On Schedule, and Flying Solo

Today I start week 10 of the Metric-Century Ride training. half way through the ride my phone was dead. My feet were dying by the time I got to 43.25 miles, and that is where Don found me (he was worried). I hope this week's ride is better. With no interruptions, I will take my ride from Glassboro to Cape May on 10/6, which is Breast Cancer Awareness (PINK E-Go). Anyone want to join me?

In other news:

I discontinued my Weight Watcher account today. 

 I am not giving up, I am going to continue with the principles I have learned over the past +8 years of being on the program. I have the tools I need to continue, even a food-log through MapMyRide.com. I just have other things I need the $$$$ for at this time. 

If I need to get back on it I will.

I just need to see if I can fly on my own.

OMG, This is so Surreal!

 I entered a video submission to win an Elliptigo for my husband.  The nature of the contest was "Change and Inspire" and asked what you would do with the opportunity if you was given an Elliptigo.  So during my free time this week, I put together a video, outlining what I would do with an Elliptigo if it were given to us.  I would give it to my husband, and we would get out on the road together and inspire other middle aged people to be active. and live a balanced life.  

Much to my surprise,  MY VIDEO was one of the 6 finalist chosen. I was just shocked that it was selected, but the winner is the video with the most votes. If you think we are worthy, please go to the link below and view my video and vote for it.

ElliptiGo Change and Inspire Contest

Thread Screw A Into Whole B

I had another issue with the E-Go yesterday. I had gone out for my Hill ride, and the tracks were a bit noisy. I decided it was time to give them a thorough cleaning. so, after my ride, I but the E-Go up on the picnic table in the back yard. I disconnected the right drive arm, removed the track screws, and dropped the wheels out the back of the slide rail.  I then proceeded to scrub each wheel with a soft toothbrush. I then reconnected the drive arm. it went very smoothly.

Then I attempted to duplicate the process on the left side. As soon as I was able to back out to screw, I noticed that they were metal fragments coming out with the screw. Once the drive arm was disconnected I clean the tracks and the wheels like I had on the right side. This time, when I tried to reassemble the driver arm, the screw would not catch the thread of the sprocket arm. I noticed more metal fragments, so I brush them out, and tried. The screw went in a little further on the next attempt but then stopped. I noticed that every attempt that I made caused the little more damage, and the threads of the sprocket arms were being stripped.

At that point I contacted ElliptiGo. I was able to speak to Kari, who calmly listened to my explanation of what was happening. She advised me that a I had not done anything wrong, and that's the hole in the sprocket arm needed to be re-tapped.  She told me that this can be done by any qualified bike shop. She was very quick to relieve my sense of panic over and fear that I had ruined my bike.  She told me that things like this happen, and is not a big deal.

So I loaded up my bike and I took it to the local bike shop. They have started to recognize me not only by my unique bike, but by my face. They agreed that it was an easy fix and ended up charging me $14 to re-tap the hole. I was told that if it should be come loose in the future , it may have to be re-tapped with a coil. They explained the process to me, and I understand it, but I could not to explain it.

My bike came home an hour after me taking it to the store. All is right with my world, and I feel pretty happy.

My E-Go has been seen around town (Glassboro and Vineland NJ)

I love attention, so on 818/12 I took my E-Go to the car show in Glassboro, NJ.  

The next day I rode it 35 miles, which included downtown Vineland, NJ.

Remember the flat tire I had on Saturday?

The last time I had a flat I changed it myself, with no problem.  It did, however, take a bit of time, so this time I took it to a reputable bike shop to get the tube replaced.  I got it back leter on Saturday.  I was in the midst of doing several things, so I did not get a chance to ride until later on Sunday.

It was then I discovered that I only had 2 gears. I just about freeked out.  For what I paid for the bike, I was seriously upset that it is not working right. The next day I had a job interview, and would have to drive by the shop, so I loaded up my bike and dropped it off.  After my interview, I went to my current job, and finished the day.  I was sure they will fix it, but I do not want it to interrupt my training. I am working on a metric century ride, and I just past half way into my regimen.

I got a call later in the day that the bike was done, along with sincere apologies.  They gave me two free water-bottles for my trouble, which always come in handy.  When I got home I took it out on the road immediately.  I was happy to discover that I had all 3 gears, and that they felt more stable than ever. In light of the situation, it was the most joyful ride I have taken.

I am still on track. 

Mechanics of E-Go riding Vs. running, and how it has related to my feet.

I love my E-Go, and riding it has been a joy, with one exception.

My toes.

Initially, I was wearing cross trainers (Nike or New Balance) and noted that on rides lasting more than 30 minute, my toes hurt. They were being crammed into the toe-box of the shoes. I never had this problem when I ran because the motion of each stride pulls the foot back into the heel of the shoe. On the E-Go, the forward motion drives the toes into the toe box, but there is no impact to drive the heel back, so my toes take a lot of pressure. On my long rides it is unbearable, and a reason I will stop striding in order to take my feet off the platform and rotate my foot until the pressure is relieved.

Last month I was advised to use my running shoes when riding my E-Go.   I then went out and bought a new pair of running shoes (Under-Armour) and found they were only slightly better. I have been feeling a little bewildered.

On, August 5th, was going for a short ride.  I had my Keen sandals on, so I just wore them instead of lacing up. I found that my feet were very comfortable throughout the ride. I was amazed, and I do not know why there is such a difference, but there is almost no foot slide. On August 9th,  I used them again for my Tempo Ride (45 minutes) and found that they were just as comfortable. Today  I went out for an intended 30 mile ride (cut short by a flat tire at the 25th mile).  I wore my Keens today, through the entire ride.  I packed my other shoes in the back-pack, just in case I needed them, which I did not.

This issue has inspired me to look at th REI website (I LOVE REI) to gain some insight. I have looked at the Keen cycle sandals and shoes.  So far I have not discovered any noted reason for the way the shoes fit.

What A "Rotten" Day

Yesterday was a very stress filled day.

 I had people telling my what I did not do.

 I had people telling me what they were going to do. 

I had people telling me what others were doing, and what they wanted me to do about it. 

I had things I wanted and needed to get done that got shoved aside.

 I came home to find the windows open, and the AC on. 

To top it off, I found that the chest freezer quit, killing all the meat in it, and $350 in exotic bird food.

 I did some immediate remediation, and then hit the road on the E-Go. 

My hard Hill workout was a pleasure as it got me away from home.

When i came back I had a clear mind and was able to address the problem. 

Not pleasant, but I survived. 

Balance, It Is More Than Just A Core Issue.

Yesterday, I watched Serena Williams win Olympic Gold in Singles Tennis.  I watched her dance her of joy, and shout with glee.  At that time I was dealing with my own defeat, having not been able to complete the 30 mile ride I had planned.  At that time I was researching the reason I was having stomach pains, and why I felt like my leg were led from the start of my ride.  I found some very resourceful information, and a blog that was extremely helpful, Tuned In To Cycling (TITC).  I will follow this blogger, because he and his wife are both long distance cyclist, and they provide information in a way that explains the science in a way that I can understand. Because of this information I was able to go out again today, and do a full 30 mile ride.  It was hard, but I was able to do it.  I was dancing in my head, and definitely cheering myself on, LOUDLY, as I realized I was going to be able to complete the ride.  As usual, the last 3 miles were killers, but completed.  E-GO ME!

What I understand is that I was doing it ALL WRONG; initial approach, action, and follow through, at least from the approach of NUTRITION. 

My reason for riding the ElliptiGo was based in my need for low-impact cardiovascular activity.  I use to jog.  I did not LOVE doing it, but I liked the result.  I was never able to run more than 4 miles, but the weight-loss was accelerated, and that was what I wanted.  Looking back, I hit a wall at 4 miles.  At the time I had adopted a life style and a way of eating that was healthy, but focused on weight loss.  I noticed that sometimes I needed to eat more in order to have the energy I needed.

Unlike jogging, I do love riding the E-Go.  However, I have noticed that when I go over 20 miles, I hit a wall.  My body just gives out, like yesterday. I had hydration (Propel) and an energy gel, but from the start I felt like I had led in my legs.  At 15 miles I felt ravenously hungry, and used the energy gel with fluid.  By mile 16 my stomach hurt and I had the shakes, and the ride was prematurely over.

What I learned from the TITC blog that, because of my focus on weight loss in my nutrition,  my ride was doomed form the start.  I had not eaten the right things at the right time after my ride on Friday, and the energy in my muscles was low.  I had waited to ingest the energy gel when I was very hungry, when I needed to do so before I felt hungry.  I had not ingested enough fluid when I took the energy gel, which most likely led to my stomach pain.  Also, Propel is good for general hydration for short work-outs (less than 40 minutes in average heat), but for long rides, carbohydrates and more electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium) are needed. 

So, without paraphrasing the TITC blog, I need to balance my diet to allow for the energy needed for the ride, and if I do so wisely, I will still lose weight.  It can be a win-win.

The TITC blog has several posts that I found helpful:

• Dehydration and Over Hydration (Hyponatremia) for theCyclist
• Cycling in Heat and Humidity
• Cycling Nutrition: The Bonk
• Cycling Nutrition: Eating on the Bike
• Cycling Nutrition: Eating After the Ride
• Eating After the Ride Part 2

This Should Not Have Been As Hard As It Was

I am disappointed.

This was supposed to do a 30 mile ride, but I was not able to do it. I stopped just under 16 miles.

I do not know why this was so hard. It was hot, but it felt like my legs were done when I started.

I started having pains in my abdomen, not like an upset stomach, but stabbing pain in the lower gut.

 I need to research this, and maybe start earlier in the day.

I Have An Olympic E-Go

I have been watching the Olympics this week.  There are some things that just draw you in.  Gymnastics, Swimming, Diving, and Biking.   It is very inspiring.  In some way it is an unrealized dream that comes around every 4 years.  I remember being allowed to sit up late a watch Olga Corbit on a B&W TV.

 

I never had the balance in life, let alone on the equipment, to aspire to be an athlete.  It would be like Dolly Parton aspiring to be a ballerina.

I have seen the reports on the ElliptiGo website about the Olympic runners using the ElliptiGo as a cross training device. Today, while I was on my ride, I heard someone say, “Hey, Look, there goes one of those bikes the Olympic Runners are using.”  It gives me a sense of pride that what I do on my E-Go is in line with the athletes.  I know I am reaching, but I am allowed to. 

After all, I do have an Olympic E-Go.

Centaurian Time; A Standard Thirty-Seven Hour Day.

By its nature, my job can be overly demanding.  That is one reason I bought my E-Go.  On a good day there are no surprises.  On an average day, there are very few unexpected issues, and just a drive to keep up with the documentation.  A bad day can go on for as long as 72 hours.

Any day I have to do a removal of a child from a family is a bad day.  It never feels “good” emotionally, psychologically you have to suck it up and be strong.  Physically is exhausting, and intellectually it is a process that has a series of multi-tasking steps, ending in court.  Bad days start late and keeps you out late.  It makes you come in early the next day, stay late again, then early again as you get things ready for court.  You do not eat well, just what is “There” because you have no time to plan anything.  Sleep is fleeting. 

The only thing that makes it worse is when there is more than one going on at one time.

That being said, my job got in the way of my training.

•  I was not able to cross-train on Wednesday. 
• I was not able to do my Tempo Ride on Thursday.
• There was no time to do even the short ride on Friday.
• I was not even doing my PT exercises.

I was so glad when the day ended on Friday, and for the first time in 3 nights I slept. 

Saturday was the first day I could think about me during daylight hours.  It was more humid than hot, but that was not my concern.  I needed to do a 25 mile ride.  Having missed my rides on Thursday and Friday, I had not conditioned, and was ill prepared.  I decided that I am not doing the same course as last week as the hills were so intense, and I was not able to condition for it.  I left in the late afternoon.  I would have liked to go out later but BAD weather was coming, and I needed to be done before it arrived.  Otherwise, I doubt I would have done the ride at all.

I did my ride, and it was a killer. The hills were not as intense, but there were longer grades.  Humidity, wind, and my lack of condition worked against me. It actually made me ache as I rode (ache, not hurt) and at the end I was completely spent. My stomach was cramping, along with my legs.

Today I did my regular ride.  It was good, not painful.  However I now see the importance of every training session, and the PT exercises I am supposed to be doing.

He Blinded Me With Science!!!

This morning, when I got out of bed, I found my legs were a bit achy. This did not feel like joint ach, or the pain of pulled, strained muscles, but the ache of "worked" muscles. It is my understanding that it was due to a buildup of lactic acid in my muscles. This has caused me to look up Lactic Acid, where it comes from, and what it’s purpose is.  I found a really good article on the subject, in Scientific American, written by Stephen M. Roth

Why Does Lactic Acid Build Up In Muscles?  And Why Does It Cause Soreness?

While the article is a very well written, it is still very technical.  This meant I had to read it several times to gain the full scope of the bio-physical actions. (I am a Social Worker, Jim, not a Physicist).

Tonight I did a Recovery Ride on my E-Go. I focused on maintaining a steady yet easy pace. I call it Zen Pace. 7.26mi in 36min (4:59min/mi), 12.04mph

Measured Success

I went on a 20.6 mile E-Go workout ride today. My route took me from home to Richwood, Pitman, Washington Township, Clayton and Elk Township. Weather was mostly favorable.  It was not too hot, but it did rain.  My Time: 01:41:20, Speed: 12.20mi/h. 


When I got home, the house is locked up. My husband had gone out on errands, and I did not have my key.  I took out my Frog-Tog, drank what was left of my water, and waited.  Later we went to Olive Garden for Dinner, and Chick-Fil-Ah for dessert.

Hands-On Learning

I was doing a light ride on my E-Go and blew my rear tire while going over RR tracks. This never happened before.  My husband came with the truck to pick me up, and I spent the rest of the evening educating myself on how to remove the rear wheel and replace the tube.  This was a bit intimidating as the owners manual has little pictures and minimal explanation, but I got through it.  I was advised by a FaceBook friend that there is a support video that demonstrates the process on the ElliptiGo web sight.

Keeping Tempo

This week I started training for metric century ride, which is 100 Kilometers.  This translates to 62 + standard miles.  My plan is to this at the end of the training program, which is 14 weeks.  Tonight was the Tempo-ride workout.  I found this to be the the biggest challenge so far.  A tempo ride race pace plus 2 miles per hour, for 30 minutes.  My average pace is about 12 miles per hour.  By my calculations, I should be able to do 7 miles in 30 minutes (race pace of 12 miles per hour plus 2 divided by 1 half hour).  ElliptiGo (who developed the training program) suggested that the course taken should be as flat as possible, or with mild inclines. For this reason, I used the bike path.

The outcome was that I maintained a 12.5 MPH. That was with me pushing it. I am hoping that I can improve my time as I move forward with the program.

How Time Flies...

Wow.  Have you ever unintentionally let something go, and then avoided getting back to it because you did not know where to begin?  That is where I have been in the last 10 days.  I have been out riding, and working, and resting, and doing physical therapy for my knee, and these things have giving me little time for anything else…except 2  of my favorite shows on TV.  Fact if, work has been really intense recently ( I work in Child Protective Services), and I have to document all of it.  The current heat wave in the North Eastern states has also forced me to ride at late hours.   The idea of typing anything has been a chore.  I have even let down 7 people on Words-With-Friends (which includes my husband).

So. Since my last post (6/26/12), I have increased my area significantly.  One night I got to my planed turn-around point, and saw a hill just a little further, so I went to that; then the next; and the next.  Before I knew it I was 3 miles out of my usual range, and needed to ride back.  I got home after dark but I did 12 miles in just under an hours. 

I am still seeking hills.  I noticed on 6/30 that the hills I was crawling up in 1^st gear a few weeks prior, I was sweating out in 3^rd gear.

My last long ride was on 4/2, and I went 15 miles.  I have a ride planned for later this evening (just before sunset, when the temp drops below 90degrees) that will take me 17 miles.  There will be no riding tomorrow as the heat and humidity will be very back.  Thankfully a break in the heat is coming.

One very important word to live by – HYDRATE!

New Challenges, And New Shoes

I had to buy new shoes today.  My cross-trainers are so broken down that my toes are getting cramped into the toe box when I move the slide forward.  There is nothing that pulls them back, and the uppers have lost their integrity.  I visited the local Sports Authority and purchased a pair of light runners made by Under Armor.  I also found a pair of Pink Converse All-Stars.  I also was given a coupon that took $20.  SWEET.
The past week has been interesting, and stressful. The stress came from work, which is pretty much a constant. My counter –balance has been riding the E-Go and seeking hills. I never looked for hills before, but I think I know why I like them now. When I was allowed to run, going up hills hurt: the muscles, the joints, and the angle of my feet to the hill. Now, the only pain is muscle fatigue. I can deal with that.

Some hills I can master in 3rd gear now, but most I need to shift into 2nd or 1st. There are some that I crest in 1st gear and I am crawling on the E-go. It is going fast enough to stay upright, barely. It still counts. As for my joints, there is no impact, so no problem. The angle and placement of my feet is controlled by the E-Go.

At the beginning of the week the weather was nice. I rode Hills on Monday and Tuesday. I had to skip Wednesday due to appointments. On Thursday the temperature was in the high 90s most of the day, but at 7:30 PM it was about 88 degrees, but still very humid. I had increased my fluid intake during the day in hopes I might be able to take a ride. I took the E-Go to RR Bike path, and rode it from one end to the other, a total of 13 miles. I took a 5 min break at the far end, before coming back. Once I got under the cover of the trees, and deep into the woods, the air changed. It was cooler, wetter, and had a loamy smell, like a campsite. It was still warm, and I did not push too hard, but I did in 1.25 hours.

Friday I skipped due to plans, and there was the treat of storms. The heat-wave was breaking and the intensity was expected to be extreme. Saturday the weather was wonderful. The humidity was low, and the temperature was in the low 80w. I took a new rout, the combined with an old rout, and more hills. It was intense, with the characteristic crawl up one major hill. The rout took me half way to my parent’s farm, and I relived that I could go all the way to the farm if I wanted to.

Today, I rode to the farm. Several intense hills and a surprised mother. I never ran to the farm.

Doing "Nothing" Is Still Something...I Cannot Waist A Day.

This was the first time my Husband and I went for a true "Ride" together.  We took the Go-Pro with us to film my appearance on the E-Go (I know, it sounds vain) and his first opportunity to really ride the E-Go for an extended stretch. 

My appearance is what it is. I love my pink helmet, and my bright yellow NASCAR shirt (Kyle Busch, #18, just ONE of my favorite drivers.)  As for the pants, I cannot complain about the color, but may find something in a kackie.  The rest is a weigh issue, and the videos will help my chart my progress.

As to my weight, with all the riding I did last week, at the weight-in at WeightWatchers Saturday morning, I had gained 3 pounds.  I could make excuses, say it is muscle, and just go on my marry way, but who am I kidding: I DO NOT TRACK.  I intend to, but then I don't.  Passive, isn't it.  This week I have still not tracked what I am eating, which is not good.  I am, however, not eating out as much, and am packing my lunch instead.  So far, so good...i just have to track.

There is a major heat wave coming into my area today.  It will push the temperatures into the high 90's, and will not break until Friday.  If I am able to ride during this heat wave, I will need to do so in the evening, past the heat of the day.  I must remain hydrated. 

Sometime, You Just Have To Relax.

This is the type of weekend l needed.  Truly, just relax, do nothing, or just do what I wanted to do.  We had considered going to NYC, but ended up staying pretty close to home.

Friday –

• 7.5 mile ride on the E-Go (with several intense hills)
•  We had Dinner with friends, which included Sangria.
• After dinner we watched MIB

Saturday –

• Rode the E-Go to the Weight Watcher meeting (7.5 miles with a really intense hill).
• We visited the bird supply store
• We visited  R.E.I. 
• We spent the evening at Vineland Drive In watching Madagascar 3 and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Sunday –

• Slept in, and lazed in bed with my husband until noon.
• Took the E-Go on  a gentle 6.25 mile ride on the local bike path (Use to be a Rail-Road bed, now paved).
• We watched Dale Earnhardt Jr. win his first race in 4-years.
• We had home-made Tacos for Dinner.

I am really proud of my daily use of the E-Go, and I am seeking new, steeper hills.

Be Kind To Your Knees, You'll Miss Them When They're Gone.

I started PT  Wednesday, and needed to do the daily exercises.  Apparently my knee issues start with my hip rotation and weak/tight hip flexor.   

As I understand it, the hip flexors my hip flexors (one of the most powerful muscle groups of the body)are used to help balance the torso over the legs.  They consist of two muscles, the iliacus and the psoas major.  These muscles are involved in step length, functional hip joint mobility, and directional change.  When these are weak or tight, they restrict the movement of the hip, joint.  This limits the rotation of the femur bone which has a groove or “Track” for the Patella to glide over.  This lack of rotation causes the patella to not seat on the groove properly, and puts undue stress on the underside of the Patella, as well as inflammation of the soft tissue around the knee.

Because my job requires that I sit in front of a computer for long periods of time, are not used and become tight.  This is due to a lack of stretching due to lack of movement.   This is causing me to really considered making a standing desk for my computer at work.

The therapist also helped me adjust my brace, and showed how it placed counter pressure on my Patella, forcing it to stay in the groove.  I need to wear it when I am active, but not during my normal activities.

I Have An Incredible E-Go

The Pink Helmet and gear for the Go-Pro arrived today.  I was able to get it all set up, and then go out for a ride.  Last Friday I finally got over the crest of the hill in Pitman, so I headed back that way.

The music I have chosen is from Scott Kirby, a fold singer that is currently residing in the Florida Keys.

E-Go, Take Me Away!

WORK is a four letter word.
STRESS is a six letter word.
Together they equal TRAUMATIZE.

That is the type of week I am having, but I still manage to ride every other day.
I have been doing a course through the neighborhood I grew up in (Pitman NJ).  This area has some hills that I hated going up on my signal speed cruiser, but going down was such a thrill, and worth the effort.  It still is, however, I do not remember pushing myself to the point of wanting to puke.  Youth, how I wasted thee. 

After 2 attempts I have been able to make it up all but one hill, and there I get withing 100 feet of the crest, and can go no further.  I lose stamina, then get queasy.  The queasiness is really rather odd, in that I feel queasy a few moments after i stop or slow up, not when I am actually pushing.  Thankfully it has only been a sensation, not an activity.

I ordered a Pink vented Bell helmet, but it will not be here until Monday.  I have also ordered a Skeleton housing for the Go-Pro and a mount for the new helmet.  I am going to go video.

My First Commenter and Question!!!!

On 6/2/12, I received a comment in regards to my post titled “New Jersey or Bust”.   AS I have said before, I LOVE attention, so THANKS for responding, it is a positive reinforcement to keep bloogging! 

It concerned the way I accessorized my E-Go, which I had indicated I was going to purchase through Elliptigo.  As it happens, I never ordered the handlebar mount water bottle from ElliptiGo because I found a mount, cage, and bottle combination through R.E.I. that cost less than $21. As we have a local R.E.I. that we visit a couple of times a year, I was able to pick it up directly, but the parts can be ordered online at www.rei.com.  I am very happy with it, and the only way it could be better is if the bottle were pink like my E-Go. 

 

ASSEMBLY HINT: The strap in the mount is long enough to go around the post.  However, do to the girth of the post,  it is almost impossible to assemble the mount on the post at the exact location you want it.  I discovered that assembling the mount at the top of the post, with the post narrows, is the best solution.  Once it ios there loosely, it can be slid down on the post.  It will be snug, but can be done without scratching the post if done with patience.

The responder was also interested in how they could mount a water bottle in a way that would also allow for a runner's GPS, bell, and Bluetooth speaker.  My Garmin device is not a GPS, but a wrist mounted trainer.  I do want to get a mount for my cell-phone, which is my GPS and music device.  I am not using a mounted BT speaker because I use a head-set.  However, I was concerned that mouning the water bottle cage on the handlebars because I am clumsy.  I know that the bottle is mounted on either side of the handle bars, when I attempt to remove or replace a bottle from the basket I will end up steering myself into a tree or into traffic.  For this reason I have mounted the cage on the post.  I have found it to be easy to reach and is not in the way of my knees.  Mounting and dismounting have not been a problem.

The responder also reported that they ha a “mini-pump that attaches to the water bottle cage” but concerned about doing so if the mount was not stable.   I have found the mount I purchased at R.E.I. to be completely stable, and LOVE that idea for a mini-pump.  I would say  “go for it”.

New Jersey or BUST

North Carolina to southern New Jersey is a VERY long drive, especially if you are alone.  I filled the time with Sirius NASCAR radio, the Blue Collar Comedy channel, and Radio Margaritaville.  Due to being in a seated position for so long, my back ached and my legs longed to stretch.  It was such a beautiful day, unlike yesterday, and I had to remain couped up in my little car.  Don't get me wrong, I love my little Yaris, but I would have loved to have been able to take some time and take the E-Go down and ride it, especially along the trail the follows the Canal along the Dismal Swamp in NC.  If my husband had been with me I would have, but being alone, I knew doing so would make the day longer, I had soooo far yet to go. 

The E-Go fared well on the  Gordo for the whole ride home.  The straps remained secure and there was no sifting.  When I got home I immediately took it down, and then took off to my husband's place of employment (2 miles from home).  After a brief visit I went on another 2 miles to my friend Melanie's home.  After a brief visit I cam home.  8 miles total. 

The next time I will have an opportunity to ride will be Saturday, when I go to Weight Watchers.  I am not expecting a good result there as I have not been very well disciplined lately.

Go, Go, Gadget, E-GO!!!

At 4PM the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and the sun came out.  I got out and rode at least 4 miles around my mother-in-law's neighborhood.  It felt so good to get out and just go.  I avoided the puddles, and was able to stop and talk to people who took interest in the E-Go.

I love attention!

Rain, Rain; Go Away. (I Wanted To Ride My E-Go Today)

On Monday I took the E-Go to Lewes, De, where we participated in a family event.  I managed to ride the E-Go around my sister-in-law’s development in Lewes, De.  It was only 2 miles, but lightly hilly (rolling) but still a workout. 

   

Tuesday the day was spent going from Lewes to New Bern NC, via Arlington Va.  The E-Go was on the back of my Yaris the whole way, without incident.   I am feeling a little more confident with the way I mount it on the Gordo, and I am able to do it myself.  I just need to be careful with how I lift it up onto the rack.

I had planed to ride the E-Go from my current location, south of New Bern NC, into downtown New Bern.  It would be a 10 mile ride, each way, on fairly flat roads.  However, there is a storm system just west of here, and torrential downpours. 

Even if I felt comfortable riding in the rain, the wind is just too much.  So here I sit, (sigh) drinking a mega cup of coffee. 

There my E-Go sits.  My mother-in-law was nice enough to let me bring it inside. 

  I will be leaving here early tomorrow; maybe I can get a ride in before I go.

Tab A Goes Into Slot B (With The Assistance Of A Hammer, Scissors, and Duct-Tape)

I went to my parent’s house for the NASCAR race today, and took the E-Go with me on the Gordo (bike rack).  While I arrived without incident, I do not believe I had it mounted properly.  Too much wobble.  When I took it down to show it to my mother, I attempted to ride it in her ½ mile long driveway, which is not paved.  From indications in the owner’s manual,  I knew it would not be an easy ride, I did not count on impossible.  I did get it moving, but what an effort.  As always, my mother was impressed anyway.

When my husband arrived we remounted the E-Go and I brought it back home.  We mounted it a lttle differently, and lower in the frame.  No wiggle.  I took it down by myself because I need to get accustomed to the activity.  On Monday I will be driving it to Lewes De, and on Tuesday I will be driving it from Lewes to NC, via Arlington Va.  

A week lost in HELL

OMG, it has been one HELL of a week.  Sunday I was not able to ride the E-Go, Monday I was traveling the Tenn for work, then got stuck in Charlotte NC due to a missed connecting flight to Philadelphia.  I did not get back to NJ until noon on Tuesday.  I should have stayed home, but went in to work to drop off the company car and got roped into doing an assist that had me out until 1:00 AM Wednesday morning.  Got back to work on Wednesday at 9:30 AM and at the end of the day I was exhausted.  I went to see Dr. Frank on Thursday morning, and then it rained.  Friday I was at the office until 9PM trying to wrap up my months worker because I will be off next week. 

Today was the first day I rode the E-Go in a week.  I missed it so much!  I have to go to NC on Monday and will be gone until Thursday.  It is bad enough i will be without my husband, so I will take the E-Go.  Today I purchased a Hollywood - Gordo 2 bike rack so I can take the E-Go with me.  Once i got it home I but the E-go on it to get a feel for driving with it.  This is going to take a bit of practice to get it properly situation on the back of my Yaris.  I then drove the Yaris sans E-Go to the local Pep-Boys to have the care serviced, and rode the E-go home from there. 

Today I noticed a person filming me with a video camera as they drove by. 

Say Cheese!

Needs Must When The Devil Drives...

Yesterday I needed to get new glasses.  No matter what time frame they promise (one hour, HA) plan to spend the whole afternoon.  If I had known how long it would take i would not have slept in, but would have gottone up early and gone out on the E-Go. 
As it was the errand took all afternoon, then I needed to spend time with my parents (I am good like that).  then I needed to pick up a vehicle from work for my business trip today.  By then it was after dark, and my area is hardly bike-friendly during daylight hours.  So I did not ride yesterday.

Today i was up at 2:30 AM and out the door to Philadelphia.  From there I cought connecting flights to Memphis Tenn, and then drove into Arkansas. It is a long trip for a short meeting, then back to Philadelphia by Midnight.  I could have spent the night, but I am more comfortable in my own bed.  Sleeping in my own bed when my Husband is out-of-town is hard enough; sleeping in a strange bed, alone, in a distant city is depressing, and unless I upgrade on my own, it is a $40, flea-bag room in  a Notel-hotel.  No thanks.  However, the flight out of memphis was delayed, so I missed the connection out of Charlotte.  At this time I have been comped a hotel room in Charlotte until tomorrow morning.  I just want to get home.

So tomorrow I will flex some time and get out on the E-Go after work.  I have missed it.  I have noticed that since I started riding my back has not hurt so much.  This could be from the exercise of the lower back muscles, or it could be a residualaffect of the steroids that were injected into my knee.  Time will tell.

I NEED PARTS

Last night I was up very late trying to get the store sight for Elliptigo to open, without success. I guess they were doing maintenance to the servers, but it was damn inconvenient fir me (damn our need-it-NOW lifestyle!).  it was up this morning, and i was able to price o ut the rollers and tracks.  buying them as a set of four is about 10% less expensive, and probably a better idea.  I also want the toe cages, water bottle, and emergency kit.

I did go to a bike shop yesterday to pick up some things, but I will be taking some of them back. I got an Co2 inflater, a bottle cage, and a Velcro strap mount. these will be returned as I like the ones offered by Elliptigo better. instead of Velcro, ElliptiGo's is held in place by a tension band that locks in place.p

Pushing It

OMG, what a day.  My husband drove me to Amanda and Rob’s house.  Before I could leave, Rob got up on the E-Go again.  Amanda was not up for it. 

From there I rode to my Weight Watched weigh-in.  It was 6 miles with some significant hills.  At two points I had to stop and walk it.  I was pushing hard enough to feel a little nauseated.  The tradeoff was going down the other side of these hills, which was awesome!  It was wicked fast.

During the ride I noted a clicking noise on the left track.  My husband met me again at WW, and said he saw something in one of the rollers.  I will need to get some replacement rollers.  I will also have to be more vigilant with wiping down the tracks. 

I decided to take a picture of myself every Saturday to chronicle any changes in my appearance during the next 12 months.

One Town Over

I called ElliptiGo's main office today.  They have touch-up paint, so I ordered some.

The rest of the day I was really jonsing to get home and ride.  This happened, eventually.  I rode it further than I have all week. Usually on Fridays we (a social group of adults age 33 to 50) gather at the home of Amanda and Rob. The use to live fairly close, so I would walk there, and then my husband would arrive later on his way home from work.  Last fall they moved to the next town over, approximately 5 miles away.  Tonight that was my destination once I got home from work.  The plan was for me to ride the E-Go over, and then my husband join me there.  The E-Go could then be brought back in the back of his truck.

I started out at 7:45PM.  When driving, I usually utilize the major roads to get there, but tonight I decided to utilize some residential streets and avoid the traffic. 
The trip took about 20 minutes (5 miles). Not too shabby. There were some hills and I was able to ease into 2nd and 1st gear smoothly. It is still a learning process.
My rout had me cut through some high end neighborhoods.  The impression of other people was not "OMG, what that?" but rather, "oh look, one of those."

When I got to Amanda and Rob's house they were intrigued by my E-go.  Rob is an engineer, and was not able to leave it alone once he saw it.  He asked to ride it, and after a brief demo, he got up on it.  After a few faltering attempts the gain a good gliding rhythm he found his comfort-zone, and took off up the street.  He was able to steer it and stop it like a pro.  I was very impressed.  Amanda also wanted to try it, but she was in the process of cooking, and by the time she was able it was too dark outside.  This necessitated a change of plans.  Instead of bringing it home, we left it there, securely locked in their garage.  In the morning we will return, and I will get Amanda up on it for a ride.  I will then go from there and ride it farther than I have so far.

Tomorrow I intend to ride it to my WeightWatcher meeting. 8 miles with significant inclines.

Industrial Art and Baklava

I could not wait to get home today to get on the E-Go and go for a ride.  Every time I take it out I go further, and get a little more confident.  Today I was able to let go of the handlebar with my left hand without feeling like I was losing control.  Stopping is still a bit awkward. 

Today I rode the E-Go to the store where my husband works. It was 2 miles there and back, with traffic. Still getting use to the feeling of the gears. I never had a bike with gears, so this is a whole new experience.  More looks, comments, and one curb shot that left a scratch (ARGH).

I took a little time to really look at the lines and loops that make up the frame.  Am I the only one who sees the Industrial Art of this device?  It is such a mixture of textures:

• the pink powder-coat.
• the carbonized arms
• the silver rims separating the black rubber of the tire and the black spokes
• the sprocket linking the arms to the wheel via open chain.

And all of this is a functional sculpture that actually has a utilitarian purpose. It moves, it carries, it comes alive as you manipulate it to move with you in what feels like a symbiotic relationship. When I am on it i feel like it is an extension of myself, and when I am not...it sits prominently in my living room where I can look at it and contemplate the beauty of sculpture.

At $1700, you bet your ass it is in my house when not in use.

Right now I am in the mood for Baklava, and I know of a good Greek diner that has some.  Yum!

Now he wants One Too...Just Not PINK!

My husband was pretty sick with Strep-Throat the day I went for my initial test ride of the ElliptiGo, so he was not able to ride it.  Then he left to visit his mother the day after we brought it home last week.  He came home  today, and we took my ElliptiGo to the local athletic field parking lot where he got to ride it for the first time.  He was able to get it going like a pro, and was a natural on it.  while he was riding it a woman came up to me and said "I know it is yours because it is Pink, tell him to get his own."  My husband was very impressed with the brief work-out, and said he would like on of his own, because he was not riding "Pink".

When he gave it back to me, we took a trip around the neighborhood (he rode a regular bike).  He was able to observe the reactions of the the people who see my pink ElliptiGo. He was amused.  It was a lot of fun to get out together.

I Am An Alien.

Well, that is how I feel.  it is really kind of funny, the reaction of the people who see me go by on the ElliptiGo.  Those who are observant see me coming from a distance and get the idea that I am not riding a standard bicycle.  The watch me approach, and nod or say hello, seem impressed.  Then there are those that are not observant, and presume I am on a bike until I am passing them.  at that point I get the "Whoa, what is that thing?"  I have had people call out that they want to tr it and ask to ride it.  SERIOUSLY? I am not inviting Mayhem to take my "Mid-life Crisis" out for a spin (Reference the Mayhem Allstate Insurance Adds).

Today as I was riding on Main St I had a line of three cars pull up one-by-one and pace with me for a few moments, getting a good look. It was a little creepy, but understandable.

Today was my second ride, and I went twice as far as I did a couple of days ago.  If felt good.  Starting and stopping are a bit awkward, but I guess that will com in time.  Balance and steering is also a challenge, and it reminds me of how I felt when I was learning to ride a two wheeler.  I can feel my core muscles working, but they are not use to it, so it is not yet a fine motor response. 

I went looking for others near me that have ElliptiGos, but had no luck.  I posted to the company facebook page:

ME: · Looking for people in my area to get inspiration from. I just got mine this week, and would like to get some support. South Jersey.

• Michael Bradbury Not from your area, but I can tell you that improvement comes amazingly fast if you just 'do it". I've got just over 400 miles on mine and the difference in my physical conditioning is nigh on amazing. MAKE IT FUN! Ride somewhere "cool" if you can. Ride around neat things to see. Be out at sunset. You'll find a whole world of fun out there in the fresh air in the evening (or whenever you can ride).
 
• ME: Just riding around my area has been quite a show. Today I had several cars in a line taking turns driving along side of me to get a "good-Look". I LOVE riding it. I was told I got the last BCA-Pink one, and I love it! 

The First Ride...

Ok, on Wednesday night it was too late to ride the ElliptiGo by the time I got it home and unpacked. Thursday morning Dr. Frank injected my left knee with a steroid, and told me not to put any stress on the knee for at least 48 hours. Saturday morning my husband left to visit his mother (out of state) and to fill that empty void, I had my 4-year-old granddaughter with me until this morning. Today is Mother’s Day, so I have been with family. Now I have a moment to myself and am gearing myself up to take the ElliptiGo out for a first time.

Here is my problem; I feel very self-conscience. It is an awesome machine, but what if I mess up and ended up looking like an idiot. Funny how much confidence my husband brings me. He would be disappointed if I waited until he got back (several days) to take it out. I hope I don’t look too ridicules, or like a klutz. It is so pretty, I do not want to mess it up.

(1 Hour Later)

I took the ElliptiGo out on the maiden strole, just around the neighborhood. I rode past the ball fields where there were a lot of people. got some odd looks, but they were focused at the machine, not me. From there I rode down a few side streets until I came back to the house. It was Fun, and I did not realize how much effort I was excerting until I stopped. I almost threw up when I got off it. It was a lot of work and I could really feel the core action.

Musings

I have not been doing well with my WeightWatcher tracking this past week and expected to have a weight gain.  To my surprise I lost 2 pounds.  The only thing I can attribute it to is the lack of swelling in my knee, thanks to the steroid shot I go on Thursday.  I must admit the left knee look better, or at least more like the right one.

This morning my husband left to visit his mother for a few days.  I will be spending some time with my 4-year-old grandchild today, and will not be able to get on the ElliptiGo until she goes home, sometime tomorrow.  Children this age can run you ragged! 

When I got out of bed this morning my husband suggested that I take the ElliptiGo out for a ride. I really wanted to, but decided to take it out later in the day (after work) as I did not want to do anything to aggravate my knee before my appointment with the specialist, which was only a couple of hours later.

At 8:00 AM I went to the Rothman Institute in Sewell, NJ to see a sports Medicine Specialist. I was forewarned by various websites to wear shorts, so I wore a short/skirt combination, commonly called a "Skort". As soon as I arrived my knees were x-rayed in a standing, slightly bent, and seated position (from overhead). I was then seen by one intern, who manipulated my left knee this way and that. When I was asked to straighten it from a bent position, i heard this grinding sound that I have heard before. Maybe it was because it was the focus of the moment, or that the small room was very quiet, but it sounded like someone was walking a crushed glass.

Then the doctor and a second intern entered the room. My doctor is Dr. Franks, who showed me the x-rays. He showed me where some slight degeneration to the meniscus could be seen, and that was age related. He then showed me the overhead shot which showed I have a couple of prominent bone spurs on my knee-cap (and smaller ones on the right knee). I also have one at the head of the left humorous (anterior) which is part of the cause of the grinding noise. He told me that as I have not had any significant injury, and there is a history of joint issues in my family, this is largely hereditary. Dr. Frank then did his own examination of my knee, and was not at gentle as the intern. When he pressed on the knee-cap, it elicited a yelp out of me. He told me it was necessary to judge the movement of the knee-cap and what I felt was the bone spur. (Ouch). He also confirmed my suspicion of a Bakers Cyst, but said it was very small, and not significant enough to go through the trauma of an aspiration (thankfully).

He told me that the primary treatment for my situation is an eventual joint replacement; however, I am not there yet. He told me that the current treatment plan will focus on delaying the need for replacement for as long as possible. He has developed the following course of treatment:

• Steroid shot in the knee to reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles associated with a knee-cap.
• Script for a brace I will wear when engaging in strenuous activity involving the leg.
• Not running or "impact activities" until further notice.

 Dr. Frank advised me that he approved of my use of an elliptical at the gym, as well as the pools. I told him that I had believed he would tell me not to run, and for that reason I invested in an ElliptiGo. Dr. Frank told me that he was not familiar with it, but was in favor of me using it if I felt comfortable with it. He then stuck a needle in my knee and gave me the steroid shot. He instructed me to avoid any strenuous activity for 48 hours, including bikes and elliptical. I commented that I just brought the ElliptiGo home last night, and had not yet ridden it. I told him that if I had known about the restriction I would have gone for a ride this morning. He smiled, shrugged his shoulders, and suggested that life can be hard like that sometimes. Basically, he told me to get over it, but in a nice way.

I told Dr. Frank that if I could run, I would not have invested in the ElliptiGo. I told him that I would like to submit the cost of the machine to my health-care provider to see if they might cover the cost. He suggested that it was worth a try. I was provided with a script that stated "No impact sports or activities (running)."

I told Dr. Frank that I intended to see if the Vertua Physical Therapy Center is in my healthcare network. He told me that he was not familiar with them, but if I was going to go there, he wanted me to keep him advised of my care there. He said I would be his "Guinea-pig" in regards to their facility. He then told me that he wanted me to make my first appointment with the Physical Therapist now, as there can be a waiting list, but he wanted me to schedule the first appointment for AFTER my follow-up with him in two weeks.

Got it!

After 5 days of waiting, my Pink Elliptio had arrived at the store for pick up.  It is definitely a PINK one.  We brought it home and unpacked it, but then it was too dark to try it out.  I will ride it tomorrow after I see the doctor about my knee.

Today I have been doing a little research on my decision to invest in an ElliptiGo.  I discovered a Blog I think I will be following.  It is called Stand Up And Ride, and the blogger is Ken Hanes, the Founder and President of GearForTheGo.  He has obviously had a lot of experience with the various designs of “Stand Up Riders”.

Mr. Hanes has a post from last June that gives a very objective comparison between the StreetStider and the Elliptigo.  His advice is to look at the terrain you will be using and what kind of a workout desired.  The Streetstrider is an elliptical machine on wheels that you can ride it outside.  The ElliptiGO was designed to emulate running and just happens to look like a bike. Both machines work well in areas that are flat.  Streetstider is good it you are cruising around the streets and the parks for your workout.  However, it is not good for hills and the two front wheels affect the steering on crowned roads and in narrow spaces.  It is in these conditions that the ElliptiGo has the upper hand.  Also included in this post is comparisons of Workout Efficiency, Convenience, Personal Story, Foot pedals and Pedal Stroke in general.

Earlier today I took my husband to see the ElliptiGo that I rode on yesterday.  He was not up for a test ride, but he definitely gave it a serious technical inspection.  Scott (the store manager) was there again.  He assured me again that the one I was getting is Pink, and it was the last one in stock.  Pink is very important to me.  Breast Cancer has touched me through others.  I am not a lacey-pink person, my pink is edged in black leather.

Scott said it will be here on Wednesday...4 days away.  It is so hard to wait.

A few days ago, I saw the ElliptiGo featured on the ABC local news.

While it is not a 3 wheeler, it had the same steering as a bicycle, which I am use to.  I found a dealer in my area, Leisure Fitness in Mt. Laurel, NJ.  I went up there this morning and met the store manager, Scott.  After signing some necessary paperwork, I was allowed to test ride the ElliptiGo that was on display in the parking area behind the store.  I was amazed at how easily I was able to just get up on it and ride.  Not that it was not awkward, but I took it for a ¼ mile ride without incident.  When I got off it I was amazed to discover that my heart was pounding.  It did not feel like it was all the much effort in action.

So I went back in and asked if they still had the Pink model that they sold last fall, which donated to Brest Cancer Research. Scott said that there were 3 left in the warehouse. 

If the inventory is correct, one belongs to me.

Today I looked into the Street-Strider again.  They are not as expensive now, but still no local supplier.  As I scowered the street-Strider website, I found a lady that lives near me who had bought a Street-Strider last year.  She agreed to let me visit her and take a test drive.   I found it to be more of a challenge then I wanted.  I found the steering to be overly sensitive and confusing. Going straight was not a problem, but turning was almost scary. The woman who showed it to me was not actively using it for the same reason.   I decided at that time that the Street-Strider was not for me.  I have heard there are other options that are just as expensive as the Street-Strider.

When I was 39, and 265 pounds, I was suddenly able to focus on losing weight.  I was newly married to a wonderful man (2^nd husband) and I was happier than I had been in a long time.  I was able to focus on me.  When I got below 210 I started going to the gym, and discovered the indoor track and the elliptical.  I enjoyed the track for a minute, until I was able to run at lease a mile, then I took it to the road, and started doing 5ks.   I longed to take the elliptical on the road as well, but at that time there were no such machine.

Several years ago that changed.  The first one I saw was on The Biggest Loser, the Street-Strider.  I looked into them, but at the time there were no stores that carried it in the North-East.  The closest to me was Erie Pa.   I was a little surprised.   I live within 20 miles of Philadelphia, 100 away from both New York City and Washington DC.  Three major metropolitan areas and there were no suppliers.  There was no way to take it for a test drive, and that was a very large investment on a piece of equipment that I was not sure I could handle.  I decided to wait until I could find a location where I could test-ride one.

About 2 years ago I had some work related stress issues, and I stopped running and working out.  I recently started to run again (C25K program) and immediately had swelling in my left knee.  Not a lot of pain, but enough swelling to affect mobility.  I have to stop running until I see a specialist.   That happens in 5/10/12.  Based on my hereditary medical history (many knee issues) I may be looking at an eventual Knee-replacement.