Overcoming...

It started on day about 9 years ago.  I had just finished my first triathlon.  The event was fun and exciting.  I was ready for more so I ditched my hybrid and went out an bought my road bike.  The bike I still ride today.  Subsequent to the race and buying the bike, I woke up one day with difficulty using my hands and difficulty walking.  This went on for several weeks.  It reached a pointed where I could not lift my arms overhead.  I even started using a cane.  Driving became difficult because I could no longer turn my head.  Anti-inflammatory medication did not alleviate the condition.  Research suggested that a vegetarian diet and IT WORKED!!!!!!!!  It also led me to creating these beautiful veggies.  This is today:
 

Health-wise I was now good to go.  I threw away the cane, put on my sneakers, re-invigorated my runnin and began training for a second tri.   

 

Don't exactly remember how or why but I became obsessed with doing the MS Ride to Provincetown.  It took me awhile to make the commitment because I do hate trying to raise money.   

 

During my training rides my hands started to become swollen and painful.  Eventually the pain spread to me hips and feet.  We were doing 45 to 75 miles in 90 degree weather.  I remember having to bail on one ride because my hands and feet could just no handle the ride.  I walked down Route 114 feeling bad for myself and guilty for deserting my training partner. 

 

Ultimately because of the weather, the Ride was cancelled.  The reality was I probably could not have done the Ride anyway.  My condition had significantly deteriorated.  I return to using a cane.  I couldn't open the front door most mornings and couldn't open a jar.  I struggled to get through each work day and came home just to sit on the couch.  Walking up and down the stairs was slow, prodding and took a very long time.  I had to will each foot to move to the next step.

 

In my mind the stairs in my house looked like this...

 

 

 

I will never forget those feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. 

 

Now imagine your child is fighting the battle to beat cancer...a much tougher battle than I was fighting.  Talk about a sense of helplessness and most things are out of your control. 

 

I am doing Reid's Ride because I am physically able to when once I couldn't.  More importantly I am riding to raise money for cancer research to replace helplessness with hope for a future.  Hope begins with research.  Research begins with finances. 

 

Please donate: 

 

https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/PattiPendexter/2014_10th_Annual 

 

 What is the end of my story?  I was ultimately diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I took Methotrexate, a liver toxin, for 7 years.  I decided enough was enough and stopped.  Since that time, I have been mostly pain free.  I went back to triathlons and finally picking up heavy objects.

 

So on Sunday I will complete the 28 mile ride from Lynnfield to Gloucester.  Please donate. 



DEADLIFT PRs AND MAGICAL SHIRTS

I know I've said it before but I will say it again.  This shirt

makes personal records happen....even when you think it is going to be a bad day.  First, it is 8:00 AM and I haven't gone anywhere.  I am still sitting at home.  Finally I decided to start moving.

My right upper arm has been bothering me to the point where I couldn't lift it.  So I decided ninst4ead of the gym, I would take the bike out for a spin and see how the arm feels on the bike.  I will be riding 26 miles next Sunday for Reid's Ride.  So I pumped up the tires, started out on the road and the chain falls off.

The decision is made for me....off to the gym.  What happens.  I hit 1 200 pound deadlift for 2 reps.  I was trying for 3 but couldn't only raise it half way on the last rep.  I started at 165 for 3 reps and worked my way up.  200 pounds was accidently.  I thought I had put on 195 pounds.  Nope...200 pounds. 

The goal this summer was to hit 200.  Here we are July 12 and I did it.  Moving on to the next goal.

In all aspects of life achievement feels damn good.

Then I had coffee on the balcony overlooking the ocean with Dad and my stepmother Ann.  Another reminder how beautiful the ocean is and spending time with family.  You all know the Peep Man....

and Ann (She's the one on the right)

You would think I would remember to take pictures from the balcony!

GRACE

I know I have been MIA but I have been on the road and took some blogging time off.  Just a quick not to ask for your support.  I decided to do Reid's Ride this year despite the fact I have not been on the bike much this year.  At the moment she looks like she could use a little TLC.

GRACE and I thank you in advance for you $1, $2, $5, $10 or more donations.  I set my goal as $200.00 which is low.  I never underestimate how difficult it is for me to raise money.  Whatever I raise I will bike my butt off in support of adolescent cancer research.  Follow the link below.

Grace can't wait!

Here is my motivational speech and the link to donate.

For several years now I have wanted to do Reid's Ride. Reid Sacco was a young man who died of cancer at the young age of 20. He left his family way to soon. Reid's goal was to ride in a bike-a-thon to raise money for cancer research befo...re he died. Unfortunately he died before reaching this goal.

I am riding in honor and memory of family and friends who have been touched by cancer. I dedicate this ride to a friend fighting the battle right now. She is in my thoughts every day.

Please donate any amount that you can. Let me know if you are donating to honor or in memory of someone. The ride is 28 miles long. I will dedicate one mile to honor that person. They will be in my thoughts for that mile and I will add their name to my bike for that mile.

Thank you!!! If I post this message a lot, please understand. The bike-a-thon is July 20 which will be here before I know it.

https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/PattiPendexter/2014_10th_Annual

LATE WEEKEND WRAP UP

Father's Day Delayed the weekend end wrap up. There was too much celebration at Tatiana's in downtown Lynn. As a result of yesterday's celebration, I decided to sleep in this morning and skip the work out at MBSC. Unfortunately I was working and couldn't go to the Y later in the morning. No guilt. Sunday was fun.

SATURDAY WORK OUT
Foam roll, stretch, active warm up.

I tried to do hip thrust as the Y. It just doesn't work. There is no way to set it up. So I bought a Hampton Pad to do them at home. We shall see.

 Instead I did

Glute Bridges 8 x 235 8 x 245 8 x 255 (PR baby)

Alternated the following three exercises

Deadlifts 3 x 165
                3 x 175
                3 x 180

Straight leg sit ups with 35 pounds 3 rounds of 6
Hip hinge with 45 pounds 3 x 8

Even though the intuitive testing tested well, I was just no feeling those deadlifts and decided to stop here.

Then did some rainbows and overhead presses. Presses were done at 45 pounds, 50 pounds and then 55 all times 8.

For a finisher I did 5 rounds of

10 kettlebell swings with 40 pounds. (I used 40 pounds because the Y does not have any kettlebells between 40 and 70 pounds
30 seconds of battle ropes.
one minute of rowing twice one minute on the cycling bikes 3 times
Switched from rowing to cycling because someone took over the
 rowing machine.

Quick shower and off I went to see Jes at

http://www.mlekkakos.com/index.html

SUNDAY

Fathers Day Quickie Work Out

Foam Rolling, Stretching and Active Warm Up

5 Round ladder of

50 kettlebell swings
5 Turkish get ups each side with 16 kg

40 kettlebell swings
4 TGUs each side

down to 10 swings and 1 TGU...

NO MATTER YOUR AGE MOVEMENT IS IMPORTANT.  Find what you love.  Find the movement, the exercise, the sport, or the dance that you will do and will enjoy. 

YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT...

There are times at 5:00 AM I just don't feel like getting in the car and driving to MBSC to work out. I want to work out. I love working out. I don't have to start work until 7:30 AM and sometimes I just feel like spending the morning in the comfort of my home until then. There was a time that I would drag my ass to Woburn. Now I give my permission to stay home a little longer. It doesn't mean I sacrifice a work out. What it does mean is that I do a shorter work out at home. Some of the toys I have at home... So I did 3 x 8 rounds of seated squats 3x 8 of barbell rows Then bring on the kettlebells 4 rounds of swings, deadlifts, military press, squats, and rows...lifting weights faster. Strength and cardio. Done for today. I felt better not rushing to dress and pack a bag to head to the gym. I will return to Boyle's on Friday. Thinking about being over 50 and what that means for future posts. Let me leave you with this thought though. Have you ever been someplace and seriously had to pee. Have you ever contemplated this as I did down at Nahant Beach:

WEEKEND WRAP UP

Usually I post my weekend work outs...primarily so I can remember them from weekend to weekend.  I guess the blog becomes a training log.  I am not going to detail my work outs.  I have some different thoughts this weekend.

When I walk into the Y on the weekend, I really do think of myself as a lifting badass for a 56 year old anyway.  It is the place I wear what I call my bad ass shirts.  Today it was this shirt

And yesterday this one.

Just a side bar...I am not quite ready to wear these but you know I want to wear them.

Today I met someone who is really badass... There is a woman who has been going to the Y the past several months. She is overweight and wears bulky sneakers. Every weekend I am there, she is there riding that bike. She has been a constant presence. She is always smiling. You know she is enjoying her work out. I am not one for conversation when I am working out but have been exchanging pleasantries with her. Good morning. How are you doing? Have a nice work out? Today after she finished out the bike, she started walking the treadmill. She looked like she had lost some weight. I went over to tell her how amazing she was working the bike and then the treadmill which was clearly a little more difficulty for her. During my exchange with her I learned she is the real badass...not only does she wear a brace to her knee, she has spina bifida. She told me she is at the Y 5-6 days/week. Her plan is to walk the Cancer Walk...all 6.2 miles of it. And with all her training she has lost 15 pounds. I was humbled by her dedication to her goal. Despite our limitations as people, if we set our mind, we can accomplish great things. I know, I know the pictures don't line up. Posting this for now but will work on it. I am learning.