Loving autumn driving

I enjoyed several long, easy rides. After some more research, I realized that a long ride is good for my heart, as long as the pace isn’t tough, because it lowers diastolic blood pressure a bit compared to resting. Diastolic, the lower number at a value like 120/80, is even more important for leaking aortic valves because that is the number when the valve is closed. I used to do one long ride a week (my group ride) and short rides on other days, but last week I added in some more longer rides. It felt great, I didn’t have any of the symptoms that my heart would have if it overworked because the valve was leaking excessively.

A few days ago we had our “Taco Tuesday” ride, which included an enjoyable stretch on the Coyote Creek Trail. On Sunday I did a tough ride through the Coyote Valley on Santa Teresa Boulevard, including some short intervals and some strength work on the bike. I also did upper body strength training before the ride. All this is well tolerated if it is short enough. I also have to do multiple repetitions of strength training instead for some exercises I did isometrically because isometrics can increase blood pressure. Overall, I still stay within the amount my cardiologist approved. It’s a good feeling to be able to bypass limitations and still get good training.