I've recently had some interesting medical test results. The first was my yearly echocardiogram. I saw my cardiologist today and he confirmed that all is well, except that some leaking around the edges of my replacement aortic valve, classified as "mild to moderate". I first found about that a year ago, and my doctor confirmed … Continue reading Some Interesting Test Results
Last Group Ride Before the Rain
We had another nice late fall day yesterday for a group ride up in the hills southwest of Morgan Hill. The rest of this week is supposed to be rainy so this was good timing. We went on a beautiful ride out to the end of Redwood Retreat Road and back. We ended up having … Continue reading Last Group Ride Before the Rain
Secular Meditation
Meditation is a scientifically verified technique for lowering stress, improving health, and making positive changes in the brain. But it is often associated with religion, or has a "new-age" air (like sitting in an exotic position and burning incense). There is certainly nothing wrong with religious-based or exotic techniques, which work fine for many people. … Continue reading Secular Meditation
Late Fall Group Ride
My group did a ride yesterday heading East of Morgan Hill then north on the Coyote Creek trail to Metcalf park. While taking a break in the park, I thought I saw a bunch of dogs off leash coming into the park and wondered whose they were, but when they got closer it turned out … Continue reading Late Fall Group Ride
Enjoy The Benefits of Exercise But Stay Safe
A couple of days ago, fellow blogger Tony posted this: Most forms of exercise are overwhelmingly safe – but don’t ignore the dangers. Thanks, Tony. It is based on an interesting study recently published in the journal Injury Prevention [1]. By analyzing accident statistics in England and Wales in the period 2012-2017, they came up … Continue reading Enjoy The Benefits of Exercise But Stay Safe
Relaxing Recumbent Cruise
My first ride outside since my accident a couple of weeks ago worked out well Last Tuesday. So I decided to try an easy long ride on my recumbent yesterday. I went out in beautiful late fall weather on the Coyote Creek trail, for a round trip total of three hours and ten minutes. This … Continue reading Relaxing Recumbent Cruise
Riding Outside Again!
Today was two weeks since my bike crash and possible concussion. My discharge instructions from the hospital said to avoid riding for two weeks so I was good to go today. My group had it's annual Halloween ride out to the local Spina farms pumpkin patch. I was warmly welcomed back at the start, some … Continue reading Riding Outside Again!
From Rails to Trails
http://www.Amazon.com/books From Rails to Trails: The Making of America's Active Transportation Network by Peter Harris is the inspiring and fascinating story of how thousands of miles of America's former railroads became rail-trail corridors, used for active transportation and recreation. The book details the history of the USA's extensive rail network, which reached it's peak mileage … Continue reading From Rails to Trails
Pole Walking Spares Your Legs When Going Uphill
https://www.health.com/news/nordic-walking-heart-health-benefits In a recent"sweat science" column, Alex Hutchinson summarized research on the effectiveness of using poles while walking, running, or hiking. It turns out they either have little benefit in saving energy or actually cause you to use more energy in many circumstances (that is bad for performance, but not necessarily if you are trying … Continue reading Pole Walking Spares Your Legs When Going Uphill
Forever Strong
http://www.Amazon.com/books This is the name of an interesting recent book by Gabrielle Lyon, MD. about the important links between eating and exercising for muscle health, and overall health. Regular resistance exercise is important to keep our muscles strong and healthy. But we also require enough dietary protein. I agree with the importance of both of … Continue reading Forever Strong