Personal Care Archives

Back to Square One

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Food, Personal Care / Cecile Levert

Back to Square One 🔲 Today’s Featured Product! 🎉 Massage Balls New!! Shimano Oval Traction Chainring For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I sure feel back at square one; and I don’t think anything with coffee will kick-start me. A year or so ago, I went for a Health/Fitness evaluation. Among other things, it tests strength/endurance for so-called floor push-ups; the kind you do with knees on the ground. I had drifted into doing them incorrectly; and then there was the hiatus forced by the accident. Now, as I say, I’m back at square one; but as the saying goes, I have nowhere to go but up! Wall Hugger? 🤗 So, I was shown an alternative to this exercise: wall push-ups. Makes me feel like a wall hugger. Another suggestion was to spend more riding time pushing a hard gear. I had already begun to work on that, anyway; so I’ll keep it up. I also saw the dietitian again. We discussed ride food, as well as what I eat at home: be sure to get sufficient veggies; and include a bit of protein with each snack. That might even help curb my sweet tooth! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as Cecile Levert. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

Back to Square One Read More »

How Dry I Am?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

How Dry I Am? 🌵 Today’s Featured Product! ✨ ROCKBROS Photochromatic Sports Sunglasses New!! Shimano ST-R2000-L Brifter For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Nobody knows how dry I am? Maybe not. Sometimes I think that I don’t know how dry I am. I use a hydration pack for most rides; and I also take electrolyte drink. Even so, I often start to feel an odd stuffiness/pulsation in my head an hour or two after I get home. I googled the symptoms; and they can indicate dehydration! I typically try not to drink enough that I’ll need a restroomm during the ride, because the places where I’ll find one are off the path at best. Maybe I should take along pickle-juice shots? Early Start 🌇 I try to get an early start on my rides; but maybe I need to go out even earlier — say, 6:00 am instead of 7:30 am. Lately I haven’t been riding particularly hard. I wear my cool rag. About all I can do is try to drink more; and I have one pickle-juice shot left over from last July’s RAGBRAI. I plan to take it along on my next 20-mile ride; and drink it at the halfway point. If it works as I hope it will, I can order more. I must keep that cool rag handy, too. Overnight low temperatures are now close to 80 degrees; and it will get hotter before long! 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 © 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 ✍🏻 Facebook Twitter Youtube INTERPRETER Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ

How Dry I Am? Read More »

Dial It Back

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Dial It Back ⏱️ Today’s Featured Product! 🎉 KneeRover Deluxe KneeCycle New!! Joystar For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Some days we need to dial it back a bit. It might be fatigue; or maybe we can’t do a long ride because we have to go somewhere. At any rate, I decided to dial it back today. Then tomorrow, I’ll shoot for 20-22 miles again. It look like I’ll have clear weather for it; and the worst of the heat isn’t here yet. Warmer weather means more exposed skin, though; which in turn means more sunblock! What’s the Skinny? 👂🏻 So, what’s the skinny about sunblock? How much do I really need to use? I personally look for the fragrance-free types, because fragrances bother me. If only there were sunblocks that lasted several hours! All the ones that I find need to be reapplied every 80 minutes. So tell me, how do Tour de France riders reapply sunblock? I try to wash off sunblock as soon as I finish a ride; I’ve got an idea that it’s not the best thing for the skin to leave sunblock on all day. And I do it outdoors, too. Sunblock probably isn’t the best thing for plumbing! Don’t forget, Summer vacation is very close. Kids need UV protection, too! Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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

Dial It Back Read More »

Don’t Forget Sunblock!

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Don’t Forget Sunblock! ☀️ Today’s Featured Product! Feed Zone Table New!! Mission Cooling Helmet Liner For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! Don’t forget sunblock, even on a cloudy day. UV rays don’t take a break just because of an overcast sky. I’ve tried various sunblocks, including KINeSYS; but I prefer non-spray types. A bottle of liquid will make a huge mess if it leaks! This morning I had to run an errand; and I went on foot. It’s cloudy; and — don’t forget sunblock? Well, I did forget. It’s a good thing I didn’t have to be out for hours. Ride Later? 🚴‍♂️ Maybe I’ll ride later. It’s supposed to clear up as the day goes on; but at the moment, wind gusts are up to 30 mph! And from the Northeast,too. I don’t feel like fighting such a breeze. I need some hard efforts; and who knows, the physical work might clear up my stuffy head! After all the Easter candy, I need to burn off some calories, too. If I don’t ride later, there’s still plenty to do at home. Come to think of it, Monday is very often my off-bikes day. So shall I stick with tradition? Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Logged in as CAL. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Δ 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

Don’t Forget Sunblock! Read More »

Slightly Pink

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Slightly Pink 🌸 Today’s Featured Product! CyclingDeal Unisex Bike Sandals New!! Dynacraft Magna Throttle For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I notice that I often finish my rides slightly pink, as my sister puts it. This, despite my using sunblock; and no, I’m not trying to match the Mr. Pork Chop bus. This slightly pink look seems to fade away by the following day; so maybe it’s wind exposure? The main thing is that I don’t actually get sunburned. I look for sunblock with an SPF rating of 50; and when I’m riding, I keep an eye on the time if I’ll be going farther than 10 miles. All the sunblocks I’ve used say, reapply every 80 minutes. When I take a day off from riding, it not only lets my legs rest; it gives my skin a break from all that sunblock! I think I need that, too. Day Off 😴 A day off from riding lets my muscles recuperate; not that I push them terribly hard. It makes me wonder at times how badly I really want to get faster. I still don’t have my new road bike; but I hope to get one soon. My body will forget how to manage a road bike if I wait too long! Today I’m taking a day off from riding; and the forecast for tomorrow includes — again! — fog. UV rays can, indeed, penetrate the mist; and I’d rather avoid getting slightly pink, never mind red. So on goes the sunblocfk! 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

Slightly Pink Read More »

I Know Winter?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

I Know Winter? ❄️ 🥶 Did I think I know Winter? After watching this, I don’t think I even know what Winter is! I’m not sure I could survive a Winter like the one described, even with indoor electric heat. And if the power failed, I’d really be up a creek. The stove here is electric; and every time the power fails, I sure miss having a gas stove! I can’t cook; I can’t even heat water for hot chocolate. Fortunately the water heater is gas; but even so, who wants to take a shower in a frigid room, even if the water is hot? I had to do that in the first apartment I had; and it was not pleasant! In fact, I was prone to griping about it. So — do I know Winter? Bundle Up 🧥 I’d have to learn to bundle up, that’s for sure. I don’t like having heaps if clothing on me while I’m indoors, but if it’s cold enough to snow; and the electricity has gone out; then I’d have to do it. Last January’s snowfall was a freak event; for us, weather cold enough for snow usually means we’ve had a cold front that pushed all the clouds away. Thus snow in New Orleans is a rare thrill; and, incidentally, one that’s likely to shut down the entire city. We locals don’t know how to drive in the white stuff. We’ve barely had Fall, so it might be early to think about Winter. Even when it comes, I’m highly unlikely to have to go into survival mode, like the Ingalls family. So no, I don’t think I know Winter. 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

I Know Winter? Read More »

Carry On

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Carry On 📦 Today at physical therapy, I got to carry on. The therapist had me do a few exercises with small weights; but he says not to try them at home yet. Testing my strength, maybe? But I can’t yet carry a bicycle case, of course. Not even with my arm unweighted. Maybe my elbow isn’t sufficiently recovered to do the weight exercises daily; so if I want to carry on, I’ll have to use a backpack! At least my walking pace seems to have recovered; and that’s something. I seemed sluggish for weeks. Faster walking keeps me warmer; and I’ll need that soon. Per the forecast, the temperature will fall to the lower 40s Sunday night; so I’ve got to get the jacket ready. Get the Jacket Ready 🥶 Yep, get the jacket ready. Not only is it expected to get cold; the forecast is for some stiff wind. It’s not my favorite thing to carry on a bike ride in a headwind; so I think a part of me will actually be relieved that I’m not riding! When I can finally ride again, I’m going to start with rides in the park. It might be better to stay off the levee for a while; especially if the wind is strong! 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

Carry On Read More »

Reach Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care / CAL

Reach Out 🫱🏼 I can reach out more now! Today the physical therapist extended the splint; and I can extend my arm farther. I’m looking forward to being rid of that thing. Even though I can reach out more, using my left hand is awkward. My arm gets tired quickly because the splint is not weightless. For that reason, I’ve developed the habit of keeping my elbow flexed and the arm close to my body. Thank goodness I’m no longer worried about how I’ll manage if a hurricane heads our way. Evacuation would be enough of a hassle even if I didn’t have an arm out of commission! I just hope we don’t get a late-season storm. Late Season 🍁 A late season hurricane isn’t impossible; but the tropics are expected to remain quiet during the coming week. So we can relax for a bit! And I’m waiting to be able to ride again. How well must I be able to reach out before I’m able to manage the steering? I don’t ride with my arms fully extended; the elbows are supposed to have some bend in them. If your arms are straight and rigid on the bike, steering will be a lot harder; and you also will have a harder time if you hit a bumpy patch in the road. When I’m out of the splint, I have to get back some arm strength, too; but I don’t know how soon I may add a bit of weight to my therapy exercises. The scar area still doesn’t take well to weight! 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

Reach Out Read More »

Same Thing Every Year

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

Same Thing Every Year! 🍂 🥵 It’s the same thing every year! The calendar says it’s Fall; but the weather seems to have other ideas. Yes, it’s finally dropping to the mid-60s overnight; but afternoons still get into the 80s. Morning temperatures are about perfect for cycling; but of course I can’t do that just now. I wish I could walk more; but I get tired sooner than I like. For another thing, I like to walk early, while there’s still shade — so I can skip the sunblock. It’s the same thing every year — the need for sunblock never ends, no matter how cold the weather gets. Not if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors! Sunblock 😎 Sunblock is important to keep UV rays at bay. Sunburn isn’t only unattractive and painful; over time it can lead to skin cancer. So I have to put up with washing off sunblock after riding. Yep — same thing every year, all year long. I hope we don’t get an onslaught of bad weather just as I get clearance to ride again. The lack of rain at present is a good thing. I have to keep that splint dry; and I have three medical appointments in as many days. It’s gotten tedious, though. I never knew that I took being able to get wet for granted! 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

Same Thing Every Year Read More »

Elbow Room?

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

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

Elbow Room? Read More »