How Adventurous Do You Want To Get On Your Birthday?

Tammy recently asked me, "How adventurous do you want to get on your birthday?" I knew exactly what she was hinting at. "Are you thinking of skydiving?" I asked. She smiled. I knew it! This is something we've been kicking around for the longest time but never seriously enough to plan it out. My one concern I told her was my right knee and my reluctance to do anything that might injure it. I've seen the soft landings made in most jumps but for every several of those successes, there's always the one that doesn't end so smoothly.

I dunno...this is something I could very easily be talked into. It's also something I could come to regret ever doing for a very long time. What to do what to do what to do???

I went in for my annual FAA physical Monday afternoon and failed it. Not to be alarmed though because I failed it for reasons that are actually good. The EKG part has tripped me up before because of my heart's bradycardia condition. I recall having a nurse early on in my career joke with me that I was somehow slowing my heart-rate down on purpose. I told the tech administering the EKG that he'd likely be hooking me up again real soon.

Sure enough, the doctor entered the room I'd been waiting in and took a quick look at my EKG results: "Holy Shit!" he said then laughed and told me my resting heart-rate of 38 beats per minute wasn't going to cut it. I'd need to do the test again but this time I'd have to do some exercises to get my heart-rate up above 51 bpm. I knew the drill.

My heart's slow heart-rate speaks to its strong condition and comes courtesy of all those miles spent in the saddle on my bike.

We went with Karen and Bob to see the Minnesota Lynx play the Chicago Sky at Target Center last Thursday night. I can't remember the last time I was at a professional sporting event; it's been at least a dozen years. I'm not much for basketball but I still managed to have a nice time. We were able to get some seats down near the court within spitball distance of Jesse Ventura. No other celebs were noted. It's a very family-friendly atmosphere. As you can see from the photo to the right, Prowl (Lnkx mascot) and I took a liking to each other.

Here's some video from the night.

Did I mention that I went for a nice ride a couple days ago?

Well, I did...

(with a special guest appearance by Tracee!)

Comments

Jackie said…
Good for you, Kev! Sounds like your motor is good for another 50! I sure hope so. That would be so fun to sky dive. I know nothing of the landings but perhaps there are some experts who could direct you to the least likely way of landing as to not injure your knee. Or maybe it is just not that predictable. Hope your birthday is one to remember!
August 12, 2014 at 8:53 AM
Kevin Gilmore said…
Thanks, Jackie. I'll be watching a few more skydiving videos during the next week but I'm not sure how helpful they'll be. Hmm...stay tuned!
August 12, 2014 at 11:10 AM
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