erickpl
04-01-2014, 3:03pm
Yep, it's that time of year where saddle time is key and working on getting the miles to get ready for Bike MS again this year. It's a year later, and both my wife and I have learned a lot about ourselves and what we can do.
At the Bike MS event last year, we got to mile marker 73.2 and her body went into a full cramp while in motion. We got her stopped and off the bike, but she was unable to straighten her legs or arms. The heat had caused profuse sweating and dehydration to the point of cramps kicking in (and this despite the seemingly constant intake of electrolytes, water, and potassium). A volunteer helped me load her and her bike into her van (as she was going HOME) and drove her to the finish line. I finished the route for both of us. She was heartbroken but the MS and heat just got to her.
She's going to be ready this year!
We both completed the triathlon season injury-free last year, but this year she's focusing on just biking and running as she feels she gets the best workouts with them (and she likes being outside doing group activities).
Her MS has not really progressed at all since last year, which is awesome! Her physical activity really helps. She runs, bikes, does yoga, and Body Pump for some weight work. She inspires me every day. Her MS still makes her tired some days, but she works around it and still manages time to volunteer at the local animal shelters and fosters cats as needed. I don't know how she does it!
She and I are both riding for Bike MS again this year. We ride because there are others that can't and MS is a disease I can see us beating within my lifetime (I'm 44). But to do that, we need help!
The Barn was INCREDIBLE last year with the contributions and donations I received to help MS efforts. The money goes to provide items such as A/C, cooling vents, medicine, etc to families affected by MS who otherwise couldn't afford it. Money also goes to continued research and support of clinical trials for new MS therapies. With the federal government reducing their funding, your support is again crucial!!!!
I would love to be able to get some help from you guys!!! Small donations, big donations... all are welcomed and appreciated. I have been blessed to get to know quite a few of you on here (even if not face to face) and would be honored if you could help the cause.
The site below is my National MS society page for donations. It is secure, but if you want to donate, but prefer other means, please PM me and we can work something out.
2014 ALC Bike MS: Mr. Paul Erickson - National MS Society (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=8423072&pg=personal&fr_id=22490&source=boundlessfundraising&sub_src=bfDskFbPfStream)
At the Bike MS event last year, we got to mile marker 73.2 and her body went into a full cramp while in motion. We got her stopped and off the bike, but she was unable to straighten her legs or arms. The heat had caused profuse sweating and dehydration to the point of cramps kicking in (and this despite the seemingly constant intake of electrolytes, water, and potassium). A volunteer helped me load her and her bike into her van (as she was going HOME) and drove her to the finish line. I finished the route for both of us. She was heartbroken but the MS and heat just got to her.
She's going to be ready this year!
We both completed the triathlon season injury-free last year, but this year she's focusing on just biking and running as she feels she gets the best workouts with them (and she likes being outside doing group activities).
Her MS has not really progressed at all since last year, which is awesome! Her physical activity really helps. She runs, bikes, does yoga, and Body Pump for some weight work. She inspires me every day. Her MS still makes her tired some days, but she works around it and still manages time to volunteer at the local animal shelters and fosters cats as needed. I don't know how she does it!
She and I are both riding for Bike MS again this year. We ride because there are others that can't and MS is a disease I can see us beating within my lifetime (I'm 44). But to do that, we need help!
The Barn was INCREDIBLE last year with the contributions and donations I received to help MS efforts. The money goes to provide items such as A/C, cooling vents, medicine, etc to families affected by MS who otherwise couldn't afford it. Money also goes to continued research and support of clinical trials for new MS therapies. With the federal government reducing their funding, your support is again crucial!!!!
I would love to be able to get some help from you guys!!! Small donations, big donations... all are welcomed and appreciated. I have been blessed to get to know quite a few of you on here (even if not face to face) and would be honored if you could help the cause.
The site below is my National MS society page for donations. It is secure, but if you want to donate, but prefer other means, please PM me and we can work something out.
2014 ALC Bike MS: Mr. Paul Erickson - National MS Society (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=8423072&pg=personal&fr_id=22490&source=boundlessfundraising&sub_src=bfDskFbPfStream)