MSers in Training 2015

[Veronica]

Thanks for the kick in the pants regarding checking in Teena Marie. I’ve been reading everyone’s post, but not updating anyone in a while. Well, I can happily report that BikeMS NYC was this past Sunday, and Low Rider beat the bus! Unlike last year with the little Greenspeed trike when the bus gobbled me up TWICE, I NEVER saw the flashing lights of the SAG team in my rear view this year. Now this is not to say that I was as fast our superstar Marina on my Catrike, but both Herb and some of my close friends said it was stunning to see the difference in my speed, cadence and just overall look of comfort. One thing that really helped me have the time I needed was that I took advantage of my Elite 200 status ( top fundraisers) to be in the group at the front of the pack. Big change for me since they line the teams up alphabetically, and we are “Vicious Cyclers”….usually starting at the end of about 4000 riders. It was actually very funny, because this year, I was the first out of the gate for the 30 milers…..felt alittle like Forest Gump! I really didn’t intend on that, but when they brought our group in, it just was how I could line up in the trike without dismounting. The first part of the ride is down the West Side Highway and under Battery Park and this part is nice and flat, so I could really fly along there. Then we all suffered the wind up the FDR. We had been on hurricane watch up until two days before the ride, and while it passed us ( thank you Joachin) we had some strong gusts blowing from the NE…the direction we were heading. At times I would look in the rear view and see flashing lights and curse a bit, but my buddies told me to cut it out….there were thousands still behind me, and those flashing lights were just a police car blocking the entrance to our route. A little PTSD from last year, maybe?? I pulled into the rest stop ahead of the bus……maybe not much, but ahead of it….. And then there was a comedy act of Herb/Sean/Larry all wanting to help me get up from the trike and wanting to escort me to the Porto Sans….. I can pack my cane now with the Catrike, which is helpful since after 18 miles my walking abilities are pretty poor. I needed the cane and an arm assist to get over to the lovely facilities and they were only 15 feet away. Herb pretty much stayed outside to catch me when I came out. Nice to have such caring guys around, although I think I yelled at them to let me get up on my own as I was perceiving them as hovering around me like I was gonna break.
We did the same as we did last year, and after the rest stop, headed on the route down Henry Hudson Parkway ( which we basically had to ourselves and it was just beautiful along the Hudson…) Then got off and rode the rest of the way on the Greenway which is the bike/walk trail there. This guaranteed that the pressure was off, and “no stickin’ bus” was gonna get me. My buddy Sean who takes photos and videos of everything he does, left us at 79th street Marina to go ahead and set up at the finish to record the moment. He also told the announcer to yell my name when we came in, and was trying to get a group of cheering MS Society young women to chant “ No Bus”…… Two blocks before we arrived, I made sure that Herb was right with me, as we have always finished these rides together, and we rolled in with four other of our team to what seemed to be more fitting for someone who had just completed 200 miles instead of barely 30. It was a real hoot……. I don’t think I can post a video here…too bad because it is just funny stuff. The photo below is from the start when we were waiting for the 50 and 100 milers to start. If you look WAY over to the right, you will see a cyclist standing in orange ( my friend Larry) and that little orange prone thing to the left of him is me…. When I get some other photos, I might post them.
So, I have to say THANK YOU Dave for starting the trike thoughts in my head, and Marina for telling your successes with the Catrike. I have not felt this invigorated to ride in about 15 years, and really plan to keep hitting the trail through at least the end of October. ( There is a trike group riding on Halloween up on the Dutchess Rail Trail…costumes optional….) I haven’t ridden with more than one other trikester so this ought to be ANOTHER hoot…… especially since I have heard that one guy dresses as Batman routinely when riding, hood, full atire and MUSIC…. Oh boy, the peer group I have joined…
Now, of course, I am not satisfied yet with my overall average speed, so I am gonna be training inside this winter and want to see how much it helps me . It would be nice to travel at a speed more like my bike riding friends, but I’m not taking anything away from myself with where I am now. I’m still riding, and loving it. I’m having fun..

Teena Marie, I was thrilled with your news of progress in balance..Yahoo for you! And I continue to marvel at you and your indoor pool...

Suebee, just keep doing the fight...sounds like you have a good PT there!

MSRunner, yup I am up in your neck of the woods...in fact I was waiting at the bike shop for your run to end in June before they allowed us on the trail. If you do it next year, let me know and I will come and cheer you on!

And kudos to everyone else, too. We are all rockin' it in our own ways, aren't we?

[teena marie]

Hi to all,

Thinking of everyone and hope all is well-it's been a little quiet. I do believe there have been some big events for many. How did it all go?

Outdoor swimming is over. I continued to September 29. Big temperature drop. Indoor pool in my living room is being set up as I write.

Intense physio continues, now 3 x per week, once a day. I'm back to work so it's a challenge fitting it all in. Last week, I experienced some nice improvement with standing balance where I was able to stand unassisted and wavered in a normal sense. I felt secure in my wavering and was able to keep finding my balance with weight shifting. My current focus is to strengthen my quads to balance the occasionally hyper-reactive hamstrings. I also do hand work and eye movements. I try to do something everyday, particularly sit to stand movements. As of tomorrow, I'll be swimming, which is always the best for me.

Take care all,

Teena Marie

[cl3me]

Busy summer!

Had a busy summer! Good news was no relapses so was able to put Lots of miles on the bike getting ready for local MS bike tour. Sadly the weather didn't cooperate for the weekend of the ride; day 1 was called off part way due to thunderstorm, day 2 canceled completely ugh how anticlimactic!

Also tried kayaking this summer and love it! Even bought myself a used touring kayak....was also trail riding with my horse, at least when the bugs weren't too bad, looking forward to fall trail riding with no bugs, cooler temps, and fall colours too.

Love reading everyone's stories

Cheers
Karen

[Suebee]

Hi TM, you go girl. It sounds like a really good rehab program. I am also doing rehab but not as intense. I was surprised to find it a little vindicating when the PT could observe how quickly I tire and the actual level of my weakness when she isolated my hip adductors and flexors. I can name my muscle nemesis now so I joke, Take that hip adductors, feel that stretch. And I'm amused by the way PT tests deficits and then is surprised (because I look so good you know) I had to walk a straight line with eyes closed and laughed when I opened my eyes with my PT laughing because I walked at 45 angle instead. I'm using stationary bike at home for now because walking hurts my hip adductors. I plan to incorporate swimming and walking as my endurance increases.
But I can't say enough how much all your posts and accomplishments push me forward to another day. Thank you for Sharing your stories. And thanks too to MSrunner26, for your shout out. Nice to know your cheering me on. Suebee

[teena marie]

Hi all,

I feel like I've been MIA for some time. Which is not to say that I don't read all the posts and send congratulatory vibes to everyone.

Marina, amazing!
MSrunner-go girl!
Everyone else-amazing work

I swim daily and have just completed my 3rd week of full time rehab. I work with 3 different therapists specialized in neurorehab. It's good. I call it boot camp. We work a lot on functional manoeuvers such as sit to stand, hand functions and joint mobilization. There are also 2 meditation/visualization sessions in a darkened room. Next week, I reduce my time at the clinic and will have to return to work. I will have exercises to do at home and will continue swimming. All in all, a very complete program and I am cautiously optimistic. I'll update in another little while.

Take care all,

Teena Marie

[AMFADVENTURES]

Congratulations Marina, 100 miles in 8 hours is respectable on two wheels, on three wheels it's an excellent time and considering it's your second century (on three wheels which I still can't believe) and your first with any kind of ascent, I gotta agree with Veronica, you're Superwoman! Nice job! Find yourself a favorite hill to climb and use it as a benchmark, you WILL see improvement. In fact, I'd wager it won't be long before you're looking for a longer, steeper hill.

Regrettably I dropped my Strava account in favor of Garmin Connect but I also invite any active MSers out there to connect with me there. That should be possible for Garmin Connect members through one of my rides like this one: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/834457452

MSrunner, talk about WOW, that's quite a run schedule you've got there, good luck, looks like you're going to be busy. You asked what else people are doing, well, I try to do something every day, yoga twice a week, ride 3 to 4 times each week, weights and core work at least once a week but try for twice, and take the stairs whenever I get a chance. Aside from the riding, I find the weights add a lot to my general physical well being or at least the feeling of it.

Nice work everyone,
Larry

[Marinadca]

Thank you Veronica! It made the super flat BikeMS 150 and upcoming Seagull Century (also flat) look much easier!

I have to drive about 2 hours away for flat rides so I need to learn to deal with hill. I am glad to see that while slow I can.

[Veronica]

Superwoman Marina! Send me a photo of your face and I'll have it tatooed on my arm!! (Kidding, of course...) Outstanding ride.....SOOOO impressed. So you AVERAGED 12.5 miles on a century with that type of climbing???? Seriously, you have given me such hope of improving even more so on the trike.... You've got to be beaming with happiness and pride. Congratulations!!

[Marinadca]

Sorry for being MIA for awhile but I have been reading (though not posting) about all of the awesome things you are all up to. You all amaze me

As for me, my ride was on Monday and I did it. 100 miles and almost 3500 of elevation in my trike. My average speed took a dive towards the end and it wasn't fast and it was not pretty, I wanted to give up many times but I kept going and I did it. Here is the ride from Strava : https://www.strava.com/activities/387361276 any of you using Strava, I would love to connect.

[MSRunner26]

Sorry I have been away. There is just not enough hours in the day for everything we need to do and stay fit! The season of summer has come and gone. Thankfully we only had a few weeks of really bad heat here that interfered with my running.

I have taken a step back in training for the summer in order to enjoy it, but summer came and went. Last week was the re-start for my fall races. I did find a local running coach that is working with me. She is not familiar with MS but something for me is better than nothing. The monster has really not appeared as long as I listen to my body and watch the outdoor temps. I do feel the yoga and PiYo has really helped keep it at bay too. Has anyone else found a combination that works for them?

This September I am doing two 5K’s, a 10miler race, then in October it’s the Hartford CT Half and November id the Disney Half. I am hoping with all the training I will not have a bad Fall season and symptoms as I have had in the past. So happy to be kicking this things butt!

Mouse I did not end up getting a cooling vest. I looked at them and was not thrilled about it. Instead I purchased a mission cooling wrap from that has been awesome for me. I use it for anything over 60. It really does help keep my core cool.
Ellie awesome to hear about your bike ms and marathon! You are an inspiration too! I have a friend training for the MC Marathon also. It’s been hard here for non-ms’ers and the heat. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Have you tried just going out on a run to run, relax, not train? No watch, just you? I find that helps me when I lose my way. Get back to the second reason I started running. (The first was to learn to walk again) I have the same issues with direct sun running. Cloudy and 60 is a perfect day! We are strong and determined. We always get back on track, it’s what makes us unique!
Veronica it sounds like you come up to my area for your longer rides. I live right in the area of the HV Rail Trail. I ran the Walkway Half this past June.
Teena marie are you settled in better at your new place? How are the ocean swims going now. The water temps must feel good with the NE heat.
Suebee how is your recovery going? Are you able to get more activities in?
Larry I think all I can say is WOW! I biked 16 miles with the girls from one of my running groups and the next day I thought I would collapse. I had to take two days off before I could do my LSR.
Dave hope you are also settling in to ABQ.
Colleen Welcome for a fellow newbie. I was diagnosed in 2006. I have done two halfs so far and a handful of 5K’s. I will be running my first Disney race in November, the Wine and Dine Half. How is the course out there? I am told mainly flat. I am running for a local charity that provides meals for cancer families. I am running for those that can’t and very grateful that I can. I remember being first diagnosed and barley able to walk. Every day I can is a good day!

All in all, I am so impressed by all the cyclists stories I have read. I wish I could enjoy it that much. I hate my seat! I will try and check in more often and let you know how the training goes. I am trying for a 2:30 half so coach has me doing intervals. Last night was the first one which equaled no PiYo this morning.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Made my day

Went for a little climb this morning, one of our regular hills, about 5 miles and 1500 ft. of ascent. There are also hiking trails on this mountain which cross the road at various points. As I was climbing, I came across two young women, maybe 18 or 20, coming up a trail aproaching one of the crossings. By way of warning I said good morning to which they turned and responded with their own "good morning". As I rode past one of them simply said "You're awsome!" Talk about make an old guys day, WOW!

Beth, yes, 3 grandkids without a parent for the entire summer borders on grand-parental abuse. Anything exciting happen at Pedal Los Pueblos?

[milesandtrials]

Larry, we will miss you this weekend! I would love to do Tour de Tucson (my dad lives there so it would be easy to do), however, we can't fit it into the schedule this year. We will be in Tempe the weekend before to volunteer at Ironman Arizona so we can register to do the race in 2016. Surprisingly the 105 degree heat in Coeur d'Alene did not scare me away from future Ironmans! Hopefully Arizona in November of 2016 will be nice and cool compared to what I battled in Coeur d'Alene.
I am also looking at possibly doing the Boulder half Ironman in June next summer. I'll keep you posted, maybe you could cheer me on again!
By the way, grandkids for an entire summer sounds like a big workout to me.
Stay healthy,
Beth

[AMFADVENTURES]

Hey Beth, regrets, Pedal Los Pueblos wasn't in the cards this year, sorry we'll miss you - and everyone else. However if you might be interested in the Tour de Tucson, we'd love to catch up with you there.

Also, congrats on your Coeur d'Alene finish, I can't begin to imagine what it must have taken to beat the heat that day.

We had grandkids for the entire summer so, although I was able to keep up with most of my cycling, I wasn't able to get to the gym at all. It made a noticeable difference in my muscular fatigue level on the bike, especially after the first 30 or 40 miles. I have only just gotten back into my pre-summer routines, yoga, core, weights and stairs and can already feel the difference. None too soon either since the Tour de Tucson is looming.

Love hearing everybody's updates. Dave, moving house should count for at least a years worth of exercise. It's truly a shame it doesn't work that way. Veronica, I have nightmares when I discover trees have fallen across the path I was just on.

Hope you're all doing well out there,
Larry

[milesandtrials]

Just wanted to pop in for a quick second, mostly to check and ask AMF if he will be riding this weekend at the New Mexico MS 150? I hope to see you out there!

Hello to Colleen, I think it's great that you are walking half marathons and a 50 miler! Impressive.

Ellie, good luck in your training for Marine Corp, I've always wanted to do that marathon. Hopefully someday! And for what it's worth, I have a hard time handling direct sun too. It can be overcast and hot and I can deal with exercising in that much easier than when the sun is hitting me. Very annoying.

[Ellie]

Well I don't post very often but I try to get back ever week or so. I have been staying active. I am training for Marine Corps Marathon.
I have been struggling with my weekly runs but am still getting my long runs in. I am supposed to run 16 mile this weekend. I am also training for Nations Tri. The month of August has been a struggle be me. I don't know I just lost motivation. I did just past my first year of living with MS. I am not sure that it factors in at all with my lack of motivation. Last Sunday as a part of my training I ran a 20K race. It was rather warm but mostly shaded. (I find that direct sun zaps my energy quickly) I had to walk more that I liked but I crossed the finish line.
My motto is: MS Sucks I Don't Have To!