Friday I rode the Willow Springs loop, and yesterday did the Baily loop again. Average speed for the Baily loop was 17.4 MPH.
I am starting to be able to use the drops fairly comfortably, which helps get my speed up a bit, though I don't spend a lot of the ride on the drops. Mostly on the hoods.
Over the next couple of weeks I will have to do a lot of climbing, to be ready for the Century.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Recent Rides
On 4/15 I rode 54 miles (lunch in Gilroy route), with 1400 feet of climbing. Since this was the longest ride I have done, I limited the climbing. This took me 3 hours and 45 minutes (Ave speed 14.4 MPH). Ave. heart rate was 135.
Today I rode 20 miles (Baily loop). I was feeling ill yesterday, but I think it was really allergies. Nasty sinus headache. Regardless, I chose an easy route today. Once the ride got going, I felt well, so pushed harder. Average speed was 16 MPH, with ave. heart rate of 145. This is a new high ave. speed for me.
We finally have nice weather, and it was painful not to be out in it yesterday.
Today I rode 20 miles (Baily loop). I was feeling ill yesterday, but I think it was really allergies. Nasty sinus headache. Regardless, I chose an easy route today. Once the ride got going, I felt well, so pushed harder. Average speed was 16 MPH, with ave. heart rate of 145. This is a new high ave. speed for me.
We finally have nice weather, and it was painful not to be out in it yesterday.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Unexpected Angel
For years we felt that our family was complete. We had three wonderful, smart, talented children: two boys and a girl. We were approaching our 40s. Our four bedroom house was just the right size. That was about to change ...
I began to have a nagging feeling that a daughter was missing from our family, but was afraid to bring it up to my wife. The feeling persisted, and got stronger, so I finally brought it up. Tracy had been having the same feeling, but was afraid to tell me!
We prayed about it together, and the answer was to wait. It was really hard, wondering what was going to happen. Finally, we got the impression that we should pursue adoption, so we began to research our options. International adoption made sense for us, and we decided to adopt from China.
The paperwork took a looooooooong time. The wait to be matched with a child took a loooooong time. Actually, it took two years, from starting the application process to being matched. One look at the tiny photo of our new daughter-to-be in China, and we knew she was the right one, though.
Aerin Mei was robustly healthy and being raised in a loving foster care environment. Her foster mother described her as "lively and unquiet", which certainly was, and is, true. Because of the strong emotional bonds she had formed in China, she was able to bond with us quickly, though not without a few tantrums and other challenges.
We were amazed at how she just fit into our family. And changed it. Our 16 year old son says it was boring before-Aerin. She comes up with so many off-the-wall things that we have collected her antics here.
Today, Aerin is loving Kindergarten, gymnastics, and having her big sister home from college for the Summer. She says she wants to be an artist when she grows up. Who knows?
I began to have a nagging feeling that a daughter was missing from our family, but was afraid to bring it up to my wife. The feeling persisted, and got stronger, so I finally brought it up. Tracy had been having the same feeling, but was afraid to tell me!
We prayed about it together, and the answer was to wait. It was really hard, wondering what was going to happen. Finally, we got the impression that we should pursue adoption, so we began to research our options. International adoption made sense for us, and we decided to adopt from China.
The paperwork took a looooooooong time. The wait to be matched with a child took a loooooong time. Actually, it took two years, from starting the application process to being matched. One look at the tiny photo of our new daughter-to-be in China, and we knew she was the right one, though.
Aerin Mei was robustly healthy and being raised in a loving foster care environment. Her foster mother described her as "lively and unquiet", which certainly was, and is, true. Because of the strong emotional bonds she had formed in China, she was able to bond with us quickly, though not without a few tantrums and other challenges.
We were amazed at how she just fit into our family. And changed it. Our 16 year old son says it was boring before-Aerin. She comes up with so many off-the-wall things that we have collected her antics here.
Today, Aerin is loving Kindergarten, gymnastics, and having her big sister home from college for the Summer. She says she wants to be an artist when she grows up. Who knows?
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Being A Caregiver
My daily routine is bracketed by caring for my 20 year old son, Brennen, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Brennen is a sophomore at SJSU, majoring in Film/Television/Radio. He has used a power wheelchair for about 10 years, and has been completely non-ambulatory for 11 years. He has been using ventilation assistance for two years, first a Bi-Pap at night, and, recently, non-invasive (i.e. through a mask or mouthpiece, not a tracheostomy) ventilation continuously at night and on-demand during the day. Since DMD affects the diaphram, heart, and skeletal muscles, B has full feeling in his body, but his breathing, blood circulation, and strength are all impacted. Because this condition is progressive, the degree of assistance he requires has to be adjusted from time to time.
You have to imagine much of the routine below punctuated with very lively discussion about films, music, books, etc.
Here is a typical morning:
8:00 - Get Brennen up. This includes: physical therapy on legs, arms, and hands; strap on back brace; dress him; use Hoyer lift to get him into his chair; treat/prevent pressure sores on feet; put on support socks and foot splints.
8:45 - Feed B breakfast.
9:15 - Using ceiling lift, take Brennen to the bathroom.
9:30 - Get B back in chair, hook up external catheter.
9:40 - Brush B's teeth and wash his face.
9:50 - Done.
There are two evening routines: shower and non-shower. A typical shower evening:
8:30 - Feed B evening snack, brush and floss.
8:50 - Nebulizer and chest thumping.
9:15 - Bathroom (use ceiling lift) - "B's Quality Reading Time".
9:45 - Shower (ceiling lift and reclining shower chair).
10:30 - Put B in bed, physical therapy, fit mask for ventilation, bolster and position for comfort.
11:00 - Lights out.
For non-shower evenings, substitute sponge bath for shower. The routine is 1/2 hour shorter, so it generally starts at 9pm.
Brennen is a sophomore at SJSU, majoring in Film/Television/Radio. He has used a power wheelchair for about 10 years, and has been completely non-ambulatory for 11 years. He has been using ventilation assistance for two years, first a Bi-Pap at night, and, recently, non-invasive (i.e. through a mask or mouthpiece, not a tracheostomy) ventilation continuously at night and on-demand during the day. Since DMD affects the diaphram, heart, and skeletal muscles, B has full feeling in his body, but his breathing, blood circulation, and strength are all impacted. Because this condition is progressive, the degree of assistance he requires has to be adjusted from time to time.
You have to imagine much of the routine below punctuated with very lively discussion about films, music, books, etc.
Here is a typical morning:
8:00 - Get Brennen up. This includes: physical therapy on legs, arms, and hands; strap on back brace; dress him; use Hoyer lift to get him into his chair; treat/prevent pressure sores on feet; put on support socks and foot splints.
8:45 - Feed B breakfast.
9:15 - Using ceiling lift, take Brennen to the bathroom.
9:30 - Get B back in chair, hook up external catheter.
9:40 - Brush B's teeth and wash his face.
9:50 - Done.
There are two evening routines: shower and non-shower. A typical shower evening:
8:30 - Feed B evening snack, brush and floss.
8:50 - Nebulizer and chest thumping.
9:15 - Bathroom (use ceiling lift) - "B's Quality Reading Time".
9:45 - Shower (ceiling lift and reclining shower chair).
10:30 - Put B in bed, physical therapy, fit mask for ventilation, bolster and position for comfort.
11:00 - Lights out.
For non-shower evenings, substitute sponge bath for shower. The routine is 1/2 hour shorter, so it generally starts at 9pm.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Training For A Century
I read on-line how I should be training for a Century, but I can't do that. I spend 3 to 4 hours a day caring for my oldest, plus I work, plus I do spend some time with my wife and the other children, plus the rain in the Bay Area this year just won't stop. So here is a typical week:
Monday: 1 hr in gym
Tues: 1 hr in gym
Wed: 2 hour ride
Thurs: 1 hr in gym
Fri: 1 hr in gym
Sat: 3+ hour ride (Adding 10 or so miles each week)
Sun: Rest
The hour-long gym routines are 1/2 hour of aerobic activity (ellipticals, stairs, treadmill, or stationary bike), plus 20 minutes of weights and 10 minutes of stretching. Once a week (should be twice a week) the aerobic activity involves intervals.
I use a heart-rate monitor and shoot for 142 beats a minute for the aerobic activity, but actually do higher than that for the rides. Last Saturday I did a 3 hour ride to Uvas Canyon Park and back, and my average heart rate over the 3 hours was 145, including the downhill parts and the water/snack breaks. I like riding the road bike, because I can sustain a higher activity level than I could running. Long distance running hurts my ankles too much.
Last Wednesday I did the Metcalf short loop for the first time. That's a steep hill! My heart-rate was around 174 all the way up. I go from aerobic to anaerobic at around 165. At least, that is when I start panting.
Yesterday (yes, Monday, but it wasn't raining!) I did Bernal up to the County Park three times. I am not sure how much is improved technique, and how much is improved strength and condition, but climbing is improving.
I hope I am going to be ready for the I Care Classic Century next month.
Monday: 1 hr in gym
Tues: 1 hr in gym
Wed: 2 hour ride
Thurs: 1 hr in gym
Fri: 1 hr in gym
Sat: 3+ hour ride (Adding 10 or so miles each week)
Sun: Rest
The hour-long gym routines are 1/2 hour of aerobic activity (ellipticals, stairs, treadmill, or stationary bike), plus 20 minutes of weights and 10 minutes of stretching. Once a week (should be twice a week) the aerobic activity involves intervals.
I use a heart-rate monitor and shoot for 142 beats a minute for the aerobic activity, but actually do higher than that for the rides. Last Saturday I did a 3 hour ride to Uvas Canyon Park and back, and my average heart rate over the 3 hours was 145, including the downhill parts and the water/snack breaks. I like riding the road bike, because I can sustain a higher activity level than I could running. Long distance running hurts my ankles too much.
Last Wednesday I did the Metcalf short loop for the first time. That's a steep hill! My heart-rate was around 174 all the way up. I go from aerobic to anaerobic at around 165. At least, that is when I start panting.
Yesterday (yes, Monday, but it wasn't raining!) I did Bernal up to the County Park three times. I am not sure how much is improved technique, and how much is improved strength and condition, but climbing is improving.
I hope I am going to be ready for the I Care Classic Century next month.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Introduction
I have been keeping a blog of my younger daughter's antics for a while, and have found that I wanted a place to post my own ramblings.
Some interesting things have happened to me in the last few years:
1. Turned 40 (and 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45)
2. Adopted Wonderful, Loud, Smart, Wild Daughter From China
3. Lost 110 Pounds (Gained back 15, hopefully some of that being muscle)
4. Oldest Child Became An Adult With DMD (Currently a Sophomore at SJSU)
5. Second Child Graduated Valedictorian From High School (Let's just say that I didn't finish that high in my class)
6. Ran In My First 5K
7. Bought A Hybrid Bicycle, Then A Road Bike (Trek 1200)
Some exciting things are coming up:
1. May: 22nd Wedding Anniversary; Riding In My First Century
2. June: Third Child Graduating From High School (at 16)
3. July: Summer Vacation To Washington State
4. August: Taking Middle Two Children To BYU
These are some of the topic I will be writing about in future posts.
Some interesting things have happened to me in the last few years:
1. Turned 40 (and 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45)
2. Adopted Wonderful, Loud, Smart, Wild Daughter From China
3. Lost 110 Pounds (Gained back 15, hopefully some of that being muscle)
4. Oldest Child Became An Adult With DMD (Currently a Sophomore at SJSU)
5. Second Child Graduated Valedictorian From High School (Let's just say that I didn't finish that high in my class)
6. Ran In My First 5K
7. Bought A Hybrid Bicycle, Then A Road Bike (Trek 1200)
Some exciting things are coming up:
1. May: 22nd Wedding Anniversary; Riding In My First Century
2. June: Third Child Graduating From High School (at 16)
3. July: Summer Vacation To Washington State
4. August: Taking Middle Two Children To BYU
These are some of the topic I will be writing about in future posts.
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