Reality Bites!

Saturday night, I tried to ride my bike. Unfortunately, I could only pull the brake half way back. This is bad becuz the right hand does the back brake. So I can't just use the left or I'll flip over the front of the bike. I also couldn't budge the gear shifter. Ugh! So I brought my bike inside, and will use the indoor trainer to build my muscles back up. I only have a few weeks til Tour de Kirkwood triathlon on Aug 6.

Physical Therapy begins

I had my first PT appt today. They basically told me to leave the cast off unless I'm doing heavy/strenuous activity "like mopping the floor". Mopping the floor? You gotta be kidding me! Anyway, I have tons of exercises and stretches that I am supposed to do "continuously." She pulled on my hand to make a space between the bones and moved the bones around. I actually feel more flexible already.
I went to the rec plex to lift, and I have lost a LOT of strength in ALL my muscles! Sucks!! My plan is to Run 3x/wk, Lift 3x/wk, and swim 3x/wk, til I can get back on my bike soon. In the meantime, I will watch the TDF and dream of cycling. :)
Note to my lil bro:
If you are reading this, welcome to my blog! I think after you read the whole thing...c'mon it's not that long, you will want to start training for triathlon. You can do it, I'm sure.

update on a white stripe

After a semester of gym class, the girl is in much better shape. Now she is being religious about eating healthily. She is an inspiration to me! Since I have been "off" for a while, she hasn't been able to go to the rec plex, but now she has her driver's license, so nothing can stop her. I'm very proud of her!

Good News from the doctor

I went for my second surgery follow-up today. Two weeks since I got my removable cast. He said I should be swimming and running by now. Bike will be ok in a few more weeks. So you know what that means! Setting up a new training plan, and getting back into shape. My left arm has gotten stronger, with all the work it's doing, and my right arm looks like Olive Oil's. I'm afraid I will be swimming in circles. hahaha So getting back into the gym is a must. Not quite sure how to lift with this cast tho. Stationary bike will have to do till I can cycle again.
I've done a couple pace runs, and they were ok, but I definitely need to train hard to get back in shape for the October Rec Plex triathlon in St. Peters (500m, 21mile, 5mile). Doc said I could do a tri in Sept, but I don't see any I really like or that are not already closed. Physical therapy starts on Thursday...my first experience with that! I'll let you know how it goes.
I bought new Shimano pedals/cleats, so I will not get stuck again!