Tachycardia tribulations

To keep up with recent weeks my cycling blog will once again start with a Lee update, have the usual bits and bobs of dog walking and running and finish with the cycling stuff. So read the first bit if you want to know about the Queen of Cakes, stick around if the rest of my usual topics interest you!

It's been a mixed week for Lee. She's had some good days and we are on the cusp of needing none of the adaptive equipment in our house. So in 7 weeks since leaving hospital Lee has progressed to not needing, chair raisers, toilet seat raisers and a shower chair. She has never used the perching stool in the kitchen and the commode remains unpacked in our bedroom. The jobs around the house are now very much shared between us with Lee doing most of the washing and cooking a few days a week. She has also been doing a lot of sorting and organising. Today Lee had her first cup of coffee since January the 2nd (decaff of course!) Some days Lee has walked up to 2 miles and a walk around a supermarket is now no problem. The trachy scar which Lee described as a second bumhole, is fading fast That's! That's the positives. All of this leaves Lee exhausted, the Nanna naps and early nights continue. The walking distance may be up but its still very slow and she gets out of breath quickly. This week we had another episode of Tachycardia. It wasn't as bad as previously but even so Lee's heart rate was over 130bpm sitting still and stayed there for 13 hours from 17.00 Thursday to 06.00 Friday. We didn't go to A&E this time because Lee didn't want to. I set the rule that if we hit 150 we are going in. I also made sure she spoke to the GP on Friday morning who thought we were foolish not to go to hospital and has set his own limit of 120bpm. Beta blockers have also been doubled! Believe it or not whilst all this was going on Lee was determined to get to the polling station to vote! I'm writing this at 14.10 on Sunday, everything is calm now and the Queen of Cakes has had some lunch and gone to bed!

The flowers continue to arrive and I have to say a big thanks to my ride mates in the Cyclasylum for their kind bouquet!

Because of the bad weather we cancelled our Bank holiday coaching session. Then on Tuesday I got confused and forgot to go for a run! The next day though was another matter!

On Wednesday, Sam and I headed for Middleton to sign on for the RFWCC "dash," time trial. This is a very short 2.7 mile race from Ashley to Middleton. It takes place on one road with no turns...which makes it even more bewildering that Sam went wrong!

After some clever time keeper co-ordination Sam set off first. A minute later I started, fearful that even over this distance young Mac behind me would catch up! At about halfway suddenly Sam was on the other side of the road heading back towards me! Luckily realising his error Sam turned round and finished between Mac and I. Number 2 crossing the line first caused some confusion but the time keepers worked it all out! Sam had seen a sign at the only junction and started to doubt himself. He looked over his shoulder to see two cyclists turn right and assumed that was me and Mac had already caught me! It wasn't! It was just two other cyclists out for a leisurely ride! Personally I think Sam cost himself 1.30 minutes and as such he should have beaten me on the night. I think I might set him up with GPS for the 10 miler next week!

I've checked the previous time we did the dash back in August...I've made a 3 second improvement. Sam did 8.40 last time out, he was only 3 seconds worse this time which is remarkable given his error!!!

On Friday I got a run in. Nothing spectacular just 5km with the dogs. We bumped into the usual 7am regulars on our two laps to the Badger sett and back.

This weekend I'm on call which means long rides are out of the question. So is junior parkrun. On call is either feast or famine but the only definite task takes place between 08.30-09.30, the most inconvenient of times! However due to the weather this weekend, I don't really mind. I won't have a weekend on call for months now, so it looks like I picked a good weekend to be stuck indoors...well except I wasn't totally!!! I did gear up and take the dogs out yesterday morning...as they were soaked already I gave them a proper wash on our return. They were not amused!!!

This morning I tackled an ongoing issue with my Forme Calver. The bike is brilliant in all regards apart from the rear brake!!! To save approx £200 a brake Andy at C&D fitted mechanical disc brakes. This seemed like a good idea at the time but the rear has been a continuous problem. I'm not saying Andy was wrong, he did me a real favour setting up a superb bike at a competitive price. There is just no power or spring back via the cable so today I changed the cable. The one I removed looked fine but took quite a tug to get out. With the new cable in the brake appears to work well again. Now I have a choice. I could switch to hydraulic or keep changing cables. A good quality cable is £3 and a five minute job.  A hydraulic brake set is around £220 so I might keep changing cables frequently for a bit longer!

I had two reasons for taking the Calver out for a short spin. Firstly it needed testing but more importantly I needed just a few miles to complete #NHS1000miles. In December, if you told me I would take until May to do just 1000 miles of activity I would have laughed. In a normal year this is ten weeks activity, its currently week 18 of 2021!!! Anyway the 1000 is done now, so is the weekend on call, so it's time to ramp it up!!!

Just in case you thought I'd forgotten Bridget Jones diary...its all going well. No booze for over three weeks, sticking to myfitnesspal, 5lbs (2kg) lost so far!

In elite bike racing news the Giro has started. Unlike last year its a full field of riders with less likeliness of covid19 retirements. They even have proper crowds watching! The race is even taking place at the traditional time of the year!!! So good to see.

Happy Pedalling 

The Best Medicine

As with the last few weeks the start of the blog will be an update on our Covid19 recovery. So if you just want that read the first bit. If you're into the cycling too, carry on reading!

Lee's long slow recovery continues. It's not going fast enough for her but the rest of us marvel at our brave, strong lady. The picture above shows Lee's trachy scar, she's been hiding it a bit since removing the dressing but is now determined to become less self conscious. She is still getting breathless with small amounts of exertion and needs a lot of sleep. However the Queen of Cakes is still taking daily walks and increasing her activity. We've added squats, lunges and calf raises to her leg exercises and some light weights for the upper body stuff. As part of the mental recovery Lee is reading for 10 minutes a day. She's also having lots of visitors and our house continues to look like a Florist!

My adjustment back to work didn't go as well this week. Work itself was okay, it was the time pressures outside of work that frustrated me. I'm up early to walk the dogs, work all day and then have busy evenings before collapsing into bed at 9pm. Eat, sleep, repeat! This week I managed a couple of runs because I double those up as a dog walk. Charity would like to do this less and has started to hide if I get the running kit out! We both need Parkrun back for our running motivation! I've had no time in the week for cycling though which is a double blow. Cycling keeps me sane and is part of my personal well being needs. However not cycling as much as I want also has me worried that I won't be fit for the Dartmoor Classic in June. So it becomes a source of stress! All this led me to a very grumpy state going into the weekend.

Another thing going on is my weight. Regular readers will think...oh no not this again! Yes we're back to Bridget Jones diary!!! Probably a combination of stress, too many beers and a lot of goodies I found myself at 15st+ (97kg) a couple of weeks ago...not great for me and not great at all for those lovely Hunt carbon wheels. Positive action has been taken, I'm 18 days booze free and back to using myfitnesspal. My only regret was telling my Mum's best friend Sue, that after 11 consecutive Saturdays I need to take a break from her cake deliveries. I hated that, as this kind gesture has kept me going. This morning I was14st 11lbs (94kg)...the goal that I never ever seem to get to is 13st (83kg) but I will be happy if I'm under 14st (89kg) by the time for the Classic on June the 20th. That of course, also depends on the pandemic and Boris sticking to the roadless roadmap and the four parts which are actually 5! There's a public announcement due soon and it appears we are on track for national hug day on June 21st but you can't trust this virus!!!

Let's talk cycling!!! On Monday, Andy, Ian and I led another Cyclones session with the teens and twenties, whilst Fran, Roland and John worked with the tiddly peeps. Everything went well and we saw progression and enjoyment in all the kids riding. It was also great to catch up with them to hear about their races at places like MK bowl and the various local time trials.

On Saturday morning I met up with the Cyclasylum, still in my grump from the week. However the ride over had started to dissolve this and it was completely gone after a few miles! Two groups started together, one doing the traditional first Saturday of the month 100km (62miles,) Fondo and the rest of us taking a shorter 33 miles.

We headed to Brigstock via those glorious lumps that make for great riding. In fact there's a LOT of great riding like this in Northamptonshire. Our quiet country lanes are like a well kept secret. We might border East Anglia but this place is far from flat. This week though, it was certainly less lumpy than last week!!!

On our way through to Benefield, where the group split I had a good catch up with people. It was especially great to chat with Andy P's son Sam. The conversation started as they all do with "How's your wife?" After that we moved on to what many of us would consider a dream job. Since leaving University, Sam has been working for Hope. Specifically he's part of the team developing the track bike for the British Olympic team. 

From Benefield the famous five left the full fortitude fondo riders. Another glorious bit of fast riding took Amy, Ian, Marcus, Neil and I into Oundle. 

We then worked our way round to Woodford via Islip, Alwincle, Thorpe Waterville, Achurch, Pilton and Stoke Doyle. At Woodford we had a cafe stop at the Grainstore.

Amy had diabetes in a cup

Breakfast sandwiches all round

I forgot my mask and wasn't sure my mobile set up was working so Neil kindly got my order in. I owe him for next time! After the stop we headed out to Cranford and split up, Neil and I riding together to Grafton Crossroads before I headed solo towards Geddington.

Part of our coffee stop chat was about round numbers and being robbed by Strava. People will relate to riding around the block until the bike computer of their choice hits a round number like 50 miles, then hitting save only for Strava to record 49.9! I realised heading into Rushton that I'd be on 47 miles by the time I got home and this felt inadequate. So I detoured to Desborough and was still a mile short heading into Rothwell so I took a circuitous route home making sure I was on 50.3 miles to avoid the Strava robbery! Of course by doing that Strava only corrected to 50.11!

Later that day my son's girlfriend was amazed as many non cyclists are, that I'd done 50 miles. However as mentioned a lot of my riding friends did 100km and quite a few went on to do 100 miles! In fact there's been lots of hundreds this weekend to remember Captain Tom. 

I'm not quite ready for 100 miles yet but I did decide to make sure I reported 💯 miles this week for the #NHS1000miles.

On Sunday morning I woke full of the joys of spring with all grumpiness gone. Some well needed overnight rain had cleared to a fine morning and the countryside seemed to explode with greenery. Everything made me happy; the dogs, the kites, the geese, the horses and the people I regularly see! We even met a gold labrador who is a sibling of Bruce!

After my walk it was time for Junior Parkrun duty. We had 94 runners today at Desborough Greenspace and it was wonderful to see!

I then needed 32 miles to hit 💯 for the week so I looked through my routes to find an absolute gem. A couple of years ago my friend Mark wanted a testing route to prepare for a sportive. So I planned the Mark & Rich pre chilli 🌶 ride. Just this time there was no Mark and no chilli afterwards. It's still a great route!

I headed out via Rushton through Pipewell where I had a chat with a lady on an e-bike. She gave me great advice for my parents who are considering a purchase. After that I greeted many other cyclists and walkers taking advantage of a nice day. I felt great on the bike and became aware of a great sense of freedom. This grew and I suddenly felt elated, it was like a great weight lifted and then I began to think about everything we've been through and I started sob! This is probably what I've needed for a while...this would probably persisted for miles had the moose attack not occurred! Suddenly the biggest wild deer 🦌 I've seen sprang out in front of me, it skittered across the road and through the opposite hedge with a look of wtf as we narrowly missed each other! I was snapped out of my emotional meltdown and must have looked like very odd as I rode on laughing out loud!

Back to the route. It was lovely through Middleton, Bringhurst and Great Easton onto Eyebrook Reservoir. This piece of historic water was stunning in the bright sunshine. Eyebrook is famous as a training site for the Dambusters.

 The ride up from Eyebrook takes in another aspect of the monster that is Neville Holt. In my unfit, overweight state this was quite an effort! I didn't mind the steady flow of motorbikes passing me but when a group of three cyclists breezed past it just made me more determined to reach my latest fitness goals. I also notice my Dartmoor Classic ride mate, Nigel, is getting some good miles down in Devon. The upside of this hill is in fact the downside and in a reverse of the climb we made last Saturday it was an exhilarating descent into Medbourne. 

The other advantage of this route whilst training for Dartmoor is the next set of hills. If you view it as one climb its a long hill from Ashley through to Desborough. This has a tough start but then becomes rolling and for me enjoyable. Except yesterday I was first held up by a car that had overtaken me moments earlier and then horses 🐎 which always seem to be in a dip at the bottom of a hill! To finish the job properly I took the hill to Harrington that was a QOM points climb in the Ladies tour. Then I rolled into Rothwell with a broad grin on my face. I was loving life, cycling is THE BEST MEDICINE!

I was still a mile short of the 💯 when I got home but that was good too because I joined Lee for another walk. That made me smile too!!!

Happy Pedalling 

Good week for Lee, coaching, running, cycling and multitasking!

Same drill this week. The first bit is a Lee update. After that stay if you like the cycling stuff but I get it if you don't! We've had a good week at home with no dramas or hospital admissions. I've been out on my bike and found new ways to maximise my time. 

I went back to work on Monday wondering how Lee would get on? The answer is; very well thanks. She's still very tired and going for a sleep in the afternoon but activity levels are increasing. She's been having daily walks and doing more around the house. On Monday night I came in from coaching to an amazing Sea Bass dinner! Today we went for a walk of more than a mile. It involved stops and Lee was shattered afterwards but it was done. She's still got altered taste buds although some of that is coming back as some sweet foods have been enjoyed. Still no coffee! The next challenge is  to get Lee reading again. Pre-covid she was glued to her kindle. Now that's also sat idle with the nespresso machine!

 

On Monday as the sun set over Ise Lodge it was time again for KCC Cyclones. This week Andy B and I shamelessly copied some of Dean's coaching sessions from muddy marvels. The kids really got stuck in and it was a most enjoyable evening! Meanwhile Fran ran another of her impressive sessions with the little kids. I'm hoping for more of the same tomorrow.

I was struggling for time in the week and despite lovely weather I was unable to go for a bike ride. I did my two runs with the dogs as usual and got a couple of rollers sessions in to keep my bike legs going. On Thursday I managed 35 minutes on the rollers whilst making a toad in the hole for dinner. Who says men can't multitask? All that activity comes at a cost...Lee needs her bed by 8.30pm...I'm lucky if I'm not in bed too by 9!

On Saturday I was able to go out for a group ride with the Cyclasylum. Not a massive ride but very challenging as we  took in Neville Holt and successive hills back through Dingley, Braybrooke and Harrington.

It was great to be out with the group. Banter was high as usual, as was the camaraderie we share. 

Whilst out we discussed the tricky issue of "is it okay to chuck your banana 🍌 skin in a hedge?" Ive always thought out of sight in the undergrowth is probably okay. This article suggests...maybe not! cycling weekly banana skin article . As many people know I'm the sort of person who takes a bag out with me dogwalking just in case there's litter to be picked up. So I want to do the right thing...maybe I'll take the skin home from now on!

This morning it was back to junior Parkrun for more volunteering. Another great turnout saw 80 kids run round Desborough Greenspace.

Later on I headed back on my MTB for a blast on the trails in the woods.

Some of the trails have been disrupted by fallen trees. It's still very rideable though and perfect for a bit of practise away from a dedicated trails centre. For me it was just what the nurse ordered. I was feeling low on energy before my ride and as usual I felt great afterwards.

In between the rides, walks and volunteering I watched Liege-Bastogne-Liege, the oldest of the Spring classics.  Both the men's and women's races were superb and it feels like we're in for a great year of road cycling as we move towards the Grand Tours. More locally its great to see all the club TT races and some of the kids we coach taking on race events.

Happy Pedalling 

Up and down week for Lee, coaching, dog walking, running and some proper cycling

The dual purpose for this blog remains. So if you're here for the Lee update just read the first bit. If you're here for the cycling stay until the end! 

Mother and daughter

Most of last week went really well for Lee. We had many good walks and a mile is now achievable. It leaves Lee exhausted and every day she has an afternoon "Nanna nap!" Eating and sleeping was going well and I was more confident about leaving her for longer. Then in the early hours of Friday morning Lee's heart rate shot up to 170bpm and stayed there despite the fact she was laying still! This also happened a couple of times in hospital. To put that in context, on my bike ride today my heart rate only got to 146bpm. So it was another trip to hospital, Lee's heart rate stayed high for hours despite medication then suddenly dropped to normal. There were also concerns about a blood clot but thankfully nothing was found. In the end it was only an overnight stay and Lee came home at 5pm yesterday. It was just a speed bump with a cardiology follow up to come. I won't lie, staying positive is an effort. I'd like it a bit easier for a few weeks please!

On Monday it was time for Cyclones again and as this was my last week of leave I used it for a bit of an off road ride too.

The light held just enough to enjoy the tracks round Weekly glebe before and after coaching. The session itself was a ride about with the kids, as ever it was great fun with our talented riders.

In the week I enjoyed lots of dog walks and turned two of those into runs. On Tuesday I was unhappy with my running and on Thursday I felt great. Exercise is weird isn't it! I had a bonus walk around Moulton on Friday night taking in the wonderful weirdness of Specs Lane and Holly Lodge with the gate of many tools!

On Wednesday I managed an hour and a bit out on my Giant Propel.

The plan was a blast out to Naesby and back with the effort on the Naesby to Rothwell Strava segment. Disappointingly this was into a head wind and it wasn't the 20mph+ average I hoped for. I'll go again another day! The quiet road from Kelmarsh to Naesby gave  me an idea as I passed a gravel byway.

Sunday morning started with a very special event. Junior Parkrun is back and Desborough Greenspace Junior Parkrun held its first run for a year. The last one was the run's 1st birthday, so a year later with no runs in between, DGJP is two! I've also joined the core team and in May I will take my turn as Run Director. Today 82 kids ran with 33 volunteers making it possible. Its a wonderful thing to be part of!

After Parkrun I was determined to get out on my bike, especially after waiting at home all day yesterday on a glorious day for cycling! I was also inspired by some gravel group rides that WVCC & RFWCC had held. 

My first mistake was taking my cx out, the 2nd was opting for bridleways as well as gravel. The ground is rock solid, ideal for MTB and it shook me to bits on my Forme Calver!

I set off from Rothwell on the old road alongside the A14. If only this gate was closed and the sign present the day I got bitten by a dog last year! This bridleway is a hidden gem, rabid dogs aside, you wouldn't know you were near the A14. Its also improved since the last time with a much clearer route past Grundys Lake and up to Harrington. From Harrington I took the bridleways over to Arthingworth. It was so firm I got a Strava PR without any effort! 

I was using this ride to work things out and took that byway I'd spotted on Wednesday. I really wished I was on my MTB at that point. The track is good but just would have been more fun with suspension! My next task was to link up the Bridleway from Haselbech through to Blueberry Lane. I sort of failed on that one, I found Blueberry Lane but I wanted to come out just where the tarmac ends. I'll have to explore again another day. 

From there I worked my way round to the Brampton Valley Way, again taking a pounding on rock hard hoof prints! On the BVW there was some sort of run taking place. Its good to see lots of events back on.

I enjoyed the relative smoothness of the BVW and left it at Merry Tom Lane. Whilst I stopped for a banana 🍌 i noticed a fairy door on a tree!

Apparently there's a whole fairy and gnome trail you can search with an app! I love that people do things like this!

My next mistake was riding around Pitsford Reservoir. The paths were packed with family groups oblivious to cyclists and it was slow progress. Pretty obvious on a lovely day that half of Northants would be out for a walk at this popular spot! 

From there I rode back to Lamport, across the fields and home to Rothwell. One of those fields was ploughed over the beaten track, which will please Andy P! As I've said this would have been better on my MTB but...it was still thoroughly enjoyable to be out on a bike!

Once home I was able to catch the end of The Amstel Gold men's race. I'd missed Marianne Vos winning the women's race. The men's was an absolute cracker and I'm still not quite sure how they decided who won.

That's it for now.

Happy Pedalling