Training Log Archive: bill_l

Family float trip. Nice easy workout for the elbow.

C • Sprints 2

Helping youngest son learn to ride bike w/o training wheels. Spent 30 minutes running around behind him, pushing, keeping him upright. It was hot, too.

I made an error on the bike purchase. Bought a 20". Should have bought an 18". (wheel size)

He's starting to get the hang of it, but the bike size is a handicap at the moment. A little more confidence and he'll be on his way...

Family time this weekend.... Camping at Sam A Baker SP. Not expecting to do any training.

A beautiful day at the farm! Warm (92F) but really low humidity (33%) for this time of year. Ticks were present but not bad.

The wild flowers were as pretty and plentiful as I've seen them. The ridge and back pastures were carpeted with fleabane, blackeyed susans, and several other flowers that I don't know, small yellow, and some very small purple.

Spotted an enormous turkey as I pulled up to my work area. It didn't seem too concerned with my presence as long as I kept my distance.

Spent about 4 hours with the weedeater clearing the last bit of cedar from the initial 7 acres in a 25 acre (had thought it was only 20) glade/savanna restoration project sponsored by the MO Dept of Conservation. Met with the Soil and Water rep and he approved the work. So after nearly 100 hours of hard physical labor I've completed the first stage of the project.

Next major step for that 7 acres will be a burn next spring to get rid of the downed cedar.

Total canopy for the area cannot exceed 50% so after the burn, I'll come back through and thin some of the remaining trees. The main varieties that form the primary canopy are post and chinkapin oaks and hickory. There are also walnut and locust. The remaining locust trees will be dealt with this winter.

It feels good to be done with a section and be able to see a tangible result. What was once an impassable mass of cedar choking out the remainder of the flora is now an open expanse of Missouri woodland forest. The best part is that I now feel a particular attachement to this 7 acres through an intimate knowledge of practically every inch. Also, I now have an in depth respect for the early pioneers and the farmers who cleared their farmland with axes and animal-drawn ploughs. If I were actually completely clearing my 7 for crops, I suspect I'd have just completed the easy part.

Anyway....

Since I didn't take time for lunch, and in line with PG's thread, I rewarded my accomplishment with a stop on the way home at Ruby's Ice Cream in St. James. A well kept secret, just off I-44 with homemade ice cream. Had 2 scoops: 1 strawberry and 1 raspberry fudge tort. It took almost 45 minutes to eat; granted I was also driving, but it was really big.

Evening weight is 165.8. Hydrated well, so we'll see what it is in the morning.

Elbow is still a bit sore. 90% RoM, 60% strength. Starting the weedeater was a bit touchy, but thankfully (and miraculously) the machine took pity upon me and started on the 3rd pull. Knees are good. Ankle about where it was pre-injection. Hamstring already better than pre-injection but still tight after sitting for a while.

Needed the percocet yesterday as the elbow pain went into the red. Then I started feeling sick around 9 or 9:30 last night. I've had that problem with pain killers before. Tried sleeping without another dose, but as the 7PM wore off, it became obvious that unassisted sleep was not going to happen so took another pill around midnight. Up again at 3 but no med's needed. Back to sleep until 8.

Elbow pain is no longer active (i.e. it only hurts when I extend or bend it too far), but grip is minimal and pain-free range of motion still only about 30% of normal.

Left handed challenges so far today: The use of toothbrush, shaver, & TP have been the hardest. Appying deod. (solid) on the left side was an exercise in pain tolerance.

Elbow is much better this evening. Still a bit of rusty hinge. 70% range of motion, 40% strength.

Going to the farm tomorrow. Hopefully to put the finishing touches on clearing 7 acres earmarked for glade restoration.

Won't be able to use the chainsaw yet, but it will get a good workout using the weedeater with a brush blade to cut down smallish cedars.

Had another round of platelet injection therapy. Variety of injection sites: knee, ankle, ham, elbow for array of injuries sustained over the last 4-6 months.

I've learned that there's a correlation between the pain felt when the lidocaine is injected and the pain felt during recovery after the PRP is injected.

No pain with the injections to the legs. The elbow is a dfferent story. Right arm is essentially useless. No grip, can't bend or straighten. Sleeping tonight may be a challenge, but percocet will help.

It's been a while (30 years?) since I've had a useless wing. Interesting teaching the left to do things instinctual for the right. Will is calling me T-Rex 'cause my right elbow is basically pinned to my chest. Just a bit grouchy too.

C • are you sure about the therape... 2

Got to the river @ Castlewood beach about 8. Quiet with mist rising from the water. Air temp 63, cloudy. Rain and t-storms on the way. Water was cool but pleasant.

Paddled upstream for about an hour:ten and then turned around. Followed shortly by rumbles of thunder. Got back to the cars just as it started sprinkling.

Mostly just an easy paddle rate to work the arms and shoulders a litte. One stretch of intensity 5 paddling where the river narrows a bit.

Saw lots of birds and fish. Herons, egrets, a hawk, king fisher, etc.

Also, 3 guys getting an early start on the day with beer and sausage on the grill for breakfast.

The high river levels this spring have really altered the river and scoured the banks of debris and vegetation.

Hope to go back out again in a couple of weeks. Won't have time before then.

A run in the rain seemed like a good idea after a pile of blueberry pancakes.

Pushed it. Hamstring was sore but maybe not as bad as Thursday???

Didn't think I was running that fast, but I was near threshold. looks like about a 7 min pace.

65F, 86% RH....