SpokEasy

SpokEasy

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Elbow Room?

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care /

Elbow Room? 💪 Have I got some more elbow room? Yesterday I had a follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon. They X-rayed my elbow; and it’s coming along fine. Then they extended the range of motion that my brace will allow; so I guess you could say that I’ve got more elbow room. In one week I begin physical therapy; and I see the surgeon again in four weeks.  By then I’ll have seen the neurologist who follows me for NF-1. I messaged the doctor about my accident; and I want to discuss whether I may have had a concussion. So far, nobody has definitely said that I did. I’ve been keeping my primary care physician on board about this, and the PCP says to stay active; but don’t overdo it. So what’s overdoing it? Overdo? 😮‍💨 Is walking one mile a case of overdo? Ordinarily, it isn’t; but things aren’t ordinary at present. My energy level fluctuates from one day to another; and that makes it hard to plan physical activity. What seems like overdo one day, is more tolerable the next day; and vice versa.  I’m getting tired of sitting around; and I wish I had more “elbow room” for doing things. At the same time, I’m relieved that my existence doesn’t depend on my being able to perform physically demanding things. I can’t even use a broom yet!   This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Take It Easy

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Take It Easy 😴 It’s amazingly hard to take it easy.  I’ve done some cooking over the last two days, but that’s been enough; or so my elbow says. The area around it is still tender; and I have to be careful not to strain it. I’m also trying to keep dishwashing to a minimum. After all, Im supposed to take it easy. But I have to eat; and buying take-out is too expensive for every day.  Ive got to think up meal prep that doesn’t require chopping veggies; but I don’t want to eat bars all the time. So what to do? What to Do? 🤔 And what to do while I can’t ride? If only drinking Biosteel would give me muscles of steel! While I take it easy, my muscles are going soft. 😞 I’m trying to extend my walks, but today I forgot to wear my cap; and had to cut the walk short. It drives me crazy to have the sun in my eyes; bright light and glare have always bothered me. That’s why I use the visor on my bicycle helmet! I don’t care if it makes me look like a newbie; comfort matters more. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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A Step Back?

BACK ISSUES /

A Step Back? 👣 Have I taken a step back? Only yesterday it seemed like I was becoming a little less tired; and a bit more alert. Today I’m worn out again! Is it the weather? I’m trying to be more careful about my diet; with the lack if physical activity, I fear I’m getting far too many calories! I wish I could go for a walk, but I don’t need to get rained on; I have to keep the arm splint dry. So how can I burn off some calories? Calories 🔥 Calories are everywhere, it seems. Constantly measuring portions is a drag; but I need to get back to it. And I need some real exercise! Not going for a walk today feels like a step back; I can’t ride yet; and watching videos is turning my brain to mush. And everything I can think of that could burn off a few calories has reasons why I shouldn’t do it. Sweeping? That’s hard to do one-handed; my left elbow isn’t ready for it; and I’m not sure those ribs on the right side are healed.  I did a small load of laundry this morning; and that was quite tiring.  So I have to be cautious; I don’t need to take any more steps back! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Waking Up

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Waking Up? 🥱 Am I finally waking up a little? Today I feel a mite more alert than I have since the accident; but I’m still tired. I need to go for a good walk; but the weather is unsettled today. I’d rather avoid getting that splint wet; so here I am sitting at home again. Getting some exercise would feel like waking up. It still doesn’t feel like Fall; and there’s a system in the Gulf that needs watching. It’s expected to reach Texas by tomorrow; but it might account for our rain. The system is too close to land for much development to be likely, which is good news. Development 🚲 Speaking of development, I’ll have a lot of leg-muscle and core development to do once I’ve finally recuperated. My entire body has considerable waking up to do! When I can get back on a bicycle, I’ll start with the hybrid. It will be weird to ride only a few miles per day when I was used to putting in about 20 miles per day. I’ll just have to be patient — easier said rhan done. ****************** Evening update: mid-afternoon, I finally went out for a walk. I just had to get moving! I wore my backpack so I could take along the poncho; and a light rain did start before I got home. Luckily it didn’t last long. Now, what will tomorrow bring? This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Trainer

BACK ISSUES, equipment, Training /

Trainer 🏋️‍♀️ I sure could use my trainer now. Unfortunately, the rear wheel of my hybrid doesn’t fit into the trainer; and even if it did, I’m unable to do the necessary bike-lifting at present.  So my leg muscles are becoming mush. I need far more squats than I’ve been doing to keep my leg muscles properly toned; and it doesn’t help that I’ve still got low energy levels. I need to start working on flexibility exercises again, too. A personal trainer could probably do a lot to help me keep from getting too out of shape; but such services are beyond my budget. I must look for exercises that I can perform without stressing my injured elbow; and that don’t strain my ribs. Ribs ☠️ Ribs sound like barbecue to many of us; but cracked ribs are no fun. Mine seem to be recovering quickly; but how do I be sure they’re really OK? I don’t have a trainer to tell me. Must I ask the doctor to do an X-ray? If my ribs are all right, I can start lifting a small weight with my right hand. I don’t quite dare risk a right-sided crank plank; I might fall out of it and land on my left arm. That would be disastrous! I can’t do a grocery run by bicycle yet; so I ordered some stuff online.  But I’ll be glad when I can do it myself again. Not tomorrow, though; the forecast is a rainy one! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Not a Gunslinger

BACK ISSUES /

Not a Gunslinger 🔫 I’m not a gunslinger at any time. I’d need heavy-duty hearing protection; and I suspect that a bullet-proof vest isn’t very comfortable.  But having that sling attached to my arm got me to thinking of gunslinging; even though I’m not a gunslinger! In fact, I can hardly wait to be rid of that brace and sling. How much longer will that be? A few more weeks? A few months? I’m for sure an impatient patient! Impatient Patient 🤕 In general, I’m an impatient patient. It frustrates me to be injured or ill; and I’m always in a hurry to get back on the bike. But sometimes protein bars can’t speed the process; nor can anything else. It makes me feel like this cat — grumpy.  Especially when I don’t know how long I’ll be out of action. No wonder I’m an impatient patient. It’s not only cycling that I miss. It’s hard to prepare food when I’ve got one arm out of commission; and food prep of course results in pots to be washed! I didn’t know how much I took having two sound arms for granted. So what does all that have to do with me not a gunslinger? Goodness knows. Forgive me; being so inactive is messing with my brain. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Slug

BACK ISSUES /

Slug 🐌   I still feel like such a slug; both physically and mentally. Maybe I need some Brunswick Stew to give me some energy! Our weather is still hot. Overnight low temperatures have begun to drop to the mid-70s; but that’s hardly cool. Maybe the heat is why I feel like a slug. I might still be feeling the after-effects of the accident — but after two weeks? This is my first big crash, though, so I really don’t know what to expect. And I’m glad hurricane season has been a slug so far! In fact, it should be winding down. Winding Down 🌀 I’m always relieved to see hurricane season winding down. We can’t let down our guard yet; but peak season is past. After a fast ride, winding down feels good; whether you use a single speed or not. Slow pedaling that last half-mile or so lets your muscles prepare to stop; and it helps clear some of  the lactic acid. Then you don’t feel like quite such a slug after your body has cooled off. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Didn’t Work

BACK ISSUES /

Didn’t Work 🙄 I tried an experiment yesterday; and it didn’t work. Not very well, anyhow. I’m spending enough time outdoors that I need sunblock; but I don’t want to get sunblock all over that arm brace. My left hand, although it’s much better, isn’t yet up to the task of pulling a sun sleeve over my right arm; and I don’t think a snug sun sleeve is the best thing for fresh surgical scars. So forget about wearing one on my left arm. I finally decided to wear one of my ancient, worn-thin, long-sleeved blouses; and put the arm brace on over it. Getting the blouse on wasn’t too bad; but getting it off after I had become sweaty was another story. This idea didn’t work as well as I’d hoped; so I won’t do it again. All I can do is go out early; and stay in the shade. In the Shade ▓ It’s nice to stay in the shade, anyway. Out weather is still hot; and I wish it would cool off a bit. The trouble is, when cooler weather finally comes, it often arrives too abruptly! I wish I had more to report; but I can’t ride yet. A physical therapist came by; and we discussed exercising my elbow. We also went outdoors so they could observe me walking along the sidewalk. They said that, as fast as I walk, shows great balance! 🙂 Maybe I’d put other folks in the shade? Othere thoughts: I need to make plenty of smoothies for awhile. I have enough almond milk left that I wish I could freeze it; but I tried freezing almond milk once and it didn’t work. So I’ve got to use it up somehow! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Tie My Shoes

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors /

Tie My Shoes 👟 Wow, I was able to tie my shoes this morning! My hand seems to be recovering quickly from all the swelling (surgical insult, I suppose); and the main thing is to be careful of that elbow. I expect that I’ll have a built-in weather predictor for a long time. One year in high school, we read Our Town. In the opening scene, the town doctor is asking a boy how his knee is now. The boy says the knee is fine: “Except like you told me. It lets me know when it’s going to rain.” That struck a chord with me, because my sister had injured her knee a few years earlier. I’m glad I can tie my shoes, even though the elbow has a long way to go. And it will be great when I can ride again, because some things are better on the bike. Better on the Bike 🚲 Ever notice that some things are better on the bike? Electrolyte drinks are among them, as far as I’m concerned. I’ve been advised to be sure I drink adequate amounts of fluid during my recovery. This afternoon I got tired of plain water; and mixed up a serving of GZ, as I call it. I can tell you, that stuff tastes better on the bike! I can’t ride for the time being; but I can tie my shoes and walk. I’m getting far too little exercise; and it’s making me antsy! I’ll feel better on the bike. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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How Soon?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care /

How Soon? 🕰️  Of course I’m wondering how soon I might ride again. Before I left the hospital, I thought they said, five weeks; but I suspect it will be longer than that. Yesterday I got the surgical dressings off. I may take the brace off to shower; and it was wonderful to be able to wash my hair. I wasn’t like being at a spa; but it still felt good. I’m now allowed to  walk to my heart’s content. I hope I feel more energetic tomorrow; but the sheer difficulty of finding a comfortable position in bed makes sleep very difficult. No wonder I’m sort of spacey. I’ll soon be starting some physical therapy; a home health care person is coming in a few hours to give me an evaluation. Physical Therapy 💪 Once I’ve had the physical therapy evaluation, I might have a better idea of how soon I may ride again. I hope it’s not too long! When I get the green light to ride, I’ll start with the hybrid. It might be some time before I get a new road bike. The poor road bike that I had can’t be salvaged. You should have seen the wheels — some spokes gone; and others sticking out at weird angles. The front fork had been damaged, too; and the frame might have sustained damage that doesn’t show externally. That can happen with carbon fiber; and they say you should never ride on a cracked frame. It might fail drastically at any time. Then you could be in a situation that no physical therapy can fix. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and  retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional.   FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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