Tex's Luavull Cycling
Monday, May 05, 2008
Best Ride
It didn't set any records for distance, but I had the best kind of ride yesterday, a little 2.5 jaunt out in the perfect weather w/ 'L' (el segundo). I've been away alot of late and I'm catching up on some dad time. L had a soccer game first. When we got home, I stated "I'm going for a ride!" and he jumped in whether he could go. Yes, I was thinking of a 15-20 miler, but I surely couldn't say no. We had a nice time until he had to go to the bathroom, cutting short of expedition. The 75F/blue sky provided a glorious backdrop for what I'll label the best kind of ride of all.
¶ 06:28 1 Comments
Friday, May 02, 2008
"Score one..."
This is a must-read. I only wish I were so competent while on the road.
Labels: Cycling
¶ 22:15 0 Comments
"Most Improved"
The 'Ville got some props from that venerable rag of mediocrity Bicycling in a recent issue. To be fair, it's a nice article. It highlights efforts to make Louisville more bike-able. Linked are some local on and off-road rides, a few I've taken and others I might have to try this summer.
Tennis is getting closer to its dreaded end. Joy and anticipation mount.
On a health note, I did a sleep study last night, which meant sleeping in what looked like a hotel room, but at the same time connected to 150 (seemingly) different wires. Results...No sleep apena last night. That's a good thing b/c that's one less trigger for the Afib. 'Course, with no apnea what becomes of the wine possibility? Yikes.
Tennis is getting closer to its dreaded end. Joy and anticipation mount.
On a health note, I did a sleep study last night, which meant sleeping in what looked like a hotel room, but at the same time connected to 150 (seemingly) different wires. Results...No sleep apena last night. That's a good thing b/c that's one less trigger for the Afib. 'Course, with no apnea what becomes of the wine possibility? Yikes.
Labels: 'Ville, Cycling, Health
¶ 08:26 0 Comments
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
must...stop...tennis
i'm in the thick of my world unfortunately being dominated by high school tennis. this is the best chance we've had to win a state title and i've let that goal dominate my life this spring. i haven't ridden in forever and haven't done much of anything else either except go to the boys' soccer games when i can.
the last 2 mornings i've chosen to get out and take a kind of meditative walk, maybe 1 mile+ or so, just to get the blood moving. it's been very refreshing and it's a bit easier to do than get the bike out and all that. one day this silliness will all end and i'll redevelop a normal bike-centered routine.
on the health front, i'm alive. my meds seem to have calmed my ticker. i had my first booze, 2 beers, on Sunday in what seems like 2 months, which for me is a record. this Thursday i go for a sleep study overnight. we'll see whether the sleep apnea thing is legit; they've found a correlation between afib and that condition. a 'darth vadar mask' might be on the horizon for me. if it helps, i'll take it. don't know if the good wife wants that kind of noise in the bedroom, but it will work out.
i'm not practicing anything of late, mindfulness, meditation, good diet, healthy regimen, kindness. i'm just stressed and grumpy. it's a pretty dumb way to live life. but there is always tomorrow, right?
peace to everyone.
the last 2 mornings i've chosen to get out and take a kind of meditative walk, maybe 1 mile+ or so, just to get the blood moving. it's been very refreshing and it's a bit easier to do than get the bike out and all that. one day this silliness will all end and i'll redevelop a normal bike-centered routine.
on the health front, i'm alive. my meds seem to have calmed my ticker. i had my first booze, 2 beers, on Sunday in what seems like 2 months, which for me is a record. this Thursday i go for a sleep study overnight. we'll see whether the sleep apnea thing is legit; they've found a correlation between afib and that condition. a 'darth vadar mask' might be on the horizon for me. if it helps, i'll take it. don't know if the good wife wants that kind of noise in the bedroom, but it will work out.
i'm not practicing anything of late, mindfulness, meditation, good diet, healthy regimen, kindness. i'm just stressed and grumpy. it's a pretty dumb way to live life. but there is always tomorrow, right?
peace to everyone.
Labels: Thoughts
¶ 06:26 1 Comments
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Am I a cyclist?
Date: April 13 Sunat
Mileage: 18 (LHT)
April mileage: 18
Year to date: 460
Wow! A little shocking! I entered the mileage from today's ride into my Excel program and found that I had done 1 11-mile ride in March and this was the first in April. The March ride was an epic- albeit short- one in a near Blizzard. Thusly, today's ride was the first standard road ride or commute since February. In looking at some previous entries I found that the recurrence of the Afib happened in early March, so since then it's been various shades of disorder, doctors, and a fair amount of tennis responsibility. To honor today's Paris-Roubaix, I took on the elements here at home, 40F and raining, choosing the LHT for its fenders and existing dirt. Having not ridden in forever, I took things very slowly and casually. I even walked one time up a not-so-big hill; I just felt the need to. Really they were somewhat bizarre conditions to take a ride in after experiencing 60s and 70s in Hilton Head. Oh, I went there last week on a tennis trip. Why? Well, we have a good team and I'm trying to give it the ol' college effort. I can't help, though, wanting more free time for my own health and well-being.
Today's ride was nice, though. I took in St. Matthews and the parks. I almost ventured towards the river but found I lacked the energy. I'm experiencing a little dizziness, which is listed as a side-effect on my med. Is there a correlation? Don't know. I also have to have a follow-up for potential sleep apnea. The first consult is Wednesday. Apparently (I'm asleep, of course) I snore and with my "chunky" body type I'm a candidate. I just figured you slept less well with age. Now I'm off the wine and caffeine, so the sleep apnea and ensuing oxygen loss may be the next culprit for the Afib. Who knows, but life is going one. I ain't done yet. ¶ 13:36 2 Comments
Mileage: 18 (LHT)
April mileage: 18
Year to date: 460
Wow! A little shocking! I entered the mileage from today's ride into my Excel program and found that I had done 1 11-mile ride in March and this was the first in April. The March ride was an epic- albeit short- one in a near Blizzard. Thusly, today's ride was the first standard road ride or commute since February. In looking at some previous entries I found that the recurrence of the Afib happened in early March, so since then it's been various shades of disorder, doctors, and a fair amount of tennis responsibility. To honor today's Paris-Roubaix, I took on the elements here at home, 40F and raining, choosing the LHT for its fenders and existing dirt. Having not ridden in forever, I took things very slowly and casually. I even walked one time up a not-so-big hill; I just felt the need to. Really they were somewhat bizarre conditions to take a ride in after experiencing 60s and 70s in Hilton Head. Oh, I went there last week on a tennis trip. Why? Well, we have a good team and I'm trying to give it the ol' college effort. I can't help, though, wanting more free time for my own health and well-being.
Today's ride was nice, though. I took in St. Matthews and the parks. I almost ventured towards the river but found I lacked the energy. I'm experiencing a little dizziness, which is listed as a side-effect on my med. Is there a correlation? Don't know. I also have to have a follow-up for potential sleep apnea. The first consult is Wednesday. Apparently (I'm asleep, of course) I snore and with my "chunky" body type I'm a candidate. I just figured you slept less well with age. Now I'm off the wine and caffeine, so the sleep apnea and ensuing oxygen loss may be the next culprit for the Afib. Who knows, but life is going one. I ain't done yet. ¶ 13:36 2 Comments
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Yet Again
and yet again i had another episode of afib, something that probably shouldn't happen with my meds. i'm pretty discouraged. I have an appointment with a specialist Wednesday, and needless-to-say i was less than satisfied having a random episode and subsequent emergency room trip only a few days before. very unsatisfying. i'm sort of at a loss and i'm only starting the process.
Following:
This can be due to:
* High blood pressure
* Coronary artery disease-a condition in which the normal blood flow to the heart is changed because of blockages in arteries
* Heart failure—a condition in which the heart’s main pumping chambers (the ventricles) don’t work well, and this can lead to problems with the atria
* Valvular heart disease—damage to a valve can cause the atria to enlarge and lead to Afib
* Lung diseases-some people with chronic lung diseases have changes in the structure of the atria that leads to Afib
* Thyroid problems—an overactive thyroid gland can lead to Afib
* Excessive alcohol intake—People who drink alcohol often, in large quantities, or who have drinking binges may get Afib.
So far in life I don't seem to have these, unless it's a new problem. I don't think it's booze or caffeine, as I'm been off full caffeine since fall and my alcohol intake isn't more than 1-2 a day (glasses that is).
Don't know. i'm not positive although i should be, right? keep the upper chin? instead, i'm tired and run down and in dread of going to the ER again. hopefully wednesday can shed some light.
Following:
This can be due to:
* High blood pressure
* Coronary artery disease-a condition in which the normal blood flow to the heart is changed because of blockages in arteries
* Heart failure—a condition in which the heart’s main pumping chambers (the ventricles) don’t work well, and this can lead to problems with the atria
* Valvular heart disease—damage to a valve can cause the atria to enlarge and lead to Afib
* Lung diseases-some people with chronic lung diseases have changes in the structure of the atria that leads to Afib
* Thyroid problems—an overactive thyroid gland can lead to Afib
* Excessive alcohol intake—People who drink alcohol often, in large quantities, or who have drinking binges may get Afib.
So far in life I don't seem to have these, unless it's a new problem. I don't think it's booze or caffeine, as I'm been off full caffeine since fall and my alcohol intake isn't more than 1-2 a day (glasses that is).
Don't know. i'm not positive although i should be, right? keep the upper chin? instead, i'm tired and run down and in dread of going to the ER again. hopefully wednesday can shed some light.
Labels: Health
¶ 19:08 7 Comments
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Lots of Surlys
I want to be with this crew. Surlys, wool, beards, grime, gravel, nary a stitch of lycra in sight. Damn, I'm moving. Hope the wife doesn't mind. Here's the link to more. ¶ 19:20 1 Comments
I want to be with this crew. Surlys, wool, beards, grime, gravel, nary a stitch of lycra in sight. Damn, I'm moving. Hope the wife doesn't mind. Here's the link to more. ¶ 19:20 1 Comments
I'm not surprised!
94%DRUNKARD
Thanks, Sconny, for the opportunity of showing what I already knew. Only 2 2nd clues. Not bad.
Thanks, Sconny, for the opportunity of showing what I already knew. Only 2 2nd clues. Not bad.
Labels: blogs
¶ 19:18 2 Comments
I hate Duke
And I'm glad they lost!! I hate UNC a little more, but I derive significant, if not fleeting, pleasure from watching those pampered, crybaby Dukies go down. I've wasted a bit of time looking at how underachieving the Dukies have been in recent times. This is a good example of how undeserved they were in getting a #2 seed. If the NCAA, and the nation, generally hate the 'Cats, they have wet panties for the Dukies and the 'Heels. Following is their performance over the last 10 years in the tournament:
08 #2 l. #7 WVU 2nd round
07 #6 l. #11 VCU 1st round
06 #1 l. #4 LSU Sweet 16
05 #1 l. #5 MSU Sweet 16
04 #1 l. #2 Conn. Final Four
03 #3 l. #2 Kansas Sweet 16
02 #1 l. #5 Indiana Sweet 16
01 #1 Nat'l Chmp
00 #1 l. #5 Florida Sweet 16
99 #1 l. Conn. Nat'l Runner-up
'96-'98 was the magnanimous run of the Pitino/Tubby 'Cats who had 2 titles and a 3rd final. As you may notice, Duke has, in the last 10 years, had a Championship, a Runner-up, and a Final Four. All these performances are better than Tubby could muster in that time, Orlando being a coach who did not get past the Elite 8 in those years. Notice, though, that if you take the remaining 7 years, the Dukies were defeated by lower-seeded teams 6 times. Does that sound like seed inflation to you? Are the vaunted Devils more hyped than deserved? The last 2 years have been particularly abysmal, but look at the run of those underperforming, dare I say "choke artists", #1 Seeds from a couple years ago. My, I don't see many Elite 8s in that list even. Don't believe the hype. The Dukies are in decline. Their team is filled with small white guys who can't handle the greater amount of parity in the modern game. Inflated.
On a very different note, let's give the Hilltoppers some love for their amazing win over #5 Drake the other night. Often times forgotten in the land of the 'Cats, 'Cards, and Hoosiers, WKU has a long tradition of basketball excellence. They sandwiched between Big Ten stalwarts Purdue and Illinois at #16 on the all time wins list (through '04, crappy NCAA). My very good friend the Luv Dug (occasional commenter here) is a prof there (and well as is his lovely wife). I personally am super happy to see such a result and it's quite possible that they can get into the Sweet 16. Go Red!
¶ 18:42 1 Comments
08 #2 l. #7 WVU 2nd round
07 #6 l. #11 VCU 1st round
06 #1 l. #4 LSU Sweet 16
05 #1 l. #5 MSU Sweet 16
04 #1 l. #2 Conn. Final Four
03 #3 l. #2 Kansas Sweet 16
02 #1 l. #5 Indiana Sweet 16
01 #1 Nat'l Chmp
00 #1 l. #5 Florida Sweet 16
99 #1 l. Conn. Nat'l Runner-up
'96-'98 was the magnanimous run of the Pitino/Tubby 'Cats who had 2 titles and a 3rd final. As you may notice, Duke has, in the last 10 years, had a Championship, a Runner-up, and a Final Four. All these performances are better than Tubby could muster in that time, Orlando being a coach who did not get past the Elite 8 in those years. Notice, though, that if you take the remaining 7 years, the Dukies were defeated by lower-seeded teams 6 times. Does that sound like seed inflation to you? Are the vaunted Devils more hyped than deserved? The last 2 years have been particularly abysmal, but look at the run of those underperforming, dare I say "choke artists", #1 Seeds from a couple years ago. My, I don't see many Elite 8s in that list even. Don't believe the hype. The Dukies are in decline. Their team is filled with small white guys who can't handle the greater amount of parity in the modern game. Inflated.
On a very different note, let's give the Hilltoppers some love for their amazing win over #5 Drake the other night. Often times forgotten in the land of the 'Cats, 'Cards, and Hoosiers, WKU has a long tradition of basketball excellence. They sandwiched between Big Ten stalwarts Purdue and Illinois at #16 on the all time wins list (through '04, crappy NCAA). My very good friend the Luv Dug (occasional commenter here) is a prof there (and well as is his lovely wife). I personally am super happy to see such a result and it's quite possible that they can get into the Sweet 16. Go Red!
¶ 18:42 1 Comments
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Cross-Kentucky
While I find myself looking at the rain and wondering about my iffy health (I got an appt for 4/2 today.), by happenstance I found the cross-country journal of Jeff Lee. Actually, to clarify I found mention of Jeff on the blog dedicated to my wife's hometown. He has some excellent mid-summer Kentucky pics (since disappeared from this version. The Html is still there). Vicarious living is empty, but damn it makes me want to hit the road more than ever, more than tennis, more than home renovation, certainly more than work or heart arrhythmia.
This is (was) indicative of much of the terrain of central KY- rolling, fields and forests, lots of sky when it's not too sticky. (I've now inserted a pic from my Shakertown ride)- Lots of small farms and "ranchettes". Don't you think everybody thinks their terrain is the best? Maybe I'll get off my fat ass and getting my arrhythmic ticker going this summer when the dread tennis is over. What a waste of time.
¶ 18:45 1 Comments
While I find myself looking at the rain and wondering about my iffy health (I got an appt for 4/2 today.), by happenstance I found the cross-country journal of Jeff Lee. Actually, to clarify I found mention of Jeff on the blog dedicated to my wife's hometown. He has some excellent mid-summer Kentucky pics (since disappeared from this version. The Html is still there). Vicarious living is empty, but damn it makes me want to hit the road more than ever, more than tennis, more than home renovation, certainly more than work or heart arrhythmia.
This is (was) indicative of much of the terrain of central KY- rolling, fields and forests, lots of sky when it's not too sticky. (I've now inserted a pic from my Shakertown ride)- Lots of small farms and "ranchettes". Don't you think everybody thinks their terrain is the best? Maybe I'll get off my fat ass and getting my arrhythmic ticker going this summer when the dread tennis is over. What a waste of time.
¶ 18:45 1 Comments
