Cycling-related topics of the DrJohnM blog.
When I started this blog a year or so ago, I promised myself that it would be devoid of self-absorbed race reports. The minutia of the race and the “woulda-shoulda-couldas” surely qualify as lousy content. Even my family looks bored when the details of races are discussed. So I will not drone on about yesterday’s […]
What was, is not always what is. Things change. This is true in cycling as it is in medicine. Seeing such change takes some observational skill. Looking back on life (‘retrospectively’ is how we term it in the medical world), it is easy to identify such chapter breaks. Far more challenging, though, is to note […]
Do you remember the visceral sensations of angst over an upcoming final exam? Or the first procedure as an independent doctor. A major presentation, perhaps. Life’s exams test not only specific knowledge and skill, but one’s self-esteem as well. And it is the self-esteem portion that creates the stomach churn, the palpitations and the random […]
On our local training rides, it has become a matter of tradition that no matter how hard the tempo, or how high the focus level, we always stop for turtles. I have no idea why turtles garner so much respect. Evolutionarily speaking they have fared very well without much help from humankind. Nonetheless, turtles in […]
The good news is you are a “masters cyclist.” Sounds good, doesn’t it? Being known as a master sounds like a winner. Only in athletics, masters is not equal to a master. In athletics, “masters” means you are both an amateur, and old. How old? It varies, but masters are definitely not young. Lance would be […]
“Older” athletes often ask me what else they can do to prevent heart disease. As, by virtue of their athletic lifestyle, most have none of the usual cardiac risk factors. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and obesity are infrequent concerns for the competitive athlete. A more vexing, and highly intangible problem for those who compete […]
This week’s installment of cycling verbiage comes as a guest post from a really cool cycling mate. Not only was Brian gifted with competent mitochondria, he also has the yet unidentified gene for crafting incredibly entertaining lists. Yes, he is gifted for sure, but bikes were clearly not made for traversing sand… Here is Brian’s […]
What’s wrong with this picture? Look closely; make like “a trained observer.” It’s a helpless feeling. You are rested, fed, watered and mentally focused. The whistle blows and you are off. The legs respond, air moves through the thorax effortlessly, and here is the best part: there is separation. Yes, you are off the front. […]
We all know about “Doctor Time.” No matter how hard I try, the clock seems to out sprint me. Morning rounds in the hospital go longer than expected, a colleague stops you with a question, a son forgot his lunch, or something else. The list is long. In fact, as a very well educated patient, […]