Jul 14, 2020 at 03:22 AM
COVID 19
Jul 15, 2020 at 04:09 PM
Jul 15, 2020 at 07:31 PM
@jim_nelson asked in a different thread:
Jules - I have to say my first reaction to reading this was "for god's sake, why is he doing intervals? There is no racing this year."
This should probably go in a different thread but it got me thinking a bit about the type of riding people are doing under the current circumstances.
I'm riding most days but it's far from what I would consider training. For the moment I'm content to be outdoors and pedaling with the wind in my face and sun in my eyes. My only hard rides are weekends on the mountain bike. I like to be able to attack those rides so keeping up a bit of fitness is important but I've not been able to convince myself to "train" for them.
I've noticed a few of us are putting in longer single day rides than typical. Without racing, what is motivating us to ride and apparently, in your case Jules, to do intervals?
These are the reasons - in no particular order:
Jules - I have to say my first reaction to reading this was "for god's sake, why is he doing intervals? There is no racing this year."
This should probably go in a different thread but it got me thinking a bit about the type of riding people are doing under the current circumstances.
I'm riding most days but it's far from what I would consider training. For the moment I'm content to be outdoors and pedaling with the wind in my face and sun in my eyes. My only hard rides are weekends on the mountain bike. I like to be able to attack those rides so keeping up a bit of fitness is important but I've not been able to convince myself to "train" for them.
I've noticed a few of us are putting in longer single day rides than typical. Without racing, what is motivating us to ride and apparently, in your case Jules, to do intervals?
These are the reasons - in no particular order:
- It's an outlet for me - I can channel my frustration, despair, and rage at the injustice in the world in a productive (or at least non-destructive way). Or to put it more on the nose "it's my Prozac." Hitting my workout goals pushes my dopamine buttons in a special way for me that "hairy wind" riding doesn't.
- See above - riding hard sucks if you're not in shape. While intervals hurt plenty - as we well know - it's a different kind of hurt when your body is ready for it. I hate hate the feeling of doing an effort up a hill when I'm out of shape and realizing there is no recovery to be had. I ride hard so that I'm able to ride hard.
- It keeps me young, or at least provides me with the illusion that I'm not as old as the calendar tells me. There is plenty of science behind it but hard efforts (and nice, long teleomeres) make me feel healthy. So does a resting HR of 42.
- Lastly, I'm chasing goals that are purely power based this year. No racing for me so I'm trying to better 400 watts for 5 minutes. It's as arbitrary as any other goal but it keeps me motivated/consistent. The faster I can get this year, the faster I'll be next year. Even if I am only racing a few times a season in 2021. I've never been one for Strava records but I remember all my peak power numbers, regardless if they were racing or training. I like trying to beat them.
- Riding hard motivates me to do the other things that help me stay healthy - better sleep, better eating habits, etc. If I know I have a big ride or tough numbers to hit the next day I am scared to stay up late, and I don't eat like shit.
Jul 15, 2020 at 09:46 PM
Thanks for sharing this @Jules! I feel like with racing at a standstill for the foreseeable future, we've been given an opportunity to reflect on why we reaaaally do the things that we do.
Jul 15, 2020 at 11:08 PM
@Jules, FWIW, I had been doing intervals until the past few weeks. Not 5m @ 400w, but trying to hit all the different systems for sure.
I'm with you. I love the feeling when my body gets to the hard zone and I'm still turning over the pedals well when heaving my lungs. I love attacking hills full-bore. I love rolling in the big ring at a good tempo. I love the empty feeling at the end of a workout.
But to Jim's point, I love the long rides. And the faster I do them, the more I typically enjoy them. And the intervals help with that as well.
I'm with you. I love the feeling when my body gets to the hard zone and I'm still turning over the pedals well when heaving my lungs. I love attacking hills full-bore. I love rolling in the big ring at a good tempo. I love the empty feeling at the end of a workout.
But to Jim's point, I love the long rides. And the faster I do them, the more I typically enjoy them. And the intervals help with that as well.
Jul 16, 2020 at 12:23 AM
I agree - that feeling of rolling a big gear while the watts pour out, sweat flying and lungs going like a bellows is so special.
Rolling those final miles home with an empty tank is like a victory parade, and every drop of sweat on the top tube is better than confetti.
Rolling those final miles home with an empty tank is like a victory parade, and every drop of sweat on the top tube is better than confetti.
Jul 16, 2020 at 07:10 PM
Cycling enthusiasts are weird.
Jul 16, 2020 at 07:34 PM
Of course all this makes me weirdly anti-social when the local dads just want to roll for 2 hours and I'm like.... "uh, how about we go steady for 4.5 hours or smash some intervals for 2"
Them:
"Why would you do that? It sounds like type 2 fun"
"My heart rate is never going that hight. Even if a bear is chasing me - I figure the bear's gonna get me why make it worse?"
Me:
<turns at the top of the hill to go back down> Shrug
Them:
"Why would you do that? It sounds like type 2 fun"
"My heart rate is never going that hight. Even if a bear is chasing me - I figure the bear's gonna get me why make it worse?"
Me:
<turns at the top of the hill to go back down> Shrug
Jul 16, 2020 at 11:28 PM
Enthusiasts?David Yang said:Cycling enthusiasts are weird.
Jul 17, 2020 at 01:39 AM
Are we not enthused?
Jul 19, 2020 at 02:34 AM
MAybe I didn't read the email where USAC told us they were posting group ride guidelines and scenarios.
https://usacycling.org/event-organizer/covid-19-event-resources
Their "group ride scenarios" has this
"SCENARIO 3Your club is holding a small group ride with ten or less people, who you know at least in passing. The road ride will be three hours and will stop to regroup and have snacks at a gas station at the halfway point.The risk here is higher than riding with someone you have been living with and know the health history of. You do not know who may or may not be protecting themselves. You will also be stopping at a public location.Possible Mitigation: You might consider having club policies in place to require ride participants to follow guidelines while riding. You should consider a face covering while riding, and especially when stopped at a store. Use care when stopped, and make sure you wash or sanitize your hands. Do not share bottles or food with anyone else. Utilize the Rider Checklist"
Scenario 4 is the tuesday night worlds ride. There is no scenario 5.
https://usacycling.org/event-organizer/covid-19-event-resources
Their "group ride scenarios" has this
"SCENARIO 3Your club is holding a small group ride with ten or less people, who you know at least in passing. The road ride will be three hours and will stop to regroup and have snacks at a gas station at the halfway point.The risk here is higher than riding with someone you have been living with and know the health history of. You do not know who may or may not be protecting themselves. You will also be stopping at a public location.Possible Mitigation: You might consider having club policies in place to require ride participants to follow guidelines while riding. You should consider a face covering while riding, and especially when stopped at a store. Use care when stopped, and make sure you wash or sanitize your hands. Do not share bottles or food with anyone else. Utilize the Rider Checklist"
Scenario 4 is the tuesday night worlds ride. There is no scenario 5.
Jul 19, 2020 at 04:25 AM
Standing around outside at a reasonable distance seems to be low risk. Getting snotted on in a paceline, not so much.
I wouldn’t recommend taking USAC’s medical advice. The conflict of interest is as glaring as their lack of expertise.
I wouldn’t recommend taking USAC’s medical advice. The conflict of interest is as glaring as their lack of expertise.
Jul 27, 2020 at 11:41 PM
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29547211/two-mlb-games-postponed-marlins-outbreak
Some MLB games postponed after Marlins' coronavirus outbreak
I don't know the specifics of their protocol, but doesn't seem like a good sign for bike racing, or any sport where people are near one another.
Some MLB games postponed after Marlins' coronavirus outbreak
I don't know the specifics of their protocol, but doesn't seem like a good sign for bike racing, or any sport where people are near one another.
Jul 28, 2020 at 02:30 PM
https://cyclingtips.com/2020/07/how-coronavirus-has-affected-bike-racing-an-on-the-ground-perspective/
Seems like there's a disconnect between the protocols on paper and the implementation of them at the races themselves. Makes me doubtful racing will last beyond August
Seems like there's a disconnect between the protocols on paper and the implementation of them at the races themselves. Makes me doubtful racing will last beyond August
Aug 05, 2020 at 03:37 PM
From an article in the NYTimes. It could be a copy and paste over the past dozen years, just change what the test was. They're asking for medical bills that involve Covid testing. I think one of the ways to continue the conversation regarding some kind of change is to start exposing the wild discrepancy of medical billing, though it hasn't helped much lately.
"Across the country, Americans like Ms. Krebs are receiving surprise bills for care connected with coronavirus. Tests can cost between $199 and $6,408 at the same location. A coming wave of treatment bills could be hundreds of multiples higher, especially for those who receive intensive care or have symptoms that linger for months. Services that patients expect to be covered often aren’t."
Aug 05, 2020 at 07:14 PM
@Bruce van-Schalkwyk
While I'm still wondering how common serious lung damage is--very frustrating that news reports don't seem to be tallying much other than positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths--your warning about double-lung transplants appears to be not-uncommon thing.
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-07-30/double-lung-transplants-save-lives-of-sickest-covid-patients
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lifelong-lung-damage-the-serious-covid-19-complication-that-can-hit-people-in-their-20s
While I'm still wondering how common serious lung damage is--very frustrating that news reports don't seem to be tallying much other than positive cases, hospitalizations, and deaths--your warning about double-lung transplants appears to be not-uncommon thing.
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-07-30/double-lung-transplants-save-lives-of-sickest-covid-patients
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lifelong-lung-damage-the-serious-covid-19-complication-that-can-hit-people-in-their-20s
Aug 05, 2020 at 08:43 PM
Hundreds of thousands of people are recovered and recovering, and I'm hoping there are few serious repercussions, but I fear that over time, there may be other illnesses that occur due to having been infected.
And in the meantime, recovering from a double-lung transplant becomes a hard way of life for some.
Aug 06, 2020 at 03:30 AM
Aug 10, 2020 at 01:24 AM
FYI the Heck of the North just sent out a "how do you want to cancel?" email which gave me the option of a full refund or "rollover to 2021" in three clicks.
Aug 11, 2020 at 05:43 PM
Just say no to neck gaitors. The ones with fine/breathable fabric break up larger spit particles into a finer mist.
So that's fun.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html
So that's fun.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html
Aug 11, 2020 at 05:58 PM
This thread has been quiet for a while. We're all so tired of this shit.
I've been in a pretty dark mood recently; after almost six months of "doing the right thing" homeschooling three kids, isolating ourselves pretty dramatically, etc I'm suddenly faced with sending all the kids back to school. Even with all the precautions they are taking, and the relatively low incidence of the disease here it's maddening.
I've been in a pretty dark mood recently; after almost six months of "doing the right thing" homeschooling three kids, isolating ourselves pretty dramatically, etc I'm suddenly faced with sending all the kids back to school. Even with all the precautions they are taking, and the relatively low incidence of the disease here it's maddening.
Aug 11, 2020 at 06:10 PM
We're seeing how things have already played out the world over already and do not feel comfortable sending our kid back to school. We will take the risk of delaying their academic and social development for a year over the very possible death or serious health risks for the kid, classmates, teachers and admins, and their families and community at large. It's just not worth it to us.
I'm absolutely salivating at the chance for a sliver of normalcy, but not at the risk of death or spreading death.
I'm absolutely salivating at the chance for a sliver of normalcy, but not at the risk of death or spreading death.
Aug 11, 2020 at 06:15 PM
I completely support that decision. We're very privileged out here for a lot of reasons but we're also on a hair-tirgger.David Yang said:We're seeing how things have already played out the world over already and do not feel comfortable sending our kid back to school. We will take the risk of delaying their academic and social development for a year over the very possible death or serious health risks for the kid, classmates, teachers and admins, and their families and community at large. It's just not worth it to us.
I'm absolutely salivating at the chance for a sliver of normalcy, but not at the risk of death or spreading death.
Aug 12, 2020 at 05:40 PM
Don't be so sure about that.David Yang said:Just say no to neck gaitors. The ones with fine/breathable fabric break up larger spit particles into a finer mist.
So that's fun.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html
The reason to wear a neck gaiter is it's convenient to pull up when passing people and the pull down. I don't think the study actually suggests that's a bad idea.
https://slate.com/technology/2020/08/gaiter-study-flawed.html
Aug 12, 2020 at 05:59 PM
FWIW, regardless of what the Mayor and DOE suggest, a lot of schools seem to be planning for full remote instruction. The teacher's union is bigbigbig and they're not pleased with the current plan.
I just transferred to a new school in Bushwick and the principal was talking about next year as if it will almost definitely be online. I don't think many schools in NYC can meet the safety standards that were established to keep kids safe (windows, functional HVAC systems, alternative classroom settings, etc). Most schools share a building with 2+ other schools and it is just going to be a mess sorting that out. So if you're thinking about keeping your kids home, I don't think they will be disserved.
Aug 12, 2020 at 06:02 PM
I was talking with a NYC public school teacher yesterday (in the Roberto Clemente State Park Pool, unmasked, but at least 8' apart, and trying to look to one side or the other). He's not sure the teacher's union will go for in-person schooling. And he fears that much of the class time will be managing kids; telling them to separate and wear masks.David Yang said:I'm absolutely salivating at the chance for a sliver of normalcy, but not at the risk of death or spreading death.
That written, a survey indicates that most parents want at least a partial return to in-person classes. And I think if that's the case, many of the parents are completely on board with their kids behaving in a safe fashion; I'd guess that most of the parents who want in-person schooling are "essential workers" and have to go to the work place, and they can't afford to get sick, or have their kids sick. https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-public-school-children-expected-return-person-instruction
I've sat through multiple zoom meetings with two different principals. One seemed to have a firm grasp on procedures and such--schooling will be cut by 40 minutes, 20 in the morning to account for getting into the building and 20 in the afternoon for exiting, 10 kids in a class (based on DoE guidance of room square footage), teachers moving, not students, windows open--the other not quite so firm.
Looking at a larger perspective, NY is one of six states that have met basic criteria for reopening: https://www.vox.com/2020/5/28/21270515/coronavirus-covid-reopen-economy-social-distancing-states-map-data
Getting more into the nitty-gritty, and way more into opinion, my feeling is that the smallest kids, like the 3K-3rd grade might have the hardest time with mask wearing and appropriate distancing in class--though they are the ones who need the most attention and probably have the greatest need to be out of the house with adults leading them on focused activities. I feel that the 4th-8th or 9th might have both the mind and self-discipline to follow guidelines. High schoolers could be hit or miss, with peer pressure, rebellion, viral tweets and videos making a bigger impact, etc, making safety harder to achieve. But then, 'kids today' seem on board with global warming, LGBTQ issues, etc, so maybe they're more on board with taking precautions than adults.
It's going to be scary and uncertain regardless of the choice you make.
Aug 14, 2020 at 11:07 PM
This article isn't super groundbreaking and I think we've discussed a lot of this already, but some good info about transmission when partaking in activities like cycling in Central or Prospect Park.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/4/24/21233226/coronavirus-runners-cyclists-airborne-infectious-dose
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/4/24/21233226/coronavirus-runners-cyclists-airborne-infectious-dose
Aug 15, 2020 at 01:22 AM
i’ve seen some people riding solo miles from civilization wearing a mask. That seems like overkill, but i don't know their story
Two people riding 6 feet abreast at a pace over 15 mph feels pretty safe to me. Very safe in any real headwind.
I am neither a doctor nor an epidemiologist though.
Two people riding 6 feet abreast at a pace over 15 mph feels pretty safe to me. Very safe in any real headwind.
I am neither a doctor nor an epidemiologist though.
Aug 16, 2020 at 08:57 PM
Getting more into the nitty-gritty, and way more into opinion, my feeling is that the smallest kids, like the 3K-3rd grade might have the hardest time with mask wearing and appropriate distancing in class--though they are the ones who need the most attention and probably have the greatest need to be out of the house with adults leading them on focused activities. I feel that the 4th-8th or 9th might have both the mind and self-discipline to follow guidelines.
My mom is a teacher here in Connecticut and it's maddening the conversations that they're having with the school board/administration. I went into her classroom with her a month ago to help her try to get things ready for a potential return and we had a tape measure out to arrange the desks in her room with adequate distance, in a middle school multi-grade classroom where the kids change out every period. I don't think I've ever engaged in a more futile exercise and I race bikes sometimes. Especially given the number of times my mom catches kids picking their nose during class daily is non-zero.
It's been said before but the fact that the administration is having online meetings to decide whether or not to send kids back to school in person tells you a hell of a lot about the situation. My mom loves her students and believes that no online solution is better than in-person instruction in terms of providing a quality education but when a survey of parents in the district returns results saying that more would refuse to send their kids to school if masks WERE REQUIRED as opposed to not, the prospect of schools opening back up is terrifying.
Aug 17, 2020 at 01:29 AM
It's a complete shitshow.