The Crash and The Journey Back

Trying a 6-week program on Zwift called FTP Builder.  I did the short FTP test a week ago and the result was 160.  I've done three rides in the program so far.  None have felt tremendously hard.  I know that high (at least for me) cadence hurts my hip at about 3.5 minutes so I had to back off of that a bit.  My thoughts about the rides are below. Jen Divers 31 mins · FTP builder ride 3, I’m sweating during these rides; but surely doesn’t feel like a hard effort. Maybe 1.5-1.6wt/kg. Only three rides in and I’m wondering if this is going to help me. I guess it’s base building. So lost with trying to get stronger. Previously injuries were all upper extremity so I could at least run and ride a stationary bike. Three months of nothing followed by four of not too strenuous; then a year of rebuilding. Now to figure out more cardio, flexibility and strength training more. Anything beats nothing. I look so forward to spring riding weather. S...

So what to do on a January day where the high temperature is predicted to be 70degrees?  Go ride.  I decided to try to ride up Mill Mountain and back.  While it's not a high climb or a difficult climb, it's not that easy for me any more.  I've historically ridden up the roads and trails up Mill many many times.  This was only my 2nd trip since I broke my hip. It took me longer today that my previous attempt- I was way overdressed, so I wound up poking along.  I enjoyed the view from the top for a few minutes before heading back down.  I had noticed the main road up was really wet still from last night's heavy rain.  I was chicken enough just getting back to the stop sign and elected for forgo the fast, flowing descent which I used to love flying down.  Instead, I elected to just ride a short ways down, walk across a short path to Yellow Mountain Rd.  That turned out to be just as bad - there was washed out rocks, mud, grass of what h...

Finished 2019 with 2,170 miles give or take a few ridden.  Not bad for the first full year post hip fracture!!!  I still have some weaknesses, and I am keenly aware of them.  The biggest hurdle I have is stairs.  I can get up and down them fine, but when I get tired, have been walking a lot or have ridden my bike, it can be hard and painful.  Sometimes I wind up doing one stair at  a time.  I can tell there's weakness - I think mostly it's my glute.  So yea, weak ass!!! We've been playing around at work on Fridays and dancing some - this past Friday I discovered that many dances causes hip fatigue and pain.  Mainly things that require side steps.  Phew!  It's fun so I'll continue doing it.  I really need to buckle down and focus on some specific exercises for my hip again.  I just hate figuring out what to do.  Can't afford a trainer and can't afford to go back to PT. It's just a matter of focusing.  I feel f...