All signed up for 2014 LOTOJA. Should be interesting, no friends this year, its like back in the day when my only friends were the ones I made during the race.
Without complaining too much, it will be difficult this year, no doubt about it. Multiple physical deficits and reduced training time will really make a challenge out of it. Ah well, my own private battles...
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Just Thinking
Just thinking.
I consider this blog as a type of journal, race reports, training thoughts and general musings. I've had people suggest I write articles on cycling and such. Flattered, but I'm not compelled to do that. There are probably thousands of blogs and websites with far more information than I could provide. I just want to convey to anyone who would have interest (or no one) a few of the experiences I go through. And maybe in reading some of my previous posts, I can learn something...
That reminds me, I've got a few race reports from last year to jot down. Maybe later though, I've got a sexy looking salad calling my name...
I consider this blog as a type of journal, race reports, training thoughts and general musings. I've had people suggest I write articles on cycling and such. Flattered, but I'm not compelled to do that. There are probably thousands of blogs and websites with far more information than I could provide. I just want to convey to anyone who would have interest (or no one) a few of the experiences I go through. And maybe in reading some of my previous posts, I can learn something...
That reminds me, I've got a few race reports from last year to jot down. Maybe later though, I've got a sexy looking salad calling my name...
Monday, July 4, 2011
Life lately...
Can't seem to post to this blog from my ipad. Thought i'd get on my Mac just to keep this thing alive.
I've been riding the recumbent exclusively for the past 3 months (when I can) and i'm just starting to get the hang of it. Still a tough climber but fun on the downhills and flats. I get stares and fingers pointed at me frequently, are these bikes THAT rare?
I'm struggling with the decision I have to make of whether or not to do the HooDoo 500. I'm entered, but my training has been spotty with family and work responsibilities. Very, very difficult to decide.
On the one hand, I don't know anyone with so little training, who would be dumb enough to attempt this, it's an insanely tough race already and by doing the Voyager division... I should be committed.
On the other hand...
If I were to live by Teddy Roosevelt's quote, "Far better it is..." I should race regardless. Plus, (still on the other hand) it's not in me to back down from a challenge. It used to be, but that's another post...
Ok, back to the first hand. Have you ever ridden a recumbent? No? you're in for a treat. Sure, the weight is off your arms. Yes, you're body is more aerodynamic. Of course, it's fast in the flats and downhills. But climbing? I had an old woman in a wheelchair go around me up Kong. Regardless, there is 30,000 feet of climbing in HooDoo, it's no ride in the park.
I know...blah, blah, blah, so make up your mind. I will, this week or next. I guess it will just come to me as usual.
Other news, had a great time with the fam in southern California last week. Cool weather, beaches, Mormon Battalion visitor's center, and topped off with a crowded but fun Disneyland.
I miss my son Jared who is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Portland Oregon. Just gotta get over the initial separation then emotions should normalize.
I'm getting older. I see and feel the changes and though not easy, I think i'm coping well. (probably ought to add that to the first hand ; )
Bye...
I've been riding the recumbent exclusively for the past 3 months (when I can) and i'm just starting to get the hang of it. Still a tough climber but fun on the downhills and flats. I get stares and fingers pointed at me frequently, are these bikes THAT rare?
I'm struggling with the decision I have to make of whether or not to do the HooDoo 500. I'm entered, but my training has been spotty with family and work responsibilities. Very, very difficult to decide.
On the one hand, I don't know anyone with so little training, who would be dumb enough to attempt this, it's an insanely tough race already and by doing the Voyager division... I should be committed.
On the other hand...
If I were to live by Teddy Roosevelt's quote, "Far better it is..." I should race regardless. Plus, (still on the other hand) it's not in me to back down from a challenge. It used to be, but that's another post...
Ok, back to the first hand. Have you ever ridden a recumbent? No? you're in for a treat. Sure, the weight is off your arms. Yes, you're body is more aerodynamic. Of course, it's fast in the flats and downhills. But climbing? I had an old woman in a wheelchair go around me up Kong. Regardless, there is 30,000 feet of climbing in HooDoo, it's no ride in the park.
I know...blah, blah, blah, so make up your mind. I will, this week or next. I guess it will just come to me as usual.
Other news, had a great time with the fam in southern California last week. Cool weather, beaches, Mormon Battalion visitor's center, and topped off with a crowded but fun Disneyland.
I miss my son Jared who is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Portland Oregon. Just gotta get over the initial separation then emotions should normalize.
I'm getting older. I see and feel the changes and though not easy, I think i'm coping well. (probably ought to add that to the first hand ; )
Bye...
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Some people
Beautiful weather during this morning's ride. Haven't been out with a group in a while but thought it would be nice to see some familiar faces. The Thomas's were out of course, along with the usual "groupies".
Saw Lorie and Todd head out west on McDowell and Kim told me they were headed to 9-mile and pancakes.
I went to Saguaro and pulled over near the dam to watch some perching vultures for a while. A recumbent goes by so I took off with him for a chat. He's been riding his bent for about a year and loves it. His name is David Brake and it so happens he rode Mulholland last week (the race I couldn't do because of my neck status). He said it was the hardest thing he's ever done, or race, I can't remember. Anyways should be nice having another recumbent rider to ride with occasionally, maybe.
Randy Nunley came by and he said it was a tough race as well. Dang it !! We both talked about how we work too much and how we're gonna slow down a bit. He said one of his patients finally retired and died 8 months later, now his wife is dating and spending. Uh huh, I think a vacation is in order...
Came back via the Usery climb and half way up two men and a female passed me. I just happened to feel good at that time and picked up my pace a bit. I passed them back slowly, (I never want others to feel like I'm challenging them) and one of the men (a short stocky fellow with an Empire jersey) goes by me and stays just ahead of me. If I speed up he speeds up, if I slow down, he would slow down. I really didn't think a fellow cyclist would mess with another but I guess he felt like I challenged his manliness or something. We got to the top and I turned around to a repeat. He turned around as well and as he passed me says (cue condescending tone...) "I was hoping you were gonna push me to the top"
I shrugged it off but it started to bother me that this punk is trying some power play on a Saturday morning fun ride. I imagine he bragged to his friends how he put me in my place. I get so tired of some people sometimes. I'm just riding, I go very slowly around your friends and you think you're Lance? C'mon...
I thought of turning around and offering a little fatherly advice on life and etiquette but I felt this was the type of person who didn't want to hear it. So...I let it go.
Rode back up with Bridgette Verhaaren and Ruth Collins, great people and good conversation. Bridgette and Rob are going to Greece this summer and I am full of envy, sorry...I love Archaeology, I'm envious.
So I ended up riding 3 hours and will head back out in support of Kyle in 30 minutes. Shouldn't be too crazy, he hasn't ridden in a while and the pace should be easy. Maybe i'll practice what I learned this morning and ride just ahead of him, mark his every move and show him what a powerful rider I am...
Some people...
Saw Lorie and Todd head out west on McDowell and Kim told me they were headed to 9-mile and pancakes.
I went to Saguaro and pulled over near the dam to watch some perching vultures for a while. A recumbent goes by so I took off with him for a chat. He's been riding his bent for about a year and loves it. His name is David Brake and it so happens he rode Mulholland last week (the race I couldn't do because of my neck status). He said it was the hardest thing he's ever done, or race, I can't remember. Anyways should be nice having another recumbent rider to ride with occasionally, maybe.
Randy Nunley came by and he said it was a tough race as well. Dang it !! We both talked about how we work too much and how we're gonna slow down a bit. He said one of his patients finally retired and died 8 months later, now his wife is dating and spending. Uh huh, I think a vacation is in order...
Came back via the Usery climb and half way up two men and a female passed me. I just happened to feel good at that time and picked up my pace a bit. I passed them back slowly, (I never want others to feel like I'm challenging them) and one of the men (a short stocky fellow with an Empire jersey) goes by me and stays just ahead of me. If I speed up he speeds up, if I slow down, he would slow down. I really didn't think a fellow cyclist would mess with another but I guess he felt like I challenged his manliness or something. We got to the top and I turned around to a repeat. He turned around as well and as he passed me says (cue condescending tone...) "I was hoping you were gonna push me to the top"
I shrugged it off but it started to bother me that this punk is trying some power play on a Saturday morning fun ride. I imagine he bragged to his friends how he put me in my place. I get so tired of some people sometimes. I'm just riding, I go very slowly around your friends and you think you're Lance? C'mon...
I thought of turning around and offering a little fatherly advice on life and etiquette but I felt this was the type of person who didn't want to hear it. So...I let it go.
Rode back up with Bridgette Verhaaren and Ruth Collins, great people and good conversation. Bridgette and Rob are going to Greece this summer and I am full of envy, sorry...I love Archaeology, I'm envious.
So I ended up riding 3 hours and will head back out in support of Kyle in 30 minutes. Shouldn't be too crazy, he hasn't ridden in a while and the pace should be easy. Maybe i'll practice what I learned this morning and ride just ahead of him, mark his every move and show him what a powerful rider I am...
Some people...
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Vision Quest...
I'm entered in the HooDoo 500 i'm nervous to say. It would be nice to actually train for a race, maybe do a "Vision Quest" kinda thing.
I think i'm more stable now, with the thyroid replacement stuff and the recumbent ordered. The neck has greater mobility after the MUA and it looks like migraines may be a thing of the past because of it. I'm having some left arm radiculopathy (numbness) but I've been medicating for that and am hopeful. Blah, blah.. I just wanted to disclose my physical considerations.
So, I figure 4 months to the event should be adequate to prepare. Lots to consider besides training...lights, clothing, equipment, nutrition and mental status. Nutrition may be the most critical, it's everything to be hydrated and fed properly. I've been given the ok to race on my new Carbent Raven by the HooDoo organizers and i'm looking forward to the new challange.
Got a week to prepare for my training. I'll scour the internet for options and methods and hopefully work it out.
Wish me luck....
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
MUA DONE!
Procedure done. Had to wait a couple of months, but after much frustration and discomfort, I finally (and joyfully) got to have my prescribed surgery.
This morning, I had a procedure performed on me called a MUA or manipulation under anesthesia. This procedure is used to break-up scar tissue and help a patient regain full range of motion, in my case, my neck. Were not sure this will help me enough to overcome my neck pain during cycling but there is optimism. If it doesn't work, i'm not sure what the next step will be, but I assume it will either be more invasive or a drastic lifestyle change (no cycling)
I was prepped (changed into a gown, ekg, temp, h&p, etc.) then wheeled into a surgical room where I was transferred to a table. Got the O2 mask on and after 4 deep breaths I was gone. In my particular case, I was given a facet block injections under x-ray guidance to free up those joints so the manipulation would be more successful. Then my neck was adjusted and stretched beyond what a person could tolerate without anesthesia. Wake up was difficult as usual but I was finally able to come out of it and Meri brought me home.
Not sure about how it'll turn out but I hear results are statistically good. It's now 12 hours later and my neck is pretty stiff. I'm trying to stay positive and will do whatever is asked of me as far as rehabilitation goes.
I plan on riding Saturday and should know more then...
This morning, I had a procedure performed on me called a MUA or manipulation under anesthesia. This procedure is used to break-up scar tissue and help a patient regain full range of motion, in my case, my neck. Were not sure this will help me enough to overcome my neck pain during cycling but there is optimism. If it doesn't work, i'm not sure what the next step will be, but I assume it will either be more invasive or a drastic lifestyle change (no cycling)
I was prepped (changed into a gown, ekg, temp, h&p, etc.) then wheeled into a surgical room where I was transferred to a table. Got the O2 mask on and after 4 deep breaths I was gone. In my particular case, I was given a facet block injections under x-ray guidance to free up those joints so the manipulation would be more successful. Then my neck was adjusted and stretched beyond what a person could tolerate without anesthesia. Wake up was difficult as usual but I was finally able to come out of it and Meri brought me home.
Not sure about how it'll turn out but I hear results are statistically good. It's now 12 hours later and my neck is pretty stiff. I'm trying to stay positive and will do whatever is asked of me as far as rehabilitation goes.
I plan on riding Saturday and should know more then...
Sunday, February 27, 2011
My "Been Awhile" post
Just a quick update on things.
I was on a bike ride the other day and I was overcome with the thought "this just isn't fun anymore". I'm talking about my beloved sport of cycling. Or, to be more specific, how I feel WHEN I'm cycling. I've never, ever told myself that before, not even in my worst suffering.
The nagging, dull ache in my neck is finally getting the best of me. Still hits me at around 20 miles in and is unrelenting. I've tried different positions and stretching and good internal talk and prayer and I just think I'm done. My last option if my MUA (manipulation under anesthesia) doesn't help, is riding a recumbent. Yesterday I was riding around Las Sendas sitting completely upright with no hands and I felt some relief, that position takes all the head weight off my neck. That's why I believe a recumbent might be the ticket "positional correctness" I call it.
We'll see how it plays out, in the big picture of life it's not a huge deal but cycling is something that's important to me and I'd like to get back on track with endurance racing, even on a recumbent if I have to.
Better go.
I was on a bike ride the other day and I was overcome with the thought "this just isn't fun anymore". I'm talking about my beloved sport of cycling. Or, to be more specific, how I feel WHEN I'm cycling. I've never, ever told myself that before, not even in my worst suffering.
The nagging, dull ache in my neck is finally getting the best of me. Still hits me at around 20 miles in and is unrelenting. I've tried different positions and stretching and good internal talk and prayer and I just think I'm done. My last option if my MUA (manipulation under anesthesia) doesn't help, is riding a recumbent. Yesterday I was riding around Las Sendas sitting completely upright with no hands and I felt some relief, that position takes all the head weight off my neck. That's why I believe a recumbent might be the ticket "positional correctness" I call it.
We'll see how it plays out, in the big picture of life it's not a huge deal but cycling is something that's important to me and I'd like to get back on track with endurance racing, even on a recumbent if I have to.
Better go.
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