Saying good bye to 2020

 Saying good bye to 2020

I have many goals I am wanting to achieve in 2021. I'm not into a lot of New Years resolutions, but with the year that 2020 was, it would be great to start off in a good direction. 

In October I will turn 50, so my major goal for that is to get in 50 mile mountain bike ride. This past year I was able to hammer down a 26 mile ride and felt pretty good doing it. With some better nutrition before and during the ride, as well getting stronger off and on the bike. 

Of course for a lot of people is setting a goal of losing weight, which wouldn't be a bad idea for me, but it's not the main priority. 

There are a few training programs I have already, that I just need to buckle down and get strict with following them through. 

Join in on this Cyber Monday deal you can't pass up

Alpha Performance Inserts is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  

Jump in on this deal I can offer you.  Use the code "HACK30" and get 30% off your purchase. 

When you order from their website Alpha Performance Inserts, use the promo code when checking out. 

I have used these inserts in my daily walking shoes, my road running shoes along with my trail running shoes. They swap out easily, or if you don't want to do that, get yourself two pairs. 

I have also worn them in my cycling and mountain bike shoes. They feel amazing inside the show while pedaling. 

More on the insert. 

The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

I initially tested and used them three weeks in every situation I could throw at them.  

After wearing them I could feel myself on the way to recovering from a terrible situation with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The ALPHA shoe inserts have made a difference. I am able to walk, hike and run with no pain during or the next day. In the first two weeks of testing the inserts I logged just over 24 miles on a treadmill. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Here is the update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

It doesn’t look like any formal or group races will be going on for awhile.

  

I myself have been out on the mountain bike trail getting some much needed mental and physical miles in.  I have even done a few virtual challenges/races and looking to maybe sign up for another. This would be the Wine Country Challenge. I would have almost two months to complete 120 miles on the mountain bike. 

If not training for a race, these virtual races are a great way to keep active and stay healthy.  

Last weekend, on the 4th of July, I completed the 20 mile Pickle Juice Virtual Summer Series: Independence Day Rally for Dallas Off Road Bicycling Association.  I got out early to avoid the heat. The day started at 85 degrees. Hydration and nutrition is important as well as sunscreen to start the day off. 

Besides the indoor weight sessions I am working on and off and on again treadmill miles and mountain bike miles. I am trying to stay active. 

What are you doing to stay active? 

Back on track with the ALPHA from Apex Gear Co.

The Apex Gear Company is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  

The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

I have tested and used them over the past three weeks.  I am on the way to recovering from a terrible situation with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The ALPHA shoe inserts have made a difference. I am able to walk, hike and run with no pain during or the next day.  The two weeks of testing these inserts I logged just over 24 miles on a treadmill. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on,, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Here is the update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

Apex Gear Co.’s ALPHA performance shoe insert

I’ve talked a lot about suffering from plantar fasciitis over almost the past year.  The stretching and good supportive shoe are helping, however I am trying out the Apex Gear Co.’s ALPHA shoe insert. 

Apex Gear Co. ALPHA insert  was created by marathoners and pedorthists.  

So instead of you asking Google what a pedorthist is, I’ll tell you. 

Pedorthist

A pedorthist is a professional who has specialized training to modify footwear and employ supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs. They are trained in the assessment of lower limb anatomy and biomechanics, and the appropriate use of corrective footwear – including shoes, shoe modifications and other pedorthic devices.

The company is Veteran owned and the product is American made.  The shoe insert was made to reduce injuries and strengthen your feet. 

The ALPHA inserts come in many sizes, so check the web site for your shoe/foot size. They also are available in four different colors. Orange, grey, blue and black.  I chose orange, so a quick glance down at my shoes before putting them on,, seeing and knowing with the bright orange color they are inside the shoe. 

Wearing these I am looking to improve my foot feeling and help eliminate the Plantar Fasciitis.

This should set me on my way to pain free walking and running. 

I’ll be trying these while running, walking and hiking over the next two weeks and update my video and blog. 

By the way, if you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, please do. 

Also check out the Apex Gear Co. site

Workouts moved indoors during the COVID-19

The first week, I was getting out on the mountain bike trails, getting some solid training in and feeling great. Allergies flared up with the wild flowers and spring's warmer weather bringing the desert alive. 

Trials were packed with hikers making it hard to keep it safe even with the 6 foot precaution.  They closed down a few trail heads here due to the over crowding with everyone wanting to get out and hike the trails. The weekends were horrible.  

Workouts moved indoors during the COVID-19. I am not doing as many miles running or cycling that I would like to be doing, but I see that ramping up.  

A few adjustments made to the bike trainer, having the ability to use a set of rollers or a trainer where just the back wheel is powered. 

I am getting some strength workouts in, staying the in garage or close to the house. 

What are you doing?  Have you found any online programs or other videos online?

Cancelled race, yet still doing it virtually

Like many races, fun runs and other organized athletic events being cancelled or postponed, the DC Wonder Woman Run I was going to do this Sunday in Tempe, AZ was cancelled. 

I signed up to run this fun run with my daughter, both of us running the 5K distance around Tempe Town Lake. 

Last Friday, this notice was posted on the race’s Facebook page. 

“Due to the concerns surrounding the coronavirus, and taking into consideration the guidance from health and government officials around avoiding public gatherings at this time, we have made the unfortunate decision not to hold the upcoming Tempe and Houston DC Wonder Woman™ 10k/5k races at their present venues. This decision was not taken lightly, but the safety of the community and our staff is of the utmost importance.

We understand how disappointing this is, but we still want to provide a great experience for you. That’s why we've created the Tempe and Houston DC Wonder Woman™ 10k/5k VIRTUAL RUNS! What does this mean for you? We have switched all registered participants to virtual runners and are going to ship all of your goodie bag items- tech tee, commemorative tote bag, and wrist cuffs, along with the finisher’s medal, and race bib, direct to your door.”

So the race being cancelled, I plan on still doing the race with my daughter, only the two of us logging the 5K distance on a course near our home.  We will be practicing “social distancing”. 

If you have signed up for a race, maybe this exact one, still get out and get the miles in. 
It is important to still exercise and be active, even though we might not be able to gather in the massive group of runners are doing it on the same course at the same time. 

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to DC Wonder Woman Run Series race in Tempe, AZ as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

My right foot was a total mess, until I switched foot doctors.

Finally, after almost eight months of Plantar Fasciitis and onto my second foot doctor, I can NOW say, the pain is starting to go away.  

After not getting relief from the foot doctor that made a pair of orthotics that were suppose to help alleviate the pain being caused in my right foot’s arch and later on heel, I turned to another doctor. 

I started to develop a bursa, or bursitis on my right heel too. My right foot was a total mess. 

Visiting the new doctor he asked me what my issues and symptoms I have or have had. I told him the heel pain both on the bottom of my foot and the back of my heel. 

Upon his exam of my foot and how it was placed in the orthotic, he knew the arch was not high enough. The original mold of my foot was taken, not weight baring, so therefore not really showing the true shape when pressure applied on my foot, how my arch was too low. 

During the office visit he heated my orthotics and molded them up higher in the arches for both feet. It felt better right after doing that.  

Along with the adjustments to the orthotics, I was given a prescription for some topical inflammatory gel and a night splint. 

He also looked at the shoes I was wearing right then and asked what shoes I was running in. 

He suggested I get a pair of good walking shoes and told me just standing and walking is rough on suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. I have since switch my normal everyday shoes for a great pair of stability Brooks Beast I originally purchased for running. 

This was so different than the first doctor I visited.  

I am now wearing the splint nightly, just to keep my ankle at a 90 degree angle, which has been difficult, but it is helping with my first steps of the day getting out of bed. The other doctor only had me using the splint for 20 minutes at a time a few times during the day, with my foot angled with my toe upwards. 

About a week ago, before being seen by the new foot doctor, I was able to get in a few runs on a treadmill at home. I am looking at getting back out in the garage running pain free. 

Update on Plantar Fasciitis and Running on a Treadmill for Training

I can honestly say my plantar fasciitis is feeling the best it has in eight months, however it has not gone away.  My ankle and lower leg still feel a little stiff when first waking up getting out of bed in the morning, but nothing like early last fall. 

Stretching my lower and upper leg muscles along with icing with Frozen Peaz.  I am stretching not just muscles in my foot, but my calves, hamstrings and hips too. 

Needless to say, the foot and ankle doctors advice and help in ordering orthotics has not made the problem go away like I thought it would.  With that, I have left the one doctor I was seeing and am attempting to see another doctor to get his advice and help in dealing with the issue. 

I am almost wondering if the first doctor just had me going to him to buy the expensive orthotics that have not really helped at all. 

I have really focused this past month and a half on using the percussion massage on my soleus muscle. 

The calf contains a network of muscles and tendons on the back and sides of the lower leg including the soles muscle. A good five minutes with the percussion massager on my arch and ball of my foot then I move up to the backside of the lower leg.  This seems to be helping and doing the trick. 

On a happier note, at home we invested in a treadmill. It was in the budget and had the features we were looking for as a family to getting. 

I have had two sessions on it. I ran a great two mile run on it last night, testing out some of the features and got in a groove when I was on it. 

I hate to say it, but I had a fun run. My legs and knees liked the less stress pounding they took.  

I am looking forward to many more treadmill runs as I get back in running shape. 

Prepping for the 465 Challenge

I am trying to decide if I complete the 53 mile 465 Challenge in the first 24 hours. Of course I would continue to add miles on for the rest of the time allowed to complete the virtual challenge.  I started thinking maybe completing it on my mountain bike or setting out and completing on my road bike.  There is no way I would be able to finish the distance running, for me at this time.  

I am almost complete with my other winter challenge I have going on.  


 I encourage you to sign up for it too starts when the New Year does. So you have time to sign up and get motived in these colder months ahead and keep active. 

Log miles on the challenge from Jan. 1, 2020 to Feb. 29, 2020.  The miles can be completed by Run, Bike, Swim, Jump, Walk, just complete the 53 miles. Why 53 miles?  Starting at I-65 on the Southside, the 465 is a 53 mile loop around Indianapolis. 

So what are you waiting for?

Join in the virtual challenge.  Use this link when signing up and code 
"BIBRAVE" for 10% off

465 Challenge

The 465 Challenge!

Let’s face it, it gets cold outside during the winter and for me that cuts back on my training time outside. Needing or having a challenge makes working out and training in the winter better. 

I have some other challenges going on to keep me motivated, but the latest one that I have signed up for, and I encourage you to sign up for it too starts when the New Year does. So you have time to sign up and get motived in these colder months ahead and keep active. 

Log miles on the challenge from Jan. 1, 2020 to Feb. 29, 2020.  The miles can be completed by Run, Bike, Swim, Jump, Walk, just complete the 53 miles. Why 53 miles?  Starting at I-65 on the Southside, the 465 is a 53 mile loop around Indianapolis. 

So what are you waiting for?

Join in the virtual challenge.  Use this link when signing up and code 
"BIBRAVE" for 10% off

465 Challenge

PhysioProX 2019 Pro Massage Gun for Athletes | Powerful, Quiet and Cordless Sports Massager

PhysioProX 2019 Pro Massage Gun for Athletes

The cordless PhysioProX has six speeds and comes with four attachment heads. 

Included are A Fork, 

a Bullet, 

a Flat

 

and a rounded softer foam ball. 

Also included are the necessary 24volt adapter and wall charging plug. 

The percussion massage gun has many features. Charging the unit for three to four will produce a running time of two to three hours, all dependent upon its use.

There are six speeds you can use the button on the back to obtain. 

The first speed produces a vibration speed of 1800 rpm

Speed two 2080 rpm

Speed three 2360 rpm

Speed four 2640 rpm

Speed five 2920 rpm

and Speed six will produce 3200 rpm 

A long hold on the button will stop the unit. 

It weighs only 2.5 pounds and can be controlled and operated with one hand. 

The bright LED screen on the back,  displays the speed level you are using as well as the battery percentage still available.  You can also glance at the LED ring around the battery to giving you the level power of the battery. 

The best percussion massage gun I have used. Very powerful and super quiet. 

Here is a link to the product on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VT5Q1TL

Lace Locker, keep your laces from coming undone!

First off, I was offered a pair of Lace Lockers from the inventor herself, Carol “Stash” Stanley. I was not paid for this review, besides being given the product for free. 

It’s a simple yet very effective device for holding your shoe laces not only tied, but also from flopping around. With your laces placed inside the velcro attached device, your shoes can’t come untied. 

I use to use an elastic lace type in my running shoes, but have since switches to just the laces that come in with the shoes I wear. I get a better snug on my laces. 

I place the Lace Locker device, like the instructions show and explain, and it does what it says. 

From just walking around with the laces places inside, I don’t have to double knot my laces any longer, knowing that there is no way the laces will be able to undo themselves from the Lace Locker. 

I only ran the back of the Lace Locker through the top of the laces, as they sit on top of the shoe's tongue. I have since placed this stiff part of the back of the Lace Locker running down three laces. 

The initial set up, of placing the Lace Locker on each shoe, takes just a few more seconds than actually using them from then on. After they are installed, simply tie your shoes like normal, place the laces down through the Lace Locker and fold over the velcro top. DONE!  Very quick and easy. 

Check them out for yourself. 

They are sold in a few stores, but most definitely online at LACE LOCKER

TriForce with symmetrical and asymmetrical loads

Impact and variability while on the mountain bike.  Here I demonstrate it with a jump squat, working the legs, shoulders and arms along with my core. 

I enjoy using the TriForce.  It helps my body react to counteracting movements to stay in control. With the different weights that can be moved around and added or removed, it always provides a great stability workout I am looking for. 

Here is a simple standard workout I have incorporated in my use of the TriForce. 

Using the stability ball to stretch out on and allow for my arms, chest and upper abs open up after being hunched over my handlebars on a training ride. 

The lunge with raising the TriForce above my head gives a great full body stretch and recovery. 

TriForce gives you the versatility to train for the demands of your sport with symmetrical and asymmetrical loads.   rebrand.ly/0b2m4e

You can receive a 15% discount when you order yours using the code 

"HACKERFORCE15"

 and get free standard shipping in continental US

Road I.D. with video

I used to use my smartphone with my " I.C.E." In Case of Emergency contact's phone number. With my smartphone being password protected, if I was found unconscious, unlocking my phone to get to my emergency contact would not be possible.  

Very fashionable and very function is the Road I.D. Wrist I.D. 

Choose your silicone strap's color and buckle and tags material/color. On mine I have six lines of information, each able to use 24 characters. 

Order yours until to Nov. 25, 2019 using the code 

"BibChat20" 

and receive 20 percent off your purchase of a Wrist I.D. or SideKick. 

In a holding pattern

This issue I am having with my Plantar Fasciitis is in a holding patter.  The wrap the podiatrist put on it for a week, brought down the inflammation in it. The wrap came off the other day and I have a few options to take in consideration.

Here are my three options

1. Continue to ice (Frozen Peaz) it numerous times a day and increase my leg and foot stretches.

2. A cortisone shot, in my foot, to reduce the pain. The pain would go away for about six months, if I went this option.

3. Be fitted and casted for new orthotics.

For now I have chosen number one.  I am increasing the stretches and icing to get my foot back on my own. 

I am also using kinesiology tape to help support the plantar fascia. 

On the mend

Over the past few months, I have been having issues with my right foot. The bottom of it to be exact and having plantar fasciitis.  I am doing stretches daily, a few times in fact. My brother has loaned me a splint to use a few times a day, helping isolate the bottom of my foot for stretching and provides a gentle stretch to my plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. I have been strapping my foot in this device and sitting with my foot in it, twice a day for 30 minutes at a time. 

I follow it up placing FrozenPeaz then on my foot. 

I have to say it is working and my foot is starting to feel better and the pain is going away. It will take some time, but it's not an overnight fix. 

Using Frozen Peaz to treat Plantar Fasciitis using them 20 min on, 20 min on twice a day. 

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)

Frozen Peaz can be used on many placed on the body. Knee, elbow, foot, neck, etc.  Although I am using them here in their cold state, with the Peaz Pod, they can be used with heat as well.