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If I wasn't discontinuing my blog

Even though I left myself an out for not completely discontinuing my blog
I may even post something occasionally, if I consider it particularly relevant, or in the event it is too cold, or raining outside...........

the outpouring of support to maintain my blog has been greater than I expected. Now I know at least 7 people read my blog, and actually find it informative and helpful, so I may have to reconsider that decision.

So even though it isn't very cold or raining outside, I've decided to give you 7 supporters at least one last fix of my ramblings.

Had I not decided to stop blogging, today I would be writing about how I am sitting here in front of the TV, trying to recover from this mornings bike ride.

Today was the 7th day, in the last 9, that I've ridden my bike, having put on a total of 363 miles so far this month. I can't remember the last time I've ridden that many miles in such a short period of time.

And on top of that, todays ride was 74 miles, about 25% more miles than I prefer to do in a single day.

I wasn't sure I would make it, but I did. I even managed to stay with the group up until about the last 10 miles, at a pretty high intensity, until I decided it just wasn't worth the effort anymore. And this was despite the fact it was a relatively strong head wind, and I might have been better off staying in the protection of the pack.

But what really amazed me so much, when I think back on this ride, there was actually someone (maybe even two or three people) up front, who were able to maintain that speed into the wind, without the benefit of as much protection from the wind as I was getting. I'm sure they were about 30 years younger than me, but that doesn't take anything away from their effort.

Still it was a good ride, and since I am a firm believer in the old saying
what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger

I'm happy I did it, plus it provided an excuse for telling everyone (well at least 7 people) about the experience.
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Comments

Vreni Gurd said…
Hi Marc,

Like I told you before, you would leave me in your dust ...

That is a lot of mileage - you must be in amazing shape. I could probably do 75 miles in a day, but then I'd be done. Forget it for the next day and the day after that. Maybe 5 to 6 days later I'd be ready to venture out again, but not for 75 more miles! And that is just at a leisurely pace, not at breakneck speeds like what you are talking about. And I'm healthy! Are you SURE you have cancer???? It boggles the mind.

Vreni
1:18 PM
Marc said…
I know, sometimes I wonder myself, but with a lymphocyte count of 88K and a hemoglobin of 12.6, there doesn't seem much doubt.

Just think how good I could perform if I was taking EPO.
1:34 PM
Becky said…
You ride farther on that bike than I ever did on the back of my horse. You're a nut and that's why we love ya!

So, what exactly is an EPO? I swear I need freakin dictionary reading your blog.
2:05 PM
Vreni Gurd said…
Yep, you'd be scary on EPO.
2:09 PM
Alan P, MD said…
Glad to see you back.

You have a great excuse to take EPO, but it doesn't sound like you need it.
2:18 PM
Marc said…
Erythropoietin (AKA EPO)

is a protein hormone produced by the kidney. After being released into the blood stream it binds with receptors in the bone marrow, where it stimulates the production of red blood cells.

It's what all the bruhaha was about at the Tour d'France this year.
7:39 PM
deb said…
Make that 8 who are glad you aren't finished with your reportings. I've enjoyed your ACOR posts for a number of years and have found your blog more recently. I'm especially interested in how you and Edie and doing with and without illness. I raised my Pinot Noir to you both last week with a prayer for good test results for her. So, Marc, I think you are stuck with several of us who hope you will continue to inform us of what's happening on the bike paths of California....and the western vineyards too!
2:46 PM
Marc said…
Thanks Deb, and I hope it was a good Pinot!
5:28 AM
Lee Ann said…
...okay, TEN.
4:46 AM
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