life on the phone QUICKLY!!! Any more than a 1 hour ride and my battery is dragging the bottom of the barrel. This is a concern. God forbid that I ever actually need to make an emergency call, it sure wouldn't last all that long.
2. Tracking - As a woman, I am not too keen on people being able to track my ride in progress and have set my settings to post on completion of the ride. At the same time, I need my husband to be able to track me in case of emergency. I always tell him where I am riding, which route and when I anticipate being back from my ride. So do I err on the side of caution and keep my ride private until I finish or make it public so he can track me live. This is why I am praying that I get the Trakkers sponsorship. He would be able to track me and I'd feel more secure despite riding solo a lot.
3. Notifications, phone calls and texts. While you can turn off the Notifications from various apps, you can't hibernate the phone calls or text notifications. What does this mean?? If I am out for a ride and someone calls or texts, the MapMyRide will stop tracking my ride. If I don't hear the phone or text alert, I will completely miss out on tracking part of the ride. I like to use it for speed, distance and compare to a previous time on that same route.
I'm not saying that I don't like the app, I really do, I just hate to lose ride data. It is frustrating. I like to see how fast I took a climb, or how slow I took it. My slowest speed ever on a climb, while actually riding and in the saddle is 1.08 miles per hour. Hehehe, surprised I didn't fall over on the hill.
Well, tomorrow is once again a busy day. I like busy days, they keep me moving and no thinking.
**** small fair update***
trying to eat smart at the state fair is HARD!!! Too much blessed fried food!! Two days of working at the fair and I would say that I am doing great managing my intake and what I eat and drink. I have seen lots of people I haven't seen in a while. Great times!!
Some people have asked me how I map and track my rides. I currently use iMapMyRide+ on my iPhone. I have a couple of complaints about it.
1. Battery Life - This app drains my battery life on the phone QUICKLY!!! Any more than a 1 hour ride and my battery is dragging the bottom of the barrel. This is a concern. God forbid that I ever actually need to make an emergency call, it sure wouldn't last all that long.
2. Tracking - As a woman, I am not too keen on people being able to track my ride in progress and have set my settings to post on completion of the ride. At the same time, I need my husband to be able to track me in case of emergency. I always tell him where I am riding, which route and when I anticipate being back from my ride. So do I err on the side of caution and keep my ride private until I finish or make it public so he can track me live. This is why I am praying that I get the Trakkers sponsorship. He would be able to track me and I'd feel more secure despite riding solo a lot.
3. Notifications, phone calls and texts. While you can turn off the Notifications from various apps, you can't hibernate the phone calls or text notifications. What does this mean?? If I am out for a ride and someone calls or texts, the MapMyRide will stop tracking my ride. If I don't hear the phone or text alert, I will completely miss out on tracking part of the ride. I like to use it for speed, distance and compare to a previous time on that same route.
I'm not saying that I don't like the app, I really do, I just hate to lose ride data. It is frustrating. I like to see how fast I took a climb, or how slow I took it. My slowest speed ever on a climb, while actually riding and in the saddle is 1.08 miles per hour. Hehehe, surprised I didn't fall over on the hill.
Well, tomorrow is once again a busy day. I like busy days, they keep me moving and no thinking.
**** small fair update***
trying to eat smart at the state fair is HARD!!! Too much blessed fried food!! Two days of working at the fair and I would say that I am doing great managing my intake and what I eat and drink. I have seen lots of people I haven't seen in a while. Great times!!
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