Shiftysven: It's been a helluva year.

May 5, 2020

May 1. 2021

To me the title says it all. It has been a helluva year. Actually from one surgery to the other it was less that a year. Prostate cancer surgery on May 5, 2020. Double carpal tunnel and tendon release on April 30, 2021. But I'm making progress. At least that's what I'm calling it. Slow. Steady. Frustrating. But moving forward. I took six weeks off work to recover after my operation. A little tumble while trail running may have delayed my return to work? According to Tammy, " you can't even pretend to be smart!" Since my hand surgery I've even snuck in a couple races. Slow and not quite the results I would have liked. But real live in person pin on a number line up at a starting line races! No complaints there. I did a 5k on May 15. Not fast. But I finished without falling. That's a big plus! It's still frustrating to me that I can't run the times I think I should be able to, but I'm running. Kinda. It got so tough for a while that I've taken a break from running. The aches weren't worth the effort anymore. I'll be back. Hopefully soon. I'm not sure if the muscle loss and lack of testosterone are the issue. I'm trying to work in some yoga and core work. Maybe that will get me back. Maybe a few low key trail runs might help. We'll see.

So I've been putting in miles on two wheels. I snuck in a mountain bike race on June 13. Again, not fast or the results I would have liked, but it was racing. Maybe the hilly course and riding a rigid single speed had something to do with my end result.

These two events gave me a little bit of a benchmark and an indication of my fitness. Let's just say there is some work to be done. On the bike my biggest issue right now is my hands. After a few hours they are starting to ache. I know they will eventually better. As with everything else-PATIENCE!

I have a few more events on the calendar, but nothing definite. I'm keeping things relaxed and easy at this point. Honest!!

I've also restarted my bike commutes. After taking off all of 2020 it was time. I'm not a big fan of starting my day at 4:00 a.m. but the rides are relaxing. By my return trip I'm usually beat. But, if I waited to do something when I get home, it might not happen. This way I'm getting in a few miles.

Oh, and did I mention-ANOTHER GREAT TEST RESULT! I had my six month visit/test the beginning of June and there is no cancer detectable. It also showed my testosterone is barely detectable. That's why I'm holding out hope for a little better results as that returns to normal.

That's where I'm at now. Easy riding. Hopefully some easy running soon. Miles with friends and family. Slow and steady. Looking at the first photo, I'd say I'm making decent progress.

As always, thanks for reading and following. I appreciate it. I haven't posted a link to my fund raising page in a while. It's a great organization. And I appreciated any and all donations. https://click.pstmrk.it/2s/my.crowdchange.co%2Ftkdn3f/UrU5YAUN/iIlM/zMadEhOVi8

Until next time-Get out and ride/run/get moving. And FUCK CANCER!

P.S.-sorry about the layout. Obviously I'm not a professional at this!