Ongoing prep

Well, about 3 1/2 weeks to go. I'm hoping to leave on or around March 23rd. There have been so many things to do. Like figure out how to edit the website, work my new camera, fix the cycle, plan supplies, get bank accounts and finances in order, batten down the hatches. I spent a wonderful few days in Bloomington/Normal with Russ and his daughter and family. What a delightful family. I am heading to Austin for a "fun trip" of music, friendship, and R&R. Austin may be a place to relocate some years down the line--but I need to see it and taste it to know.  I have spent a good part of today fixing some of the cyber technical aspects of my life. This is not my forte.
No, I didn't lose the weight. You may be surprised, but I am not very self-disciplined. I do what I like to do. I actually enjoy working out and it's a good thing, because I also love chocolate and cheese. (My "healthnut" friends will be appalled to know this about me...)But I dropped a few more pounds this year. Everyone assures me I will lose the last 8-10 lbs in the first month of travel. That is a possibility. I just love life, and I try to enjoy all aspects. Even feeding my face, as my dear mom would have phrased it.
But I also love it when the body is sleek and smooth and muscles are well-defined. Can I have both? Chocolate and a low body fat percentage? I've seen it done. I have to practice "stay-aways", like stay away from my well stocked kitchen that is supplied with everything I love to eat! I could stay away from the grocery store too.
Well, on this Big Adventure, I will be traveling modestly on the food end. Luckily, when I am exercising, I am enjoying that activity so that I don't think about chocolate, cheese, fruit salad, tortillas, and avocados. The only low calorie item on the list is the fruit! I envy, just a little, my fructarian heroes. What discipline!
 Tonight I'm going to Rhythm of the Dance. This is an Irish dancing troupe currently traveling the states. Our local movers and shakers put up their own money to secure this group, who is traveling right through here this week. The tickets are sinfully cheap. I will be stomping my feet, clapping my hands, and celebrating my rich family heritage tonight. My friends will have to put up with it. I bought them tickets. I hope they know I get a bit excited about this stuff.
Next, head to the gym for a serious workout. I have some love handles to diminish.
I love all of you.
Jo

Well, here I am---about two months from departure. So much to do and I'm always a step behind. But, things are creeping forward. Actually, they are hurtling forward and I am strapped to a high speed javelin, heading toward the challenge of my life. Am I up to it? I think so. My trike is "broken"--waaahhh--- and I don't have the projected funds to make this trip comfortably without a hint of anxiety. But, I haven't sent out the sponsor request letters. I spent part of the last weekend with Deois to learn how to get decent journal articles on the effects of exercise on bone density. Running increases it. Weightlifting increases it. Cycling increases it only if you are a pretty weak individual. If you are an athlete, cycling actually doesn't help your bone density at all. You'd be better off walking--which is a weight bearing activity. These things I knew, having been interested is osteoporosis for a few decades. As a physical therapist, I have worked with many senior ladies with fractures and osteoporosis. So, it was important to learn about exercise prescription. Since I have osteopenia--like osteoporosis in its infancy stages---I need to supplement my cycling with other exercise. I will try to get in some regular hiking and strength training. My current regimen is fairly well rounded, addressing strength, flexibility, and endurance. I recognize that my arms are likely to get a bit weak on this trip so I will do daily push ups. When possible, I will try to do pull ups--but I would need to pass by public parks sporting "monkey bars" for the kiddies to have access to a bar sturdy enough to hoist myself vertically without breaking the thing or hurting myself!
I have no idea how this blog gets sent out, except through my website. Another thing to learn!!
I love life.
Jo

Well, here we are, about 2 months plus a few weeks from departure date. The website is being worked on--I hope it will be ready to go soon. My trike is in the shop with a broken part. I may have to go pick it up and bring Henry David home and see if Esteban can help me fix him. Rod Miner, from LightFoot Cycles, is at the ready to give advice once I know what to tell him! I have 5 weeks left of work. I have limited funds set aside for the trip and hope that the money will be there when I need it.
Yesterday, a nice family came and took Sam, my beloved golden retriever. He will now live out his years playing ball with the children. He will be very happy, but for today, I am sad.
Yet, it is all in the natural progression of things. Adventures require hardship; it's a part of the Journey. Without the pain, you can't experience the wonder of discovery.

Hello, Family and Friends and Anyone Else who is crazy enough to look up this blog. This is my first post on my first blog, created to prepare and carry me through the journey of my life. This journey is something I have wanted to do since age 14 or so and I am now in a place to prepare and launch.

Countdown begins; March 2013 I will head "outta town"; I'm getting the "heck outta Dodge". This will require a recumbent trike, woman powered of course, a whole lotta muscle, and, of course, a whole lotta craziness. I hope to carry out some research during the cycle trip around the USA. This will be about a 6-8 month trip, if all goes smoothly. I would be interested in your ideas--what do you think would be a good thing to study?  I have some ideas, i.e., what happens to bone density of a mid 50's post-menopausal vegetarian as a result of a prolonged period of low intensity exercise. I will average about 50 miles a day. This allows me to cycle 75-100 on some days and allow down time for sight seeing, body recovery, etc. How will the knee joints fare?

In addition, I would like to ask some questions of Americans---what shall I ask? What is sociopolitically important that can be ascertained by a crazy middle aged + woman on a cycle?  Such as: What flavor of ice cream is preferred by Americans?? Haha--hopefully, something more pertinent to life than that...I will have many lone hours on the road; time to reflect, ponder, meditate. This is a little scary but, oh, so welcome!!

Please consider keeping this blogspot in mind as you make your own travels and reflections. I welcome your thoughts and comments. Also, a bed or couch if I pass thru your town may be nice. But only if you are a safe person. No mugging allowed. By then, I will have some pretty powerful legs. So beware...

Next month I see my doctor and will get orders for blood tests, radiographs, and a bone density test.
I have been under a bit of emotional stress for many months, so my weight climbed. unfortunately. But it is a new day. Yesterday I weighed in at 122.8 lbs. This morning: 120.8 lbs. Goal; 108.0 lbs. May be a few months before I get there.

I will post my training activities as often as I can. You may also be interested in my diet--what I eat. Cuz, buddy, I do love to eat!!!  Tomorrow, I start my training.

So, here's to the Travelin' Call....

lots of love,
travelin' jo