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I’ve read lots of reports on how bicycling is a highly recommended exercise for people with fibromyalgia. I’ve been looking for more resources, but have yet to find a comprehensive book on bicycling and fibromyalgia. (Let me know if you find one!)
However, I did find two blogs of interest. One is of a woman, Paula Werme, who attempted a ride across the United States. (She knew when her limits were – AND she made 3,360 miles. Impressive progress). Her site is rather “old school,” so you have to scroll down to read newer entries.
Some interesting points:
All of the above said, the biking is getting better. We’re averaging more miles per day, although the totals are creeping up slowly. We didn’t have ANY 45 day miles at the beginning, and now I can do one that includes a major climb. We’ve done 60, but it was tough. Coming into Missoula was the first day we’ve had on the trip with the prevailing winds, the terrain, and the weather all in our favor, and we sailed into town with an average speed well above our other days – over 11 mph. Compared to our first few days where the averages were 5 – 6 mph getting used to the hills, that’s pretty good.
Dateline, August 11. Still in Missoula, after a car trip 600+ round trip miles to Yellowstone. We head out tomorrow for Great Falls, where Ric and Hannah leave and I continue on by myself.
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It doesn’t take a whole lot of miles in a car to remember that you have Fibromyalgia! I was a bit creaky on the trip, and still am somewhat, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that walking around Yellowstone was much easier now that I’ve got some leg muscles – so it does pay to exercise….
I get the idea that if I can get comfortable on a seat, I can easily pick up 10 miles a day just from that! The wheat free/dairy free diet is simply not working – can’t consistently get supplies, and my appetite has been for a fair amount of food – also I’m sick to death of hash browns.
Paula Werme’s story has some very interesting insights into bike seats, in fact. I have a feeling that’s something I’m really going to have to look into.
Another interesting blog is by a woman with fibromyalgia who does triathalons. I haven’t read all of her entries, but you can check them out for yourself on the Living *WELL* with Fibromyalgia blog (aka “tri beyond limits”).
Has anyone else explored bicycling with fibromyalgia? I’d love to hear about your experiences, or any resources you may have found.
I’ve had some first rate truly happy moments these past few days. There have been a number of contributing factors: beautiful weather after a major heat wave; expectations of Fall (my favorite season); good food; seeing loved ones; being able to walk and exercise properly again; and having low pain levels.
All in all, a time worth giving thanks. It makes me want to celebrate.
I’ve been doing some celebrating lately. Rolling the windows down and letting the breeze hit my face while my stereo plays Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker. Singing along. Making up silly songs. Laughing at little things.
Those who live with me, who have seen me with bipolar mania, sometimes get a worried look in their eye when I’m exhibiting these behaviors. In another situation, making up silly songs, wiggling and dancing, and laughing too much can signal that I’m in a manic episode.
Mania can sound fun, but it’s more like you’re running on about 10 cups of coffee and a packet of pixie stix. You know you’re a bit out of control, you temporarily feel great, and you know you’re going to crash really hard.
I’ve gotten to the point where I can tell the difference between what it feels like to be manic and what it feels like to just have a good day. It’s a fine line – it’s like learning to tell the difference between depression and healthy sadness/grief.
How do my loved ones tell if I’m manic or if I’m happy? There lies the dilemma. We’ve yet to figure out a good way to do so. Asking if I’m manic usually leads to some sort of angry outburst and denial (a sure sign that I’m manic), and sometimes something untoward happens (like the time I bought a mouse – long story). Asking if I’m manic and I’m in a good mood sometimes feels like folks are invalidating my good mood. “I’m happy – why can’t you see that I’m happy?” It’s a touchy subject.
The best we’ve managed is for me to let loved ones know if I am feeling manic (so they can help me out if need be), and also to reassure them that I am having a bad day. I try not to let my own sensitivity about bipolar get in the way. We’ve also worked on having a good communication system, so if something does bother me we can work it out.
