I've been mapping out on a new bike (or long run?) loop that circles Twin Buttes reservoir. Given the lack of trail maintenance at the State Park and wanting to find another off-road venue to complement the Spillway area, I decided to explore the back side of the lake. You can read about one section of the new loop here: http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/jun/04/enjoy-the-scenery-on-trail-behind-twin-buttes/. I'm also toying with the idea of a cycling race next Spring that would circle the lake, and be about 50/50 on and off road. Kind of a San Angelo-Roubaix type of event. Here's what the course might look like (be sure to set the map view as "Satellite" when it opens), and then zoom in for details: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/tx/san-angelo/785127600859987433.
This week marks the one year anniversary of my colon cancer diagnosis. I’m happy to report that I’m still here, doing well, and I’m back to doing hard workouts again. The past twelve months has been a mixed bag of emotions ranging from initial denial (“not me?”) to acceptance and “how do I deal with this?”, and then on to “OK, chin up and let’s get on with life!”. I’ve also learned a lot in the process, and here are a few of those lessons.
Lesson #1: Cancer strikes one out of every three people, and – even though we may be in great physical shape and do all of the right things – there’s no guarantee of immunity from the disease.- Lesson #2: Go through the health checkups and tests as (and when) recommended by your primary care physician. Follow up immediately if you have any health warning signs.
- Lesson #3: The glass does always remain half full – but you may have to add to it occasionally.
- Lesson #4: Setting some positive goals that extend beyond the treatment period is critical. Doing so forces (enables?) you to see the light at the end of the tunnel and thus keep moving forward.
- Lesson #5: There are many things that can’t be controlled while you’re undergoing chemotherapy. You can, however, control whether or not you continue to exercise and thus maintain (at least partially) the sense of well being that comes with regular workouts.
As I noted in a newspaper column that I wrote in July of 2009 (www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/jul/24/building-fitness-back-up/), I had to start over and completely rebuild my fitness base. Doing so has been an interesting journey, and it’s not over yet. I’m back to a pre-cancer level of cycling fitness, but still struggling with my running. Some of that may have more to do with being 61 years old than it does with post-treatment side effects.
The goals that I set for myself early on during my recovery from surgery and subsequent chemotherapy were to (1) be able to bike and run at a specific pace by the end of treatments, and (2) to compete in the State Cyclocross Championships which took place three weeks after my chemo ended. I met all of those benchmarks, and actually turned in a respectable performance during the championship race. Focusing on those goals was, in my opinion, the single most important factor that helped me maintain a positive attitude during the six months of chemotherapy.
I’m currently well into a training program for the 2010-2011 cyclocross season, and part of that program involves a monthly cycling field test. Since I don’t use a power meter, the data I collect during this test are (1) elapsed time during a set of 2 3-mile all out time trials, (2) the max heart rate during each TT test, and (3) the % of my max HR that I can maintain during the tests.
My field test numbers at the end of May were better by several percentage points that what I recorded in 2008. The goal now is to reach a higher fitness level this year that I’ve had for the past several years. Having gone through cancer treatments will not be used as an excuse for sub-par performances.
So, where to from here? I hope that I can take what I’ve learned from my cancer experience and be a good role model for others who have to go down the same road. I also hope that, because of the cancer experience, I’ve developed some mental toughness that will carry over to race situations.
Ride On, San Angelo, and remember – regular exercise will help accentuate the positive in almost all situations :)
Equipment and Bikes for Sale
- Multiple bikes, very good condition, pictures coming soon- contact Dean McKenzie at dpmck@juno.com
- Carbon fiber road bike, high end components, pictures coming soon, contact Ty Johnson at tymtber@peoplepc.com.
- Complete Shimano 105 group, all components, will build onto your frame if needed, contact Ty Johnson at tymtber@peoplepc.com
- Used Specialized road bike frame, 57" top tube, good condition with headset and stem. Contact bcullins@verizon.net
Upcoming Events:
- June 19: Tour de Burma, http://www.sanangelobicycleassociation.com/events/calendar.html
- June 26: Stop, Drop, and Roll 5-mile http://roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/StopDropRoll_2010.pdf
- July 11: Lake Nasworthy triathlon, angelo.edu/services/fitness_wellness/documents/Lake_Nasworthy_Triiathlon.pdf
- July 24: Bentwood Dash 5K http://roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/Dash_for_Dyslexia_Jul_2010.pdf
- August 8: Biscuits and Gravy Rotary Ride for Hunger, http://www.rotaryrideforhunger.org/
- August 8: Wool Capitol Triathlon, http://www.ironheadrp.com/\
- Aug. 13-14: Rocky Mountain Bicycle Festival, Leadville, CO http://www.rmbfestival.com/rmbf_index.html
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