Saturday, December 19, 2009

Wonderful ride...and a lesson

I know I haven't blogged in a while, honestly I don't have much time and even if I did I doubt many people would want to hear what I have to say. Nothing's really changed with this post but I thought maybe I'd put something out there anyway.

Went for an absolutely beautiful ride this afternoon. Cool, 22 at ride time with about a 7-10mph wind but just had to get some time outside. This morning when it looked like the weather would shape up I sent a message to @duane_b and conned him into coming along. We left my place around 1:30 or so and headed out on gravel with the mountain bikes. The earlier frost had put an amazing covering on the trees that made everything look like it was fresh and cold...really quite cool. Due to my exuberance and Duane's lack of recent riding we headed back at about the 1:30 mark to drop him off. Then I headed out for a little more.

Now for some pics...









See, pretty cool stuff. Now, if you've made it this far you probably are wondering about the "lesson".

Let's start with a little background and theory first. In case you don't know I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic in October of 2008. Now, I have it pretty good...no, really good. I'm not on insulin, I can eat most anything I want as long as I watch the frequency and the portions of it and with those things alone I can keep pretty well in check. That is until I start to exercise, I won't lie I've had some learning curves on keeping my BS (Blood Sugar) in check while riding, especially long distances. Your body metabolizes food and more importantly sugars differently when you're exercising, and then differently again when you're racing than when you're sitting around. So basically I need to know how to eat both on and off the bike as well as high intensity workouts or races. During the course of the last year I got it figured out. There were rare occassions that I had problems but for the most part I nailed it. It did take time to figure it out but I got it down to what to eat when.

Lately I haven't been riding as much as what I should be...and it's cold. I had read that the cold affects your metabolism differently than it does when it's warm out, basically because your body burns more fat to keep you warm. This time last year I was still experimenting with what foods and when during a ride and I was keeping a VERY close eye on my BS by testing frequently. Once I got things figured out and could almost nail my number by guessing I cut way back on testing. Anyway, because I was still figuring things out last year when it was cold out I never really knew what the cold was affecting and what the normal course of trial and error was affecting.

So, back to the lesson. When we rode back to the house and dropped off Duane I was down about a half a bottle of Cytomax (highly recommended for cyclists, I use it because I know how much to take during a ride to keep my BS where I want it) I had another bottle and the half that I'd started along with 3 Granola bars with Protein (protein is good for those who are wondering). The last swig I took from my bottle I noticed that it was getting a little "slushy" but it wasn't bad. I threw my spare bottle on my back instead of the cages hoping that it would keep it from freezing. Then I headed back out.

My first mistake was that after 1:30 on the bike I should have been down a solid bottle plus a little but since it's cold out you forget to drink but I really didn't think much of it. Thirty minutes or so later I went to get a drink and the bottle was frozen solid, as in couldn't even get the cap open...not good, I guess it got colder. No problem I have a spare bottle on my back. Pulled it out and it was seriously slushy itself. No biggie I've still got 2 bars and I 'm not going to be out that long. So I kept going...and going...and going. My second mistake was that I kinda hit one of those "zones" that you do sometimes. About 45 minutes later I realize that my climbing isn't where it should be and the legs are getting fatigued. About that time I realize that my other bottle is frozen solid too...not good, that's my fast sugar. I pop my last 2 bars hoping to get something out of them and headed back quick. Well, being on gravel, and we'll say a fair ways from home I started zig-zagging back. Unfortunately I was on a rode that every single east/west road was minimum maintenaince. I LOVE minimum maintenaince roads, but these hadn't been cleared...actually they didn't even have tracks through them. So I turned down a few that looked good only to be confronted a quarter mile later with drifts to my chest. After having to turn around 3 times I finally made it to an actual paved road and high tailed it back.

It was just before I hit the pavement that I realized things just weren't right. It started out with tingling fingers and toes, thinking it was the cold I kept going. Then slowly I started to realize that things were blurry, then they went really blurry. I've been low before so I knew the starting signs but I ignored them and put a little more in the legs. About 7 miles from home I'd finally had it...called the wife and just tried to stay upright. By the time she got to me I was in bad shape, the shakes, blurred vision, slurred speech...the works. After getting home and getting some much needed food in the system I felt better. All of my testers were in the car and too cold to work. But as I type this almost 3 hours later, after food and then supper, I still only test at 76. Normal range is supposed to be 90-100. I know I've never been that bad off before and I wish I could have seen my number I if I had to guess I was under 60.

So, going forward here is the deal. First of all I need to figure out some way to keep water bottles from freezing. Temp wise I was fine (Embroication is amazing by the way, thanks Vaughn), legs were good everything right in line other than the BS. Secondly I need to carry another method of quick sugar into the system. If any of my "loyal" okay bored readers out there know what I should do please let me know.

Well, that's it. That's my saga I guess. Not nearly as bad as those TeamType1 guys have it that's for sure. But I do believe that there are plenty of Type 2 people out there that have to have the same issue.

Thanks for listening to the ramblings.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Surgery II

The second surgery went pretty well. Doctor said that he was really glad that they decided to go back in. I guess that there was a lot of blood in there that would have increased recovery time quite a bit. They also inserted a drain tube to help any additional swelling or bleeding escape. After coming out of surgery I immediately felt better, no pressure was wonderful. However, because of the drain tube it meant at least another 24 hours in the hospital.

Fast forward 24 hours...feeling much better, pain is low, annoyance is high what else can you say. After being up and around on it a few times and no additional swelling or drainage it was decided that they would take out the tube and send me home. Note to self: when the nurse comes in to do something and doesn't tell you what they are going to do...watch out! I knew they were going to take the drain tube out, but they didn't tell me that there was about 10 inches of tube wound around through the joint...let's just say it wasn't a lot of fun to have pulled out, and it was better for everyone that I didn't know what to expect.

So, I'm home now. Straight leg brace for a week just because of the 3 inch incision on the inside and 2 inch incision on the outside of the knee. I'm feeling pretty good, not too painful or swollen right now. If I can just bide my time until next Thursday to get my stitches out I think recovery should be down hill. I really think I should loosen up fairly fast and by next week the pain and swelling should be really low. At least that's my own little world.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Surgery

Please note. Picture not for the faint of heart.

The original plan was to go in and take out a piece of what they thought was bone about the size of my thumb nail and then go fishing for a piece that I thought was floating around at the base of my knee cap. Also, there has been a large "flap" of something above the knee along the outside that had been annoying me for some time so I told him to check that out as well while he was there.

Doctor Walsh had anticipated making an incision for the piece on the knee cap but otherwise it was to be a scope.

Well, as you know I never go quietly.

The end result:
Karen said that when he came out to talk to her he mentioned that he had gone to put the scope in at the bottom of the knee and "hit something" so he went ahead and made an incision about 2 inches long on the medial side of the knee. After making the incision he found a piece of bone barely attached to the medial and lower portion of the knee cap. It was about 3 inches long and 1/4 wide with a few stubs sticking out along the way. After taking that out he also took off some calicified bone on the medial side of the joint as well, had he not he thought that I would still have tendons rubbing where they shouldn't.

He also looked for the floating piece but thinks that sensation was being caused by the piece that was still attached to the cap. He wasn't able to find any floaters.

Then, since I already had an incision he went ahead and looked at the flap on the quad itself. He made another incision above the knee and found that it was a wad of sutures and scar tissue from the quad repair that was done about 6 years ago now. He cut it out.

As if all of that wasn't enough, I had just changed clothes and was eating, getting ready to go and all of a sudden I had the same sensation I did when I tore my quad...LOTS of internal pressure and pain. After consulting the doctor it was decided to keep me overnight to make sure that the bleeding stopped, if it didn't they would go back in and put in a drain. They ended up taking me upstairs right away and giving me a shot of morphine laced with something really good.

This morning I woke up feeling pretty good. Then they got me up to walk and I immediately filled with blood and pain took over again. As I finish this up I am sitting in pre-op waiting for a drain plug to be put in, since they are putting me completely out again I get to count this as 9 surgeries on this knee. As always, fun stuff.

Well, its taken me all morning to write this. Time to go take a drug induced nap again.

Note: the attached picture was taken at dressing changing time this morning. I'll post the surgery pictures once I have them.

I don't have a solution, but I do admire the problem.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Who's on First - Modernized

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT


ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.


ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer.. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software...

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "W" if you don't start with some straight answers.... What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START"

Monday, May 4, 2009

Flying

So, I'm bored as were coming into approach into DFW today, thought I'd post this quick.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't fly much, it is more than some though, right Kid? And I kind of enjoy it. What gets me is that every flight is just a little different. There is always someone sitting by that really smells, or is way to loud or keeps knocking your arm off the arm rest. Those things are just part of the experience I guess, otherwise I get annoyed with them.

Then there are the scenes. I always do my best to get a window seat, those of you that know me well know that I must constantly have something to do. Well, sitting on a plane at 35,000 feet those options are limited. But, looking out the window gives my mind something any way.

This particular flight has been pretty rough. Clouds the whole way, so much so that you could hardly see the wing (I suppose its still there) then as we closer to Dallas things cleared a bit. Really quite amazing to see, watching the tops of the clouds and flying through the cotton is pretty cool. If you just concentrate on the white whisps against the bright blue backdrop its pretty relaxing.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Le Tour de Husker

This was the first year for Le Tour de Husker in Lincoln. It was put on by Matt Farnam and Chet Henry both of UNL. They did an awesome job by they way.

Saturday was a crit at the tractor test course on east campus. I went early with Jon Downey (head official for the weekend) so I got to watch all of the racing. By the time for our race the course had dried and it was really a perfect day for a race. Started out and I knew I wanted to sit near the front, the course was like a longer narrower High School track so I wanted to pick my line. It worked really well, KAOS tried a couple of things and I covered them all without much issue. Felt really good the whole race, watched all of the primes go just because I wanted to watch sprint lines. Coming into the last corner of the last lap I was sitting right where I wanted to and then "someone" not me but I may know who, lost their line and pushed everyone to the outside. That was it, couldn't make up the time in the sprint and finished 9th. Not too bad but was disappointed.

Next up was the TTT at Pioneers on Sunday morning. It was cold and windy and honestly I was spent from Saturday. We started off with 4 members. Joe Savoie, Devin Bethune, Johnathan and myself. Even during warm-up I knew that my legs were not feeling good at all and sure enough, right after the first downhill I knew it was going to be a long 20 minutes. After the first big climb I heard Johnathan yell that he was off...this wasn't good, I was going to fall not him. Anyway, knowing that we had to finish with 3 I just buried my head and went. I did a lot of yelling "back" to Devin and Joe that ended up hauling me around the course but we still ended up 3rd on the day. Oh, and to Joe and Devin...really sorry about that, I promise to do better next time.

The last leg of this whole weekend was another crit at Lincoln Southwest High School. Our race took off at 4:30. Warming up even the little incline felt like a monster hill so I didn't have high expectations on the day. At the gun teammate Duane Blair (who had done really well in the TTT but didn't race Saturday) took off. He's done that before and hasn't been able to hold it but I had the idea that if he got enough space he would today. Shortly after seeing him go KAOS rider Brandon Fenster bridged up to him and Johnathan and I sat the peloton. For some reason the only other team there (TBW) didn't give chase. Johnathan and I saw that and moved to the front to set the pace. I sat second wheel waiting to cover the TBW break that we both figured was coming but it didn't. About 25 laps to go or so I looked back and saw that we were down to only 6 or so riders in the "chase". At that point I knew that Duane was going to make it and we were racing for 3rd. In the end Trevor from LP took 3rd and I crossed 7th in the sprint. Considering the amount of work we did up from (did I say it was windy?) and the way I felt going into the race I was very pleased with myself. Considering that this wasn't an "A" race for me I think I'm doing well.

Other things of note: My wife was amazing this weekend, she had planned on staying home on Saturday because of Benjamin's soccer game. But because of the rain it got canceled so she drove down to watch the race on Saturday, then turned around and came back on Sunday. She's swell!! :)

Also, on the morning of February 28th Dulcy passed away. She'd been with us for just under 11 years and was around before the boys. It was really hard to lose her. But even harder was seeing the boys without anything to play with. That and Timothy, out of the blue would say "I miss Dulcy, I hove her". Just couldn't take it anymore. So a few weeks ago we started looking. Didn't want a choclate lab (James has one next door) and really didn't want another black one (that's what Dulce was) so we started looking for a yellow lab, ideally a yellow lab/golden retriever mix. Saturday night Karen looked in the Lincoln Journal Star and found one, I called Sunday morning and went and picked up Lexi between races. She should be a good dog and the boys are already spoiling her. Life has to stay interesting.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Norfolk to Clay Center

Friday April 10th at 11:30 am I left home in Norfolk and rode the 136.64 miles to my parents in Clay Center. Why seems to be the predominate question so I'll answer that first...because I'd always wanted to. I've ridden bike now for 5 years and had just never done it...now I have. So, how did it go? Well let's see, I started out WAY too fast averaging almost 23 for the first 80 miles...they were the easy ones, really not much effort, or so I thought. Then at about mile 100 (avg of 21.7) I really started feeling it, then the hammer hit. WOW! Mile 105 to 136.68 was nothing short of torturous. Really no other way to explain it. Johnathan came out and met me 17 miles from the finish and I can honestly tell you that I'd never been so glad to see him before. Rolled into the parents driveway in 6:38. Average speed ended up at 20.56. Not too bad if you ask me. Here is a link to the route.