Level 9 18 pushupsx4
30 minutes
26 November (379 cal)

entire ride above 110 rpms. Walked home, but had big lunch--needed to clear food out of fridge. Felt heavy, but energy good. heart rate about 5-8 bpms higher than yesterday. Four days off for Thanksgiving.

Level 9 18 pushupsx4
30 minutes
25 November (375 cal)

did all above 110 rpms except the final steep hill. Good energy. I've also incorporated power walking. Weather permitting, I usually walk home from FSI at a brisk pace. It's approximately 1.5 miles and normally takes me right at 20 minutes. Did not walk today however, which may explain extra energy.

Level 9 18 pushupsx4
30 minutes
24 November (367 cal)

Energy to spare. May try to do first half above 110 rpm Wednesday.

Level 9 17 pushupsx4
25 minutes
22 November (317 cal)

Level 9 17 pushupsx4
25 minutes
21 November (314 cal)

I'll be moving up to 30 minutes next week, but will drop rpms to below 110--probably in the 105 range. That should get me an additional 50 calories or so.

I've been doing well in my diet drink diet--no more than 36 ounces a day. Monday through Friday I drink 32 ounces and on weekends 36. My one simple pleasure left in life--ruined by a couple of busybodies and their science. ;>)

Level 9 17 pushupsx4
25 minutes
19 November (316 cal)

Level 9 17 pushupsx4
25 minutes
18 November (313 cal)

Level 9 17 pushupsx4
25 minutes
17 November (310 cal)

Level 9 16 pushupsx4
25 minutes
14 November (313 cal)

very tough today, even though I started out strong. Bad lunch decision--got a sandwich from a Vietnamese shop. Bread was great and the sandwich tasted ok, but little in the way of nutrition. I will definitely stay at current level for at least another week.

Level 9 16 pushupsx4
25 minutes
12 November (313 cal)

Level 9 16 pushupsx4
25 minutes
11 November (311 cal)

Level 9 16 pushupsx4
25 minutes
10 November (308 cal)

taxing, but stayed above 110 rpm the entire ride. will have to see if I can increase five minutes next week; may need to stay at 25 for an additional week.

Level 8 15 pushupsx4
25 minutes
08 November (295 cal)

Level 8 15 pushupsx4
25 minutes
07 November (292 cal)

Will increase to level 9 next week. Current plan is to stay at 25 minutes for one week, then increase to 30 the following week.

Level 8 15 pushupsx4
25 minutes
06 November (290 cal)

Good ride today. Heart rate much lower than previously, to the tune of 10-15 bpm the entire ride.

Level 8 15 pushupsx4
25 minutes
04 November (290 cal)

Two people have brought to my attention the alleged nefarious attributes of diet drinks. Mark and my dad both remind me of the other in one significant way: they're always quoting the latest scientific study, especially about health issues.

I admit I like diet drinks, and I consume way more than I should. But Mark and my dad both believe that diet drinks actually cause one to gain weight, regardless of total calories consumed.

So I've decided to see for myself. I'm limiting myself to no more than 36 ounces a day until my current supply is gone (I buy a lot of diet mountain dew when it's on sale). After that, I will go cold turkey for three months, and re-evaluate then.

Level 8 15 pushupsx4
25 minutes
03 November (292 cal)

Level 8 14 pushupsx4
25 minutes
01 November (288 cal)

pulse rate up. maxed at 178 on steepest hill and stayed in mid-upper 160s, low 170s.