Cal,
This is mucho important for cyclists; you need to stay active, even when you're sick.
I learned part of the reason I got a 3 foot blood clot in my left leg in the cold winter of 2019 was that I went from a period of activity, over 4 years of daily commuting, to a bitter cold snap and taking the bus to school. It was about a month in to taking the bus that my left leg just wouldn't stop hurting and I went to my doc. They sent me up to the ultrasound bay and I had a superficial blood clot in my greater saphenous vein (second largest in the leg) from my groin all the way to my ankle. Luckily it wasn't a DVT and luckily it was caught before a chunk broke off and killed me. A massive pulmonary embolism killed my maternal grandmother a decade ago.
Anyway, this is important for cyclists because vascular specialists and sports medicine folks call the calves the "second heart" or the "heart of the lower body" in that they squeeze all the blood from the legs back up. When you and I are in shape we have the ability to drop our blood pressure and our resting pulse to very low levels. This would be detrimental for people not in good health but is a benefit for those who are in shape because it allows the heart to really rest. The problem is that the heart isn't getting the help from the calves and the blood can easily pool in the feet, ankles and below the knee where the clots can develop very easily. So, if you find yourself in a period of inactivity due to COVID, the cold, or whatever, get some compression socks, elevate your legs, do some indoor trainer workout, anything to keep your extremity's heart working or you could find yourself like me in the spring of 2019, off the bike again, walking everywhere and on blood thinners, constantly having your INR measured. Take care.
Phil Forrest
Phil,
My next door neighbors must think I’m crazy. They know we both have Covid, but I’m in the Back-Backyard slope digging a rather oversized hole to bury 25 gallons of kitchen mulch.
Kinda interesting how much banana peels, apple cores, and orange skins can add up. Pretty much I maxed out the pail and it was mighty heavy. Somehow I dead lifted the “man-killer” onto my garden Gorilla cart and emptied the might stench-E contents.
So even though I’m still recovering I am still busy and working.
The physiology you describe makes sense. MD’s wondered if I felt alright because my blood pressure and heat rate were so low. Pretty much out of the realm of normal.
I have noticed elevated blood pressure levels in the morning, even before coffee. Pretty much my BPM is 49-50, but my blood pressure is well into the very high side. I figure it was due to being cold, and I know how my body over reacts to cold. My blood vessels constrict to conserve core warmth. I found this abnormality unusual, but you did a pretty good job of explaining why I have a physical need to stay active.
It seems even my commute to Madhattan involved over 9 miles of walking 5 days a week, then I would do hard labor on the house, digging landscaping, and such every weekend. I was concerned about loosing my fitness, but evidently I still have a base of sorts and this surprises me.
I guess anyone with a resting pulse in the 49-50 BPM range has a pretty good vascular system to maintain. At my age though I’m planning on putting in more time verses any strenuous hammering like I use to do.
Retirement is a big adjustment. With money being limited as a resource “one and done” has to be the motto to not waste funds. Back years ago I loaded up on Shimano 11-speed XTR, and even 9-speed XTR (for the road bike). I loaded up on XT 11-speed cassettes to have a stockpile. Three out of my 4 bikes are made of titanium for a less harsh ride and a smoothness that Ti can provide. All money well spent.
Of course when I workout I make sure I put in the time to rest up, as to not to wear myself down.
I have less of a cough today, very minor, no head ache, and a somewhat runny nose.
In the winter I will have to use the Concept 2 rower to sweat and manage my fitness. Having a ERG is a great. Very fast and easy to do some real work. The harder you pull the more resistance. I bought this from a Phd who worked at my hospital. He bought it and from what I can tell he barely used it. About 15 years ago the sold for over $1k or so, and I bought it for $300.00.
Then with moving to Madhattan I gave it away to Maggie’s brother, who gave it to Maggie’s sister. Then I asked for it back. The thing I love about an ERG is how it utilizes so many muscles. Playing my stereo and doing a workout went together well.
So with biking I have yet to put in lots of hours riding. I know long and slow pays the best dividends for angio-genesis and vascularization. Because of time limits, and family obligations been mostly concentrating on strength workouts. Nothing like long-slow-distance though for ultra fitness.
My goal is to have a resting pulse that stays in the 40’s.
Also I’m surprised by the weight you reported when enlisting in the Navy. 129 pounds is a rather small man, but I never saw you that way. Anyways your body size promotes your VO2 Max capabilities.
Cal
