SpokEasy

SpokEasy

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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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Hanging Loose?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Hanging Loose? 🥱 Is that splint on my arm thinking of hanging loose? It doesn’t feel quite so tight in the last day or two; especially on my forearm. What a relief that is! “Hanging loose” sounds sort of like hang-gliding; and I remember the Gossamer Albatross. I sure don’t have that kind of leg power! I’ll be glad when I can again use what leg power that I have. I’m tired of  sitting around; but for now I can’t do much else. Well, I’m glad my head didn’t get bashed up! That would be much worse than flabby legs. And even before the accident, I could have used getting my abs to tighten up! Tighten Up? 🪢   Working my core is a good way to tighten up said abs. However, I’m not sure how soon I may perform curls (very like crunches); and of course a left-sided crank plank is out if the question. I’ll probably get to ask some questions soon about what exercises I may do. It will be great to be out and walking again. I need some fresh air; but I’m not quite up to vigorous walking yet. But do I need it! My belly might end up hanging loose if I can’t burn off some calories!   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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In the Nursery?

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care /

In the Nursery? 👶🏻 I feel like I’m now in the nursery. Today someone from a home health care service  came to see me; and we discussed my medications; upcoming physical and occupational therapy, etcetera. I’ll have some further home nurse visits; hence the feeling that I’m in the nursery. I was relieved to learn that I might get medical transport through my health-care plan; and I’m happy to know that I might not always have to  bum rides from friends when I have to get to appointments. I sure won’t be able to ride places for a while; and I need to get a new helmet first, anyway. So I’ve got a list of phone calls to make come Monday; and I want to get back to what off-bike exercises that I may do, Squats will be OK; but little else. And at present, medication for muscle spasms has me rather groggy. Monday 📞 Monday has many of us feeling like this; and reaching for an energy gel. But for once I’m looking forward to Monday; I have a lot of things to take care of; I want to get them done; and I can’t stay in the nursery! I must make phone calls for this and that; I need to get my will finalized; and I’m sure more will come up. It admittedly sounds rather exhausting; and right now I’m working to chart my post-op medications. There are four to keep track of, in addition to my usual meds. It’s a bit overwhelming; but I’ll get through it 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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Helmets Save Lives

BACK ISSUES, bicycling /

Helmets Save Lives! 🧠 “Helmets save lives.” I can just hear you all now — “*yawn*. Tell me something new.” But I always believed that helmets save lives; and now I’m even more sure of it. This past Monday I was riding; and got hit by a pick-up truck. I was so glad it’s always been my habit to wear protective headgear! My helmet hit the road; then did a sort of bounce-and-scrape. If I’d been bare-headed,  I might not be typing this now. I ended up spending four days in the hospital, including surgery; and now I’m rather laid up. Laid Up 🫤 Being laid up is most tedious. I can’t ride now, of course; when I got hit and went down, my left elbow took the brunt of the fall. It was severely dislocated; and required surgery. When they got me to the operating room, the orthopedic surgeon spoke with me before they gave the anesthesia. He explained that joint dislocation causes damage to tendons and muscles; and that I’d done it “pretty spectacularly”. So I was in a surgical splint until yesterday, shortly before I went home; and now I’m in one of those ROM braces. I’ve got physical therapy coming up; and who knows what all else. I might have been released from the hospital a day earlier; but they wanted to run an MRI to be sure I hadn’t suffered a concussion. The one-day delay gave my sister a chance to get here.  She’s a great help when I’m laid up. 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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