Rode 9 miles, one hour nonstop--new PR

[ActiveMSers]

So I was looking back at my 2012 goals and one of them was to ride my stationary bike for a full hour nonstop using only my legs. I had peaked at 40 minutes earlier in the year and decided to shelve that goal after that ride hosed my legs for a couple days. Well, yesterday I was curious to see how they'd do and went for a full hour nonstop (actually 62 minutes) and put in a full 9 miles on my exercise cycle, burning an estimated 300 calories.

I averaged 11 mph or so for the first 30 minutes and gradually slowed down to 8 mph for the last 10. I just could not go faster. Yeah, I hosed my legs! But today they are feeling okay, albeit a bit tired.

After this success, I think it may be time to invest in a trike. I'll just need to make sure I can lash on my forearm crutches so I can move once I finish touring around. Yesterday it took all of my strength to walk--and that was using my rarely-used walker--right after the ride. Whoops. Let's just say that going out to dinner with friends that night was a bit more challenging than it usually is... but I made it, ha.

[sulgrifjewls]

Awesome Dave!
Anyone who can ride 62 minutes on a stationary bike is doing well. Pedaling nowhere is very hard to do. I went to my first spin class in 3 weeks and lasted about 42 minutes. Then came home and had to lay down didn't eat dinner that night. ( ok I was getting over the flu) but for me to miss a meal is a big deal.
Keep up the good work.
Jill

[ActiveMSers]

Thanks Jill. I've done spin more than a few times and if I were to go now I wouldn't last 20 minutes (heck, probably not even 10!), so 42 minutes is pretty darn solid.

As for the legs, they held up great and I didn't even have to take a break from my regular exercise routine. Yesterday arms and today I did legs at the gym. And then a couple hours later did the dishes, cooked a soup (black/pinto bean with green chile), and cleaned up afterward ... all w/o aid (about another hour standing). I definitely needed my cane at the end; my legs are mucho tired now!

Gulp, and I'm off for a party in less than an hour and still have to shower. Gotta run! Er, hobble....

[AMFADVENTURES]

Congrats on the new PR Dave, new PR's, when you can get them, are always motivational.

I like the idea of carrying a walking aid on the three wheeler too, got me to thinking along the lines of a collapsible hiking stick for the bike, just need to figure out how to mount it.

Larry

[penkalet]

Bravo Dave!!

I am very happy for you and I know that you are going to built on that.

Happy New Year.

Alain

[LivWell]

I think one of the things that concerns me most with having MS is not being able to get in a good quality aerobic workout. Sometimes fatigue or heavy legs limit how much I can exercise, but I believe a short workout is better than none at all. Even Yoga can get your heart rate up.

I haven't ridden my bike outside since my diagnosis. But, my Trek does double duty as a stationary bike on a wind trainer in my living room.

I'm working up to being able to sustain an hour-long spin and when I do go back out on the bike trail I think I'll bring along a cane. I've got a collapsible "mini" that I could probably lash to the frame with some velcro strips I have. I'd never thought of bringing it before - thanks for the idea Dave!

[ActiveMSers]

Thanks guys for the support. And LivWell, I'm working on a video series to do cardio sitting down. I've got a number of good tricks that have really helped me.

As for attaching a walking aid, a collapsible cane may be small enough to be slotted in a water bottle cage with only minor modifications (if any--just put it into a water bottle with no top). I usually use a single cane to get around, but that may not be enough support after a hard ride. I'll experiment at home.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Found the absolute best walking aid to take with me on my rides. Had lunch with the HBC (Hot Blond Chick) who I did most of my riding with last year. We’ll be doing a couple of rides and a lot of our training together again this year. She’s not a blond anymore, she’s a brunette now, and unbelievably, even hotter. IMHO, if you can find one, an HBC (Blond or Brunette) is the best walk aid in the world.

[LivWell]

I guess no worries about attaching anything to the bike then...

I wonder if there is a HBD (HotBrunetteDude) version? I'll have to give this some consideration.

[AMFADVENTURES]

I guess no worries about attaching anything to the bike then...

I wonder if there is a HBD (HotBrunetteDude) version? I'll have to give this some consideration.

From a motivational standpoint alone, you won't regret it (blond, brunette, brown, black or even bald). And besides, it's just more fun with a friend.

AMF