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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Cycling Video III

Finally got the cycling video edited.





For those of us with a short attention span there is an outtake video that contains just cycling footage. That way you can skip the talking if you just want to watch some cycling :)
Amputee Cycling Into Clearwater Beach

May you cross all your bridges and overcome all your obstacles. - Ty

Friday, August 12, 2011

Overcoming Obstacles

We are still putting the final touches on the 'Advanced Amputee Cycling' video.

All the video shooting is done. We took a different approach on this one. This video is being formed by rendering several small segments at a time, to eventually join all the pieces together. There are video files on several different machines, with some shooting and editing even being done on cell phones. In the past things were usually done in a day or two with just one machine, one location and one camera. Definitely none of this car following you while you ride thing. I can't claim the content will be high quality or even very exciting, but it sure was fun doing it.

We went out and shot some video riding over the north and south bridges that feed into Clearwater Beach. There isn't much for hills in this part of Florida, so bridges are about the only way to get any hill work in. I've been putting this whole 'overcoming obstacles' and 'crossing bridges' spin on the whole thing. Go figure - I have been listening to a CD called 'No Ceilings' [L. Wayne] lately...I guess it has inspired me some.

I like the message of no limits...and going as far as your mind can take you.

I will be running in my first 5k in several months this Saturday, August 13TH. I have entered the Cape 5k 2011, in Cape Coral Florida. I'm a little nervous about it. I've done very little outdoor running this year. So the elements will be a departure from the cozy treadmill.

No Limits - Ty

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Getting Back Into Running - Eyes On Cycling

It has taken some considerable time and effort, finally running 3 miles is starting to feel good again. The cleansing sweat, runners high and post feeling of accomplishment have all been present in varying degrees lately. I have been a little hesitant to mention my running comeback because every time I seem to get back going things seem to fall apart. Injury and pain have been a real issue with many advising me not to run anymore. My point of view is that some day I just won't physically be able to...Later in life I don't want to look back and regret not doing it when I had the chance. Hopefully I will recognize and be able to admit when/if that time arrives.   

Earlier this year I did a 5K that took place on a rocky trail. It was really crowded, there were a lot of holes and loose gravel on the course. My leg became loose, I stubbornly refused to adjust it causing damage to my residual limb. I also became dehydrated and had an arthritic attack. I really got tore up and kind of got sidelined for a while. Even walking hurt for several weeks.

Over much of my life I have had to battle with 'gout', which is a painful type of arthritis. Rampant gout attacks can cause bone deformity if not treated properly. I have done some visible damage to my sound foot big toe joint. I also have battled with elbow pain and swelling from gout in the past. Being overweight can cause undue joint stress and make a person prone to gout more susceptible. Lord knows I love to eat with my weight often fluctuating a good 25 lbs. Getting older doesn't make anything any easier. My carefree and 'don't worry about it' attitude has met head on with my one-legged middle aged self. It has been hard letting go of the 'I am invincible' persona I have always had.

After fighting it for a really long time (I hate taking medication), I started taking some preventative medication. It has taken a while for the effect of the meds to work, but finally they have. Without getting too descriptive I have two sets of meds, one that is a preventative and another for when I have a flare up. If the preventative is not taken properly it can actually cause a flare or make one that has started worse. So it's been a frustrating balancing act. It appears things have started to work out. I have even incorporated red meat back into my diet some. For many years I have avoided red meat due to it's link with causing gout attacks.

So I eased back into running over 2 months ago. After being able to run six miles just a while back I could barely finish one. At this point in time I run three miles several times a week. Usually putting in between 9-15 total miles a week. I most often use the treadmill for convenience and also to gage my distance and speed. It's kind of weird, because before I lost my leg I would not ever use a treadmill. I still have never really gotten used to the mechanical 'non-human' pace of the treadmill. I have to admit it has been a good tool for learning to run with a prosthesis. It can be dangerous though and I have had some mishaps a time or two in the past. Overall there is no substitute for being outside in the elements training. Being in shape and doing activity outside feels better than just about anything else.

I am going to do an instructional 'amputee running' blog with accompanying video very soon. Until then I have a short teaser video of some training I did while in Ft Myers Florida last week. A good friend took me to his gym and busted out his cell phone camera on me. A very short, low quality video of some treadmill work.

Bk Amputee On The Treadmill - Ty Wilson

I have finally gotten all of the footage for my last cycling video shot. I am in the process of editing it with someone. We got some really neat shots, the scenery is beautiful and I have an awesome theme set up. The video and blog should be up this week! I'm looking forward to completing a vision I have had for a very long time. I love cycling and want to make it accessible as possible to anyone interested in it. It can change your life...it did mine.

May you venture as far as you can imagine. Ty

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