Am I a Cyclist??

Growing up, I rode bikes... everywhere, everyday. I competitively raced bmx, was very into freestyle, and as highschool came I transitioned directly into Mountain Biking. Rode in college as well. However, about 2 years into my time at MSU, the bikes were getting expensive to maintain, and I needed to get into shape, so I bought a pair of running shoes. It wasn't long before I was a runner who also rode bikes.

Over the last 5 weeks I have not been able to run at all. I am going to the doctor next week but my fear is still that I have a stress fracture in my left fibula (I did have a P.A. with foot and ankle experience check it out and validate my self prognosis may be correct). So I have been looking to other means of staying in shape.

It is not that I ever really got away from riding,  more that it became less of a primary focus and more of an occasional venture. Well, the last few weeks I have ridden about 4 days a week, and I am starting to regain the love. Might even compete later this year, who knows.

The good new is, I am not just sitting around.

A Humbling Endeavor

So, as everyone knows, I am "injured" and am currently not running. Thus, I am trying to find other outlets to keep myself in shape. I have been lifting, on the bike, etc. I have been saying I need to get in the pool, as swimming is a great workout, etc, etc.

Wednesday I met Jen and the kids at the pool at lunch and decided to get in a few laps. Now, I have never been a great swimmer, but I have always been a reasonable swimmer. I won't drown, and I can get back and forth looking like I reasonably know what I am doing. I am just not very fast. Oh yeah, and I am also very good at hiding how hard it is for me to breathe while swimming. I generally feel like I am a half stroke away from passing out. Wednesday was no exception. I swam all of 750 yards. That is 15 laps (or 30 lengths, depending on how you like to count.) I did end up swimming 2 of these laps breaststroke, just to give myself a few breaks on the breathing issues. And let's just say I was secretly really excited when the pizza showed up so I could nonchalantly get out of the pool like my workout was disrupted.

Oh man, I need to get my leg healed up so I can run.

On the Bike

I managed to get a nice ride in yesterday on the Mt Bike. About 10 miles looping through Ute Valley. After about 5 miles, I finally started to get some balance and comfort on the bike. It is difficult after having practically grown up on a bike, to have to somewhat relearn the balances and tricks to mountain biking. The good news is that my fitness seems to be holding up, so I think if I can make it about 2 more weeks without running, I can start to slowly reintroduce some mileage. I also did make an appointment with my doctor and will be getting the leg checked out while I am there.

Running Club (Sort Of)

So I went to running club tonight, not to run, but because it is at a bar.


I love all aspects of running, especially hydration.

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A New Stress

Ok, so in reality I have less stress right now than I have ever had. The only real downer in my current situation is my total inability to run.

The scary thought is that I am beginning to believe that I have a stress fracture in my lower left fibula. Looks like another few weeks (months?) without running. Might have to see the Doc.


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M.I.A.

OK, I have been totally M.I.A. with no good reason. I have not been working too much yet, really I am just starting. I did get over to Kansas City last week, making some contacts, and I spent the weekend fishing with my Dad, brother, nephew and my oldest Sam up in the Salida / Buena Vista area. Caught enough to make dinner Saturday, threw the rest back.

I guess I have written because I haven't run. My ankle is still pretty torqued. It is very frustrating, though I am finding time to lift and ride. I like to ride, but I need to run. MUST GET WELL.

While healing I did also manage to get a half days climb in at Garden of the Gods. It was my first time out of the gym, and it was outstanding. Might need to start climbing....

Jen is in Costa Rica this week on a mission trip, so I am managing the kids this week while trying to work. Her parents are taking the kids during the day (and some nights) so I can work, thanks!

The fisherman




Climbing




I climbed the big one you see here



Then I repelled down this




Outstanding!

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Banged Up

Looks like I am going to be a cyclist for the next month or so. Why? You would think it is because I like to ride my bikes (which is true) but the real answer is that my ankle is evidently so jacked up that I can't run.

Jen and I went out today to get in a nice easy 3-4 miler, me still recovering from Collegiate Peaks and she recovering from her surgery (nothing serious, btw). I didn't make it half a mile and I knew I had to stop. Something is just not right. So, the best thing to do is rest. Oh, I have heard it is also very helpful to complain a whole bunch about not being able to run, so I might try that.

I have been saying I was going to ride more anyways, so I guess I really mean it this time.

Did I mention it sucks not being able to run. Next thing you know I will be trying some of these:

http://www.hokaoneone.com/en/d/mafate-unisex_78.html

Not sure anything could hurt bad enough to make me wear those.