Viva le Cadel "Elbow" Evans

I'm not much of a professional sports fan, not even cycling for the most part. However, like a casual football spectator who only gets excited for the Superbowl, I can't help turning into a geek about the Tour de France each year recently. Last year we actually had cable TV for a few months so I was able to watch the daily coverage and really got into it. Half of why I like watching it is the fantastic scenery and historical gems in old Europe. Each time I see the Tour, I start making plans to spend next summer on my own bike tour of Europe. One of these years it will work out.... whenever it becomes practical to leave the country for 6 or so months.

Last year, I became a huge fan of Australian racer Cadel Evans, who fell and suffered a hairline fracture of his elbow in the 8th Stage while also taking the yellow leader's jersey the same day. Miraculously, although he didn't come close to winning in the end, he still finished the remaining 2 weeks of racing with a broken elbow.

http://www.sikids.com/photos/26226/2011-tour-de-france-contenders/6

He was back in full force this year, all healed up, and in the end took the overall win at the Tour de France. What a comeback! Watching the Tour this year online was extra entertaining since I've been sidelined with my own recovery, and I had my elbow comrad to cheer for all the way through. He also just announced that he'll be racing in Colorado's USA Pro Challenge in a couple of weeks. I'll be rooting for him again... maybe he will autograph my scar?!?

visit from Julie!

I got a phone call from Julie while I was out working on Friday. Some flight problems from Portland were going to leave her with an overnight layover in Denver. Want to host tonight? Sure! It's not everyday (or ever, really) I get a surprise visit from my sister. April & I had no plans and it worked out great. Just a nice evening of grilling dinner and sipping sangria, then brunch at Mona's and visit to Savory Spice Shop before heading back to the airport. A quick stay but really fun.

I wish I'd have remembered to snap a photo of Julie out on the road- we biked all over together and had a blast. But next time she wants a softer seat!

Swimming laps

I was taught swim lessons at an early age, but had never been much for swimming. I hate cold (or cool or even lukewarm) water. But back in November when I started going to the gym, I took up swimming 2-3 times per week for cardio/aerobic and upper body endurance. It was soooo hard! At first I could only swim 100yds without a) taking a break, and b) feeling like I was drowning. I stuck with it, got better and could eventually swim a mile (1800yds) without a break. Then I learned to alternate breathing (taking a breath every 3 strokes, instead of every 2) which was another big aerobic challenge.

I still hated the cold water, and this pool is kept at a toasty 82 degrees!

Today was the first time I've swam since my injury and it was a treat to be back in the water (helps that it's been well over 90degrees every day for a few weeks.) Swimming at this stage of recovery is not necessarily easy, although it feels like great physical therapy. Definitely some pain in the elbow all the while from the force of pushing the water and then extending my arm forward, but (I hope?) a productive type of pain. I swam 900yds freestyle today, at a slow pace with breaks, but got a good workout for my heart and lungs as well as my elbow and shoulders/back. Very glad to find I was able to do it!

garden bounty

The early season harvest is winding down now... and the mid-late summer plants are taking off finally. Enjoying a last few rounds of delicious salads while I can! Everything except for the celery in this one came from the garden: lettuce, arugula, radishes, peas, carrots, and herbs. Yum!

back to the track-bike!

Spent last night installing a front brake on my fixed-gear track bike and fixing a flat tire so I could ride it for work today. First time I've have a brake installed in 9 years (although I'd still say that injury or no, it's the wiser/safer thing to do...) I'd intended to also swap out rear cogs to make the gearing easier, but I couldn't find a useable one laying around so it stays at 50x16. It felt wonderful to be back on my old work companion bike, smooth and efficient and quick and quiet and simple. I've grown very tired of pedaling a my fat tired mountain bike around the city for the past 5 weeks and I'm happy that I feel up to trying the track bike again.

With the narrow, high pressure road tires I have to be cautious of bumps in the road, as each jolt causes pain if I'm grasping the left handlebars with any pressure. Overall it was great, and a big step to feeling closer to my normal life.

BBQ and Backpacking

Last year this same weekend, April and I took our first overnight backpacking trip together to Dunraven Glades in the Comanche Peaks Wilderness Area west of Loveland, CO. To commemorate our great year of adventures, we headed back to the same area for a mellow 3mi hike into some National Forest campsites along the North Fork of the Big Thompson River.

But first, we stopped in Loveland to check out their annual BBQ Festival... we are as much suckers for real Q as we are for camping. Although it lacked a bit of the magic and quality that we found at the Frisco BBQ Fest, it was a fun afternoon all the same.

And Loveland's a pretty neat town with some history and "personal" heritage

After lingering/waiting for some afternoon t-storms to clear out of the mountains, we drove west to the trailhead to begin the quick and 'easy' 3mi hike to the campsite. The evening was perfectly quiet and pleasant and still, except for the steady rushing of the river nearby. Flows all around the state are extra high this year with all the snowmelt runoff and frequent rainstorms the past couple of weeks. No better background noise to fall asleep to!

We spent Sunday day-hiking further west into Rocky Mountain National Park territory before packing up and heading back out to the car in the evening. We only got a few minutes of light rain and not-too-threatening lightning, although there was weather swirling further east on the plains. Luckily, we dodged the storms perfectly this weekend.

Friday elbow update: 23 days post-op

The last few days have shown good progress with the arm. I was feeling a little stagnant earlier in the week, but I suppose this process is going to be like that- periods of distinct improvement along with a few days of less noticeable changes. Overall, my range of motion is coming along, my strength and dexterity is improving, and biking is starting to become a tiny bit more like normal biking. I'm still working full time on my mountain bike for safety and convenience sake, but am hankering to get back on my track bike (with a brake installed) soon. This week I skipped the sling as well, just keeping the elbow wrapped in ACE bandages, and working on using both hands to steer & brake.

Still keeping up with running a few times a week, back to my usual 5.5mi route. A big first this week was brushing my teeth left handed for the first time! Packing up this evening for our first backpacking trip this weekend-- I cannot wait to get into the woods for a night.

Here's an update of my range of motion limits (see my previous photos here)

Friday elbow update: 16 days post-op

The week has gone pretty well- seeing a tiny bit of improvement in range of motion and strength each day, and able to do little things with slightly more ease. Surpassing the doctor's expectations, I found I could do unassisted bending and twisting motions with my arm within a day of having the splint removed. Still far from normal but happy to see early progress.

I worked full days on the bike for the remainder of the week with no issues... kept it in the splint for protection but abandoned the sling after a couple of days. The added mobility without it helped and I found I didn't need the extra support. Back to doing our long distance loops to Cherry Creek as of Friday; a little uncomfortable riding for longer stretches without stopping, but made it out and back twice in a row to cover for an ill coworker. (I owe my coworkers a big thanks for covering for me during this ordeal and always letting me take the easier work when I needed to.)

I went to the gym for the first time (post injury) on Tuesday and did some weightlifting with legs, abs, lower back and core muscles. It was nice to be back there again and seeing the familiar, positive faces I've come to know since I started going last fall. Thursday I did another run, this time 6 miles without the sling. Lost my edge (did I ever have one??) on running and cardio, but again it felt great to get a nice workout. Running doesn't hurt my arm at all, although it makes for an awkward stride since I can't swing both arms uniformly.

Looking forward to the long holiday weekend... no big plans, but I always appreciate an excuse to get together with friends and make some tasty food!