I'm New :-)

Hi,

I'm new here and just wanted to introduce myself. I'm a senior in college (pursuing a B.S. in psychology) and love both school and sports.

I've been active in sports as long as I can remember. I competed internationally in sport taekwondo for several years, until I shattered the right side of my pelvis at age 16. I switched sports after that ;) Ran a marathon last November, at the age of 18, but my time wasn't too great. I'm hoping to improve on my time this year once I get the okay to start running again.

For the time being, I'm trying to get more seriously into cycling. I've signed up for a double century this summer and have many more rides in mind that I would like to try. I am currently doing 40-50 miles most weekends, but hoping to commute down to school (15 miles each way) this summer.

I just got a new road bike today (2007 Marin Portofina) and can't wait to get on the trail with it :D I'm hoping to gradually build my mileage up, although it will probably be challenging for me, as I'm not very good at being patient!

I think that's all I have to say for now. This seems like a really helpful and friendly forum :) I'm excited to get to know you guys better and hope I don't bug you too much with my "newbie" questions!

Ouch! You shattered your pelvis doing taekwondo?

Double century! You're kinda ambitious, ain't ya? lol.

Welcome to the forum!

Karen

Welcome to the board..wish you luck on the double century, you are more energetic than I am..but it seems like you are getting in some good mileage on the weekends, which will help you. There is lots to learn here.

Welcome! You sound ambitious! At your age, though, all things are possible. :)

Enjoy the new bike! We love to see bike pictures here, so if you feel inclined, post some so we can all ooh and ahh. :p

welcome to TE, we all want to know how you shattered your pelvis.

We'd like to see a photo of you and your new bike too.

Welcome to TE! Yes, you'll find lots of cycling wisdom and support here. I'm guessing that the STP is in your future, since you posted about a dbl-century and you're in the Seattle area, right? Good for you and congrats on your new bike too. If you're already riding 40/50 miles on weekends, you've got a great base to build your mileage in order to enjoy your event ride.

While we had to cancel the Skagit Valley ride on Sat (snow on the tulips!), watch for other ride notices in the Northwest section as there are a lot of experienced riders in the area and here on TE too.
Tailwinds!
Mary

Wow, thanks for all the wonderful replies :eek:

I do realize that I can be a little overambitious sometimes and I need to remember to keep that in mind when starting with cycling. I'm so excited to take my bike out on the trails this weekend. I'm going to try to keep it reasonable though; nothing too long or intense yet :cool:

I'm afraid the actual story behind the "shattered pelvis" isn't as exciting as it may sound :( It was mainly a combination of poor bone density, overexercising, and bad luck. During some of the drills, my training partner missed the chest protector and ended up instead kicking me straight on my hip bone. It hurt a lot, but I kept up with practice and even ran a 10k that weekend. Went to the doctor right after the 10k and x-ray showed multiple fractures on the right side of my pelvis, as a result of the impact of the kick.

I'm currently sidelined from a different injury (partial rupture of the patellar tendon), but I'm dealing with this one better, I think. If it hadn't been for my knee injury, I might not have gotten as interested in cycling, as I am now. I'm really hoping it will be good cross-training, even when I'm able to run again :D

Oh, I guess I forgot a few things :o

I'm hoping to get some new pictures up this weekend of my bike :D I don't have my camera with me at school, right now, but will definitely get some pictures of it up soon!

And I am training for the STP. I'm crossing my fingers for nice weather and really excited to try it. I'm concerned I might be a little behind in training, but hoping I'll be okay if I take it slow (I'm planning on taking two days).

I'm excited to hear that there are lots of riders in the area. I'm usually biking on the Burke-Gilman / Sammamish River Trail... but hoping to find the I-90 trail this weekend :)

Welcome! If you're in the northwest perhaps our paths will cross . . . good luck with the STP training!

I had my first ride on my new bike today :D It was AMAZING!!!!

I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20 mph, but that's just a rough estimate based on how long it took me to get from one destination to the next. I was loving the new speed of my bike and probably got a little carried away. Once I realized how fast I could go, I didn't want to slow down. My lungs were actually burning in the beginning, which was such a good feeling. I'm not too sore now, but definitely tired.

I feel like I'm really going to like this cycling business :eek:

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Originally Posted by athena

I had my first ride on my new bike today :D It was AMAZING!!!!

I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20 mph, but that's just a rough estimate based on how long it took me to get from one destination to the next. I was loving the new speed of my bike and probably got a little carried away. Once I realized how fast I could go, I didn't want to slow down. My lungs were actually burning in the beginning, which was such a good feeling. I'm not too sore now, but definitely tired.

I feel like I'm really going to like this cycling business :eek:

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Wow! That's a huge first ride. Very exciting... Enjoy that bike!

Hello and welcome to the TE. As you can see by my post I too am still new, so like you I have questions as well. These ladies really know their biz and will help you, if you ask.

Go luck and welcome once again.

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I ended up doing just over 100k today (about 62 miles, if my math is right). It was so awesome. I think my average speed was around 20.... mph

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Ahh, to be young again.

Hi Athena! Welcome aboard and glad you are enjoying your new bike. I'm eagerly awaiting pics of your new ride.

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Originally Posted by sundial

Ahh, to be young again.

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Pfft. . . I'm pretty young now and there's no way I could do what she did at that speed. ;)

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Originally Posted by F8th637

Pfft. . . I'm pretty young now and there's no way I could do what she did at that speed. ;)

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Ahh, to be young and really fit and athletic!

Athena, first I have to say that I'm really happy you found cycling, that you are enjoying it and that you've found TE. You will find lots of help and support here. But I have to say that the healthcare professional in me is a little concerned. You've said that you had pelvic fractures related to what should have been a relatively minor incident and you mention bone density and over exercising as being contributing factors. Have you got your bone density under control? Do you get a period? Are you certain that you are not falling into an exercise addiction? Do you perform resisted exercises to help build your bone density?

Cycling is great and I highly recommend it as exercise to many of my clients. But you can over do that too and it won't help you build your bone density.

I sincerely hope that you are well and that you're just embarquing on another new life adventure. But if some of the things I mention seem to ring true, please think carefully about your choices and realize that bone density problems will plague you the rest of your life if you don't take care of it, and the best time to do that is now when you are young.

I'm just wondering how long it will take for my "i'm new as well" post to show up? I wrote it yesterday and its still not up yet...:confused:

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Originally Posted by Fujichants

I'm just wondering how long it will take for my "i'm new as well" post to show up? I wrote it yesterday and its still not up yet...:confused:

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They show up immediately. If it's not here you must have done something wrong. :( Welcome!

Hmmm...because I got a message saying my post would be reviewed and moderated and it should be visible after that. Perhaps I should try again! Watch two posts show up! :eek:

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Originally Posted by Fujichants

...I got a message saying my post would be reviewed and moderated and it should be visible after that...

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I've never seen that! Hmmm

Wow :eek: Thank you all for such supportive replies. It's really nice of you guys to say those things about me.

I haven't gotten a chance to ride again since Sunday and am practically dying! I keep thinking of my bike at home and how much I want to get back on it, but I've been busy with school and research. I ended up working all day yesterday (8ish - 7ish) and was so exhausted that by the time I got home, I just went to sleep!

I am hoping to get my bike from home tonight (nothing would make this birthday better than a long ride on the trail!), but am afraid it might be dark by the time I get home. I do have a light, but am not sure if it's safe to ride in the dark? I usually run in the dark, but I feel like that's a little safer because it's often on less-busy streets or trails. I'm not so sure about my bike.

And thank you for your concern, wahine. I really do sincerely appreciate it. I am worried about my bone density as well. I brought it up when I saw my family doctor last month (about heart and knee problems), but she looked at me like I was a crazy hypochondriac. She said they "don't do bone density tests for people like [me]. Only for anorexics and dancers and people like that." Her comment really upset me as I was ammenorheic for about 3-4 years and know that can mess with bone density. I also am lactose-intolerant, have a family history of osteoporosis (maternal and paternal), and a personal history of stress fractures. I am trying to up my calcium (and vitamin D) intake myself, but am not sure there's anything else I can do.

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Originally Posted by athena

And thank you for your concern, wahine. I really do sincerely appreciate it. I am worried about my bone density as well. I brought it up when I saw my family doctor last month (about heart and knee problems), but she looked at me like I was a crazy hypochondriac. She said they "don't do bone density tests for people like [me]. Only for anorexics and dancers and people like that." Her comment really upset me as I was ammenorheic for about 3-4 years and know that can mess with bone density. I also am lactose-intolerant, have a family history of osteoporosis (maternal and paternal), and a personal history of stress fractures. I am trying to up my calcium (and vitamin D) intake myself, but am not sure there's anything else I can do.

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Sounds like you need a new doctor who will take your concerns seriously. With your personal and family history closer monitoring sounds like it is needed!

I had the same concerns as Wahine, but I'm not a healthcare professional, so I kept my thoughts to myself. Now that the door has been opened, however, please allow me to express my concern over your description of your health issues.

You are a senior in college--what kinds of heart problems are you having? The knee I can understand, but not the heart. And bone density (and all the hormonal and nutritional stuff that goes along with it) is really a serious thing.

Please please go see another doctor. Go to the student health center ASAP and tell them everything--your fractures, your heart...do you have your period? If not, that's a clue to some potentially serious issues.

What we are today really does matter in what we will be tomorrow. Please take care and keep us posted. And see a new doctor right away!

EDIT: You said "am not sure there's anything else I can do." There is--demand that your concerns be addressed by your healthcare providers. You deserve better than being blow off like that.

Now is your chance to make your deposit in the "bone bank". After a certain age (can't remember exactly what it is right now, but it's quite young) you can only make withdraws from the bank, no more deposits. You can only work to keep what you have.
Do you do any weight training?

Thanks again to both of you guys.

I saw this doctor towards the beginning of March, as my resting HR had doubled overnight (normal is around 40-50, was over 100 when I checked). I monitor my pulse pretty frequently because I was diagnosed with two minor heart problems in high school; patent foramen ovale (a relatively common heart defect) and sinus bradycardia (resting HR < 60 bpm).

I had another EKG and she referred me to a cardiologist. I wore a 24 hour holter monitor and my heart was okay. My resting HR is back around 50, but still no explanation for the tachycardia. My own hypothesis is some sort of electrolyte balance (my potassium was low in a recent blood test). I think I need to be more vigilant with refueling during long exercise and probably more fruits and vegetables wouldn't hurt either.

I might see if I can get another doctor to order a bone density test, but I feel horribly guilty asking for something I don't "need." I am not worried so much about my current health status, but more of what damage may have been done in the past. I think I might ask my PT about exercises to help build up bone density. I did used to run a lot, but with my recent knee injury, I have been cycling more (and I am aware that it can have a negative effect on bone density).

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Originally Posted by athena

I saw this doctor towards the beginning of March, as my resting HR had doubled overnight (normal is around 40-50, was over 100 when I checked).

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This sounds like a change in HR from electrolytes (which you already thought of), acute change from overtraining or infection.

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I might see if I can get another doctor to order a bone density test, but I feel horribly guilty asking for something I don't "need." I am not worried so much about my current health status, but more of what damage may have been done in the past. I think I might ask my PT about exercises to help build up bone density. I did used to run a lot, but with my recent knee injury, I have been cycling more (and I am aware that it can have a negative effect on bone density).

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If I was working in Africa and did not have access to a bone density scan, I would assume that you have bone density issues based on your history. So do you *need* a bone scan, maybe not. But I would still expect you have bone density problems. All the test would do is confirm it, or less probably, disconfirm it. So I would move ahead with a plan of attack to increase your bone density. You've got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Starting by talking to your PT is a very good idea. It would also be a good idea to find another doc, maybe a sports med doc because they will be more familiar with atypical presentations of bone density problems in young female athletes. Your ammenorhea is a very important sign that needs to be mentioned. You should also keep a food diary so that you can start observing what you eat and communicating these things to your healthcare professionals.

You should take a look at this and this.

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Originally Posted by Wahine

This sounds like a change in HR from electrolytes (which you already thought of), acute change from overtraining or infection.

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I did not think of infection. I was under a lot of stress at the time (end of the academic quarter and finals to take), so maybe my immune system was a little suppressed. I was not exercising at all during the time (I took a "break" from cardiac exercise in an attempt to heal my knee and weaken the exercise compulsion a little), so I think overtraining can probably be ruled out.

Thank you also for the links. I am well aware of the female athlete triad, but unfortunately did not use this knowledge to my benefit. I have just started this year to really try to fix things. I have been seeing a nutritionist weekly since September and made progress, although I do still struggle sometimes.


On a semi-related note, I had a frustrating ride today. I was looking forward to it a lot and the weather was fantastic. I got home in the evening and because of time constraints decided to just run at home, instead of biking to nearby running trails like I had planned. I forgot my knee brace in the rush and ended up cutting my run short. My knee was bad, my stomach was cramping, and I just was not having fun. I figured I'd bike a little longer instead.

I felt so slow on my bike. I don't know what was wrong. By the time I left, it had started to rain a little and it was pretty chilly. I forgot padded shorts, so my seat was a little uncomfortable and my knee was bothering me. I ended up deciding not to push it and just pedaled at a leisurely pace. I ended up at school, but I'm disappointed. I am trying to remind myself that I'll likely have "good rides" and "bad rides" like in running, but it's still frustrating. I really need to work on my fueling. I ate poor-quality foods all day because "it was my birthday" and I'm sure that must have contributed at least a little, as well. I'm hoping to get back out tomorrow and have a much better ride tomorrow.

Athena,

Just one thought on health care. It's your body. Your doctor may have the best of intentions, but doctors have their own points of view and blinders. If your doctor's views don't align with yours -- get a new doctor! And do research online. If they screw up or miss an opportunity to help you, they won't suffer for it -- you will.

My GI doctor completely poo-poo'd the idea that eliminating gluten would make me feel better. "You have Crohn's, your blood tested negative for Celiac, just take your pills and deal with the fact that your gut hurts most of the time." Um, yeah. Wait, no. I decided to try it anyway, and hey, the results are fantastic. Hey, it's not the solution for everyone, but for me it's been huge.

Does your insurance cover a bone density scan? That's the only reason I can see for hesitation, is that you might not be able to afford it. If you can afford it through your own resources or if insurance will cover it for you, with your family history, you should definitely do it.

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Originally Posted by bounceswoosh

Just one thought on health care. It's your body. Your doctor may have the best of intentions, but doctors have their own points of view and blinders. If your doctor's views don't align with yours -- get a new doctor! And do research online. If they screw up or miss an opportunity to help you, they won't suffer for it -- you will.

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You are completely right. At the time, I was anxious to find a doctor to deal with the heart and knee problems and didn't really invest much time researching different ones. Maybe now that I'm not so rushed, it might be a good chance to find one that would be a little more thorough.

I think the doctor mentioned that insurance would probably not cover the bone scan for "people like me," but my parents have offered to pay out of pocket. I know it wouldn't fix anything, but it would be nice to at least have an idea of the current density. As I've started to gain a healthier outlook, I've really become worried about any damage I may have caused in the past.

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Originally Posted by athena

You are completely right. At the time, I was anxious to find a doctor to deal with the heart and knee problems and didn't really invest much time researching different ones. Maybe now that I'm not so rushed, it might be a good chance to find one that would be a little more thorough.

I think the doctor mentioned that insurance would probably not cover the bone scan for "people like me," but my parents have offered to pay out of pocket. I know it wouldn't fix anything, but it would be nice to at least have an idea of the current density. As I've started to gain a healthier outlook, I've really become worried about any damage I may have caused in the past.

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I know what you mean about rushing. Despite my advice, I'm still seeing a GI doctor I think is "okay", not as bad as my last one, but not perfect for me. It's hard switching doctors -- mentally, anyway.

I have no history to suggest any bone brittleness -- in fact, I've never broken a bone -- so my experiences don't really relate to yours, but my doctor (my main one, whom I really like) said that a bone density test on its own wouldn't help me much. She said what matters is change, so for example comparing the test results when you first hit menopause vs. two years later. She said, if the bone density test comes out low, she would say to take calcium, which is what she would say anyway.

BUT! If there is a family or personal history that indicates a problem, there may be more indication for taking the test, even if it's just to plan for another test in a couple of years to compare. It may be that there *are* treatments out there for people with aggressive bone loss issues, and they just wouldn't be appropriate for a person who has never broken a bone or had any issues. It may even be that there is newer, better info out there since when I talked to my doctor about it several years ago.

That's interesting, bounceswoosh. I am thinking I might try to search for a new doctor I am comfortable with, as I am less rushed now. I still haven't gotten a chance to talk to my PT (appointment is this Friday), but hopefully she'll have some suggestions about a sports-oriented primary care provider.

I have gotten two more rides in since the not-so-great 19th birthday one.

Yesterday, I biked back from school to home. It was the first time I got passed on the trail. These two men (looked to be in their 30s) passed me and then proceeded to ride side-by-side. I didn't really feel like I could make it around them safely and they were going at a comfortable speed, so I stayed behind them for a couple miles. I remember one of them looking back at me and he had this look like, "aww, that's cute. That little girl is trying to keep up with us." Eventually, the one on the left moved over a little and there was room to pass. I wanted to put a little bit of distance between myself and those guys, but it only lasted a couple miles. Soon, it felt like somebody was right behind me. I looked back and one of the guys said "We're drafting off you. We need somebody strong... Preferably somebody taller." That lit my competitive fire ;) I wanted to show them I could still hold my own, even if I'm not very tall. So, I started pushing myself to go faster and it was really cool. They helped motivate me so much, but eventually they turned back about 10 miles from my home. I used the rest of the ride to recover mostly, but also biked up the giant hill by home, which was an awesome workout :D I'm mainly used to long-distance running, so the strength & endurance combo. from cycling is a little different.

Today, I biked down to work and back (maybe 40ish miles round-trip). I really need to read more about bike-commuting, I think. It was raining all day and I wore my regular clothes, instead of more exercise-specific ones. I realized the jeans choice, in particular, was very not smart :o I also had a little bit of a mishap with the gears on my bike. On the bright side, I found out how to get into a higher gear (I think). I'm pretty sure that's what the small, unmarked levers on the handlebars are for. I think I must have shifted entirely wrong though because my bike started to make a pretty loud creaking noise (it's usually almost silent). I kept biking for a couple miles and felt like such a newbie with my loud bike and blue jeans. I eventually stopped at the side of the trail and played with the chain a little, although I had no idea what I was doing. I was really lucky because this super-nice cycling boy stopped to ask if I needed help. I wish I would have taken more notice of his jersey now because I'd love to have a way to thank him for the help. He got some sort of tool out of his jersey and spun the tire around a little, shifted some things, etc. Fixed my bike perfectly and was completely non-condescending about it! He explained that the chains might have stretched a little since it's a new bike and that's probably why the chain probably slipped off. He said I should take it back in to get it tuned up. I still was so amazed by how nice he was though. To not only stop and help, but explain simple things in a non-condescending way. It was pretty awesome. There's some really nice people in this world :D

Hoping to get another ride in this weekend before I have to go back to school.

he was prob'ly flirting with you ;)...

Being a helpless female isn't ALWAYS a bad thing :D...

(I usually try to avoid it when I can though :eek:).

Wow Athena, you are pretty damn fit!

Wow, I'm impressed...

Just for fun ladies, what is the etiquette for drafting on people you don't know in the US?

I've never quite found out here, but no-one seems too bothered if you draft, is my impression.

Athena: training that is good for bone density is all kinds of strength training as well as running and walking. If you can't run much anymore, I'd recommend strength training, preferably using heavy weights. If you do for instance squats you should get a benefit from it as a cyclist as well (Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå does a lot of strength training apparently, and she's a fairly accomplished cyclist...).

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Originally Posted by liza

he was prob'ly flirting with you ;)...

Being a helpless female isn't ALWAYS a bad thing :D...

(I usually try to avoid it when I can though :eek:).

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Ack! I hope not. It definitely made my weekend though. Flirting or not, it was a super-nice thing to do :)

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Originally Posted by Fujichants

Wow Athena, you are pretty damn fit!

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That's really nice of you to say :o I've been breathing pretty hard on some of these rides though, so I don't know that fitness (or lack there of...) is the main factor. I think my new bike's really helped me to motivate me to go fast. It's way too much fun :D

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Originally Posted by Trigress

Wow, I'm impressed...

Just for fun ladies, what is the etiquette for drafting on people you don't know in the US?

I've never quite found out here, but no-one seems too bothered if you draft, is my impression.

Athena: training that is good for bone density is all kinds of strength training as well as running and walking. If you can't run much anymore, I'd recommend strength training, preferably using heavy weights. If you do for instance squats you should get a benefit from it as a cyclist as well (Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå does a lot of strength training apparently, and she's a fairly accomplished cyclist...).

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Thanks Trigress. That's nice of you to say. I'm not too sure about etiquette for drafting either. It surprised me a little to have two men I didn't know right behind me, but once I realized they were harmless, I enjoyed it :D I feel like all three of us got a pretty good workout out of it.



I promise I'll stop replying to this thread soon ;) I got another ride in today, although it was very short. I only found a small section of the trail I was looking for, so ended up pedaling around town a little. It was an amazing day and I really enjoyed the hour or so around town, although I get nervous riding on the streets. I would like to get more comfortable on the roads eventually, but I think for now I'm going to try to stick to trails (and hopefully be better at finding them!).

Unfortunately, my bike is spending the night in the repair shop :( When I bought it last week, they suggested I bring it back for a tune-up after 100 miles. I did get a run in tonight, but it wasn't the same as biking. I have the feeling this is going to be a very long week!

Drafting off a stranger, particularly without asking permission, is generally frowned upon.

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Originally Posted by zencentury

Drafting off a stranger, particularly without asking permission, is generally frowned upon.

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Good to know! Thanks for filling me in :)


Wanted to update you guys real quick about the doctor situation. I just got back to school now and noticed a letter on my desk marked confidential from the health center on campus. I was nervous about opening it, but it turns out the doctor I saw last month (I saw one on campus about the heart stuff first, before deciding to get a second opinion from the one back home) sent me a letter to check how I was doing. In the letter, it said she also tried to call but didn't leave a message since it wasn't my voice on the machine. I've never had a doctor contact me like this before, but it looks like she might be a "keeper" :eek: I'm still pretty amazed by the timing!

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Originally Posted by athena

I think my new bike's really helped me to motivate me to go fast. It's way too much fun :D

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That's awesome. Going fast on a bike is always much with the fun. :cool:

However, keep in mind that the road is a more appropriate place than the trail for faster speeds. As the weather gets nicer, the trails are going to become more crowded with walkers, people with pets, mothers with strollers and small children, and those out for slow leisurely rides in the sun. Riding a bike fast around that kind of slow-moving (and sometimes unpredictable) traffic is frustrating and less than safe, for everyone.

I understand the road trepidation/nervousness, but if speed is one of your big sources of bike joy, you'll probably be much happier getting off the trail and out on the road. :)

Oh definitely, dex! I think I might go out of the city a little to find some quieter roads, at first. I noticed you're in Seattle... do you have any suggestions, by chance? I'm in the Seattle area most of the time, but on the east-side a lot too.