New again.

[pooks]

So after buying my bike and killing myself in the heat of the summer, just trying to get in a couple of miles a day -- once the weather turned gorgeous my life turned upside down and I stopped riding.

Today I'm trying to get up the gumption to get out on the bike (and since I just signed up for the 2500 mile challenge on bikejournal, I think I'd better).

The two things holding me back?

I've got the shingles, and the prednisone I'm on is keeping the pain under control, but I'm wondering if actually using my body/muscles will trigger something?

It's colder outside than I'm used to and I've got to figure out what to wear! I bought some warm stuff (wool base layer, etc.) and now can't figure out where I put it! LOL!

[Tuckervill]

I don't think shingles could be aggravated by exercise. If it is, you can always turn around and go home.

I'm sorry you have shingles. I've heard the pain is intense.

:::she says as she sits in the recliner instead of riding:::

Karen

[mimitabby]

hey Pooks, I missed you! I'm sorry you have shingles, my aunt who is 83 also just got them and it has caused permanent nerve damage in her face. she is so depressed, I think she won't recover.
You on the other hand, get on your bike and try it! we need your spirit here.

[Bikingmomof3]

Nice to see you Pooks! Shingles can be difficult to recover from. Please take it easy. I know what it is like to be excited to get back on the bike. I am hoping to get on the trainer this evening. Check with your doctor before to mcu activity. Heal quickly!

[Wahine]

Hey Pooks,

I'm glad to hear that you are excited to get out on the bike but you should keep a couple of things in mind. Shingles is a type of viral infection that is running unchecked. So although the prednisone will keep the pain down your body still has to do the work to beat the virus. So, like all other viruses that stress your immune system, some light exercise is good but too much will slow your recovery. Feel free to exercise but keep your heart rate low. If you don't have a HR monitor, try to exercise at a level that allows you to continue to breath through your nose, this will keep your intensity level in check.

Take care and recover fast!

[Geonz]

Good you're back! A fellow beginning biker I know also landed shingles this winter... so she's been careful not to push hard - but doing some exercise helps keep the systems kicking in.
Remember, 0.5 miles is more than 0.0 miles. Just do it!! Right now half a mile takes you past a dozen people at least on BJ
(I'm all frothing because I'm down at 800 something in the ranking now, after my high-falutin' ascent!! but my commute home should take me up a couple hundred...)

[HipGnosis6]

Pooks, I fell off the wagon too.... When I started school I quit bike commuting and that was bad, but when I got in the accident, I haven't ridden but a handful of very short rides. We can start over together! Yay!

[Thistle]

Missed you Pooks, it's great to have you back

[Geonz]

So, ladies, have ya been outside? Or is the weekend going to crack the door open for you? Half a mile is infinitely more than no miles... and we need to be rackin' 'em up for Team Estrogen!

[HipGnosis6]

OMG.... it was nice out this afternoon, but it's generally been torrential downpour in this part of the world. I'll ride the next time it's dry!

[Dogmama]

Pooks, I'm with you. Between a new puppy, killer job, the holidays and cold weather, I've found LOTS of excuses to not ride. I'm getting out tomorrow, hog, dog or frog. (Dog = literally!!)

[Bad JuJu]

Pooks! Welcome back!

I had shingles on just about 3 square inches of my left shoulder about 10 years ago and even that tiny bit was just miserable, even with the meds. I continued to do some riding, just not too intense. If nothing else, it kept my spirits up.

Glad you're joining us in the 2500 mile challenge!

[Denise223]

Hi Pooks!

Guess I'm with you & Dogmama.... I know you both will get back out there.

I desperately need to get myself back here -- I've got to get myself back on my bike again. This weather out here in New England has been excellent for riding, but I haven't been able to get myself out there!
Whatever fitness I gained from riding this summer, I am sure I've lost by now.

(I DESPERATELY miss our "usual" snowy, cold winter, though... I'm still wearing short sleeves & shorts )

I've been lurking around TE on & off for awhile - this is my first post in quite sometime.

One thing I do know is, I TRULY LOVED CYCLING . My husband and I had such a wonderful summer getting out & riding together. We had so many plans of getting out early in 2007 to ride, because we didn't start riding until mid-season 2006 (June).

Perhaps by sticking around here at TE I'll find my way back to my bike.

Peace & love to you all,

Denise

[crazycanuck]

Welcome back Pooks & Denise!!!! Nice to see you guys back on the wagon.

c

[Geonz]

Is it dry yet?

(Slapped on the Gore-Tex and rode in the rain at lunch today. Right now the radar is to laugh at - we are a wedge of clear between RAIN RAIN RAIN... so I guess I'll get to the bike shop for the inside ride without getting my shoes and socks (no gore-tex down there ) any wetter. Time to put 'em on and go!