City to Mountain Update

My time in the city was busy and productive.

I spent time with Grandchildren.

I took long walks in the sunshine.

I had an appointment with DR Hottie for my annual Cardiac Stress Test (this is my second one since the heart attack in January 2010). 

Joking with me, he instructed the physiologist monitoring the treadmill, "Show her no mercy because she argues with me." Of course, I never argue. I just discuss (and perhaps sometimes debate). He also told me that the treadmill always wins. This is probably true because the nature of the test is that your heart rate is taken to a stress level of at least 85% of maximum which for me is around 138 beats per minute. Both the grade and the speed of the treadmill are adjusted periodically (while blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level are monitored) until you reach the stress level which you then hold until DR Hottie says you've done enough. When he said I could quit, I didn't beg him to run another few minutes! 

However, I passed with excellent results. He tells me I have better endurance and stamina than some of the NFL players he tests. When I rolled my eyes at this, he said that though they're tremendous athletes and big, muscular guys, they sometimes have problems on the treadmill stress test. I left the cardiologist's office feeling very pleased with myself. Of course, since my visit with DR Hottie, I've been telling everyone in my family, all my friends, and now you that my heart is so strong I could play in the NFL.

Last but not least, I got back to the mountains just in time for two days of snow.
I've been skiing fresh powder.

I have a big smile on my face.
I hope this week is going well for you, too.