Resolutions...

Don't believe much in resolutions, they just seem to be things people try which last a few days, weeks or so before you slip back into the norm. I do however have a goal which I set on a yearly basis which I guess is sort of like a resolution except its the same every year. I started this when I was diagnosed w/ Type 1 Diabetes in 2004. My wife thinks its a crazy goal and she would be correct. The goal is to be in better shape this year then last year. She's quick to point out that I'm going to fail one of these years and she's probably right, but it won't be this year. :)

This year, more flexible, more miles, more gym time and work a little of my fat off (my new Christmas scale says 9.8% fat). We shall see...

Does playing trains with Nick 4 hours today contribute to that goal.... :)

Where I rode 2007

So not as interesting as 2006, it's not as bad as it could be.

Here are the places I rode...

International:

* 2 Places in Sydney Australia (Blue Mountains)

Far Away or Sort of Far Away:

* Michaux, Pennsylvania
* Poconos, Pennsylvania
* Stokesville, Virginia

My Backyard:

* Schaeffer Farm
* Hoyles Mill
* Seneca Creek
* Black Hill
* Gambrill
* Frderick Watershed
* Patapsco
* Little Bennett
* C&O Canal
* Susquehanna
* Quantico

All in all a good year of variety...

Mileage was a big boost over 2006, rode 2027 miles this year vs the 500ish last year. About 1/2 of those 2000 miles were Mountain miles also.

Next year (once I lick this knee crap)... more miles.

Time to try again???

Been off the bike for 23 days... Physical Therapy ended today... I could go back for some more PT, but the inflammation is mostly gone. Its now time to build and get back to regular activities. Need to stretch as much as possible and strengthen the hips to keep things doing the things they should.

The trainer (replacement for the broken one) comes today, maybe an oman. I think I'll ride before January on it and start building. Slowly at first and put more time as things don't cause any pain.

Had a bike fit and a shoe fitting done to make sure that wasn't contributing to my problems. Learned alot, but I don't think the bike fit was a problem. I wasn't off by much but that was more of pure luck I think. Now I kind of have an idea of what should be set where and why. The shoe fitting might of helped, my one cleat (my bad leg) was off by a little.

Day 18 off the bike...

PT got canceled on Wednesday when Lisa has a personal crisis. Probably a good thing since I was really pissed off since my knee hurt more that day than in the last week. Thursday was better and Friday was PT with Susan. Nice to switch it up some. Susan decided that I needed to do the strength training so we did that and I've done that every day since. My hips hurt pretty good, but that's where the weakness is. The idea is that my quads, calves, glutes, etc... got really strong from biking but some of the supporting muscles although not weak, are too weak to balance and causes me some additional problems. So here goes the strength training. Hopefully, the knee continues to get better. In the last day or two its been better than a while, but its still there. I'm starting to think the bike might be more of a mid-January thing, not a beginning.

PT Session #6; Day 12 off bike

Is it getting better? Maybe? How can I tell. It seems to hurt less after some sessions, its less of a general soreness and more localized sort of like when it started. I think this week might be important... Can I walk into PT on Friday pain free? Can I start a little weight training? Could I think about actually sitting on a bike again before January? Trying not to be over optimistic, been down that route before.

BTW, Icing your knee for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day is a complete PIA.

Also, bringing up hgh to your PT in passing elicits a very interesting response.

And if your interested in a really good read, take a look at this article. Its a first hand account about experimenting with hgh, testosterone, epo and steroids. A very interesting take on something that you hear a lot about now days from a very different angle.

Virtual Worlds and a 4 year old?!?!

Ok, so I don't BLOG very much about the kids since the wife's BLOG is so much better at that but this just blew my mind... Now I've heard about WebKinz before and thought it was an odd concept and luckily I won't have to deal with that for a while. I also kind of get virtual worlds even though I don't participate (who has the time!!!!). Heck, I even played D&D as a kid which was basically the same thing as World of Warcraft but 20+ years ago.

Anyway... we're at the dinner table and my FOUR year old starts talking about WebKinz. I guess one of her friends she plays with from preschool has one. Lynn in her typical better parent mold just starts asking non-judgmental questions. Angie goes off for a few minutes and perfectly describes what a virtual world is and what you do and why its fun. My jaw hit the ground... Maybe I should start checking to make sure this girl doesn't have a myspace page already. UGH!!!!

The world is a very different place now than when I was four I guess. Luckily the wife and I aren't technical idiots (yet!) and might have a chance to guide here on her choices... And I thought I didn't have to start worrying until she started dating!!!!

PT Session #5; Day 9 off bike

PT this morning, Lisa is optimistic that its getting better, I'm not so sure. She's been doing massage to it which makes it sore as can be for a day, but she thinks its helping. We shall see.

Never thought I'd be so happy to see it so wet every day. :)

Three sessions next week, I guess that will be the real test to see if its getting better. For now, stay off the leg.