SISU
Pronounced see’-soo. A Finnish term embodying the spirit of grit, guts, and perserverence. Sisu represents a human being’s ability to face any adventure riddled with hardship, hopelessness, and impossibility, yet they still choose to stay the course. It’s not a temporary state of courage, it’s a way of life.
SISU MAGAZINE
A collection of uninterrupted stories, brilliant photographs, and stunning art that evokes the indomitable human spirit that exists in all of us. An exploration into the experiences and perspectives about the outdoors, told by our contributing writers, photographers, and artists who represent a bold, insightful collective voice.
STAFF EDITOR IN CHIEF Jennifer Gurecki CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Bello Okerman GUEST EDITOR Christina Torres COPY EDITOR Lacey England ASSOCIATE EDITOR Charlotte Harris LAYOUT + DESIGN Charlotte Harris
CONTRIBUTORS Shequaya Bailey Jalen Curtis Malone Bazile Alexa Everson William Loyd Ayesha McGowan Marton “Marty” Merritt Shanika “Nikki” Nicole
PHOTOS + ART All photography by Evan Green, courtesy of Liv Cycling (unless otherwise noted) Cover Art by Lauren Bello Okerman
FOLLOW @sisumagazine #gritandguts
CONTACT SisuMagazine.com | hello@sisumagazine
INSIDE From The Editors The Black Foxes Manifesto The Bike Does Not Discriminate Summer Romance
ALEXA EVERSON
JALEN CURTIS MALONE BAZILE
Silence Is An Agreement
AYESHA MCGOWAN
I Am A Black Man Plant-Based Diet
MARTON "MARTY" MERRITT
Multi-Bean Kale Chili Biking With Asthma
WILLIAM LOYD
SHEQUAYA BAILEY
SHANIKA "NIKKI" NICOLE
FROM THE GUEST EDITOR Living in a small town near San Francisco as a teenager during the ’90s indie and punk music scene allowed me to explore the diverse culture of zine-making. It was at a local punk show that I had my first zine encounter of girlish script as a subversive weapon through a literary and visual DIY production that accompanied merch at shows. Their DIY cut-and-paste aesthetics, xerox print, feminist analyses, and confessional writing style taught me more about feminism than school ever could, and that I was not alone in my introspective approach to social issues. I remember at the time there was also the frustration with the white-centered culture of the riot grrrl scene and zines. One zinester, Mimi Naguyen, shares in her zine Evolution of A Race Riot to “take back the conversation @ race and recenter it around ourselves, not as voiceless victims or objects to be rescued of white punk anti-racist discourses.” This challenged the intersectional approach around representation in the punk and zine scene and encouraged queers of color and women of color to create their own subculture of punk music and zine-making rooted in decolonization and intersectional radical feminism. It occurred to me as a teen interested in the subversive culture of the written works, that girls and queers of all backgrounds were organizing to fight their exclusion and silencing, and that they were doing it with subcultural style through self-publishing zines and collaborative zines. The choice to use a zine is political in essence. Zines hold a radical history and have come to be associated with marginalized and underground publishing against mainstream media cultures. They are artifacts of anti-capitalism that interrupt Western literary and artistic canons of white, male voices and knowledge production. It’s no wonder that we have returned to zines for this issue where being unapologetically ourselves, Black, Indigenous, Brown, trans, or queer are essential to our freedom of expression as liberation has always been in our movements. Today, zines continue to be a powerful tool of radical expression and thought. They are still cut-and-paste crafted, photocopied, and stapled together, then mailed or sold at indie bookshops or zine fairs. They are passed from zinester to reader, offering an intimate reading as they tend to read like a diary, addressing issues from the personal to the political, offering unapologetic insight from diverse ranges of voices and perspectives. Through my own zine, Cyclista Zine, I hope to inspire further and wider-spread political and social activism through showcasing images, poetry, art, and writings that construct our own identities and narratives within the framework of radical feminism. It’s important to tell our stories because if we don’t, then who will? In a rapidly changing world where people are deprived of their own voices, collecting zines and supporting DIY feminist creatives allows a way to work against that. It helps people tell their stories and for those stories to be heard. And that is something I will always be in favor of. CHRISTINA TORRES Editor of Cyclista Zine @cyclista_zine
FROM THE EDITOR It’s not lost on me that as we were putting together this issue of Sisu Magazine, some of the most prominent print publications in the outdoor industry shuttered their doors. People bemoaned the loss, with many claiming that this was proof that print is dead. I came to a different conclusion. While these magazines had made progress in sharing stories that were more inclusive and diverse, they had long struggled to craft a narrative that centered anything beyond the preferences of straight, white, cis-gendered men. Perhaps their most significant strides were in appealing to white women. Still, it was essentially the same storyline, only with pronouns exchanged, rather than a radical reexamination of what experiences are shared, how stories are told, and by whom. We shouldn't be surprised—the staff and contributors of all of these magazines have been predominantly (with a few exceptions) white and male. They created the content they liked and for the most part, their audiences were satisfied. But the entire outdoor ecosystem is being transformed by people who aren’t interested in maintaining the status quo. They don’t want what’s behind the doors that the gatekeepers have held the keys to for so long. They’re building their own castles. Print—like everything else—only dies if it can’t be responsive and relevant. That’s why in this issue of Sisu Magazine, we turned over our entire publication to Christina Torres, the Editor of Cyclista Zine, and The Black Foxes, a team of Black cyclists and outdoorists who all are writing their own narratives, free of outside perspectives that have their way of shifting stories. Their words, perspectives, and experiences speak for themselves. Enjoy.
JENNIFER GURECKI Editor in Chief
ABOUT THE COVER How crazy does it feel to tell your own story, shape your own narrative, showcase your own talent? Crazy good? Crazy right? Sisu Magazine, and The Black Foxes share an approach to breaching the glass walls––tell your own stories the way you want them to be heard, if no one else will. The cover of this issue is meant to be mean, clean, and impactful, not unlike The Black Foxes themselves–– the image of the iconic Black Fox, a symbol of reclaimed power, and the ascendancy of narrative, the agency of voice. The single-color print says it all. In this issue, there are no pleasantries to hide behind, no explanation needed. It’s all there in black and white. So how crazy does it feel to be unapologetic? Crazy like a fox.
LAUREN BELLO OKERMAN Creative Director
PS: The team at Sisu Magazine would like to thank Liv Cycling for helping to bring this issue to life.
THE BLACK FOXES
MANIFESTO 1
2
3
4
We control our own narratives. We refuse to be defined and scrutinized by those who do not share our love, struggle, and story within the realm of cycling and all outdoor spaces.
We inspire and encourage more Black people to delve into the outdoors and outdoor sport, whatever their realm of interest may be and at whatever level they feel comfortable.
We create our own content, prioritizing Black riders and Black creators for the world to see. Our value and talent are for everyone, but we are behind the wheel in how they shine.
We aim to normalize Blackness in cycling and in outdoor spaces. We want to erase the white savior mentality that is ubiquitous in this industry.
Since the days of fur trapping, black foxes have been caged, domesticated, and stripped of their blackness to fuel an economy. As Black people, through our bodies, our language, and our culture, we share this experience. The Black Foxes is an international collective of unapologetically Black cyclists and outdoors-people who are reclaiming our narratives and roles in the outdoors. We embody the journey of the black fox by connecting fellow riders and outdoors-people, sharing our stories, and providing more representation within cycling and the outdoors. Visit TheBlackFoxes.com to learn more.
5
6
7
8
We trailblaze (pun intended) for increased pathways and influence for more Black bikepackers, gravellers, and mountain bikers.
We promote cycling and outdoor recreation as more accessible ways to maintain and improve mental health in our communities.
We create and cultivate an international network of Black cyclists.
We create rapport with an increased number of industry leaders and orient them in creating leadership teams that are representative of the multicultural world we live in.
The Bike Does Not
Discriminate ALEXA EVERSON (she/her) | @rockcognoscente
I
am the kind of person who names their bikes. Baby Blue, Quincy, Gabbro, and Moonstone. To me, a bike is a vessel of companionship. I like to think that I am not so much holding on to my handlebars as they are holding me up. It is not only my pedaling that moves us but the giving nature of the hubs that allows the wheels to spin forward. My fingers tapping the shifters is like a nudge to my carbon friend who then whispers to themselves to respond accordingly. We work together to move in the same direction.
The bike does not discriminate. A bike is a machine for freedom. It waits patiently up against the wall for my next move. I pick it up for a ride and it moves as I move without hesitation or doubt. We move through space with confidence, feeding on the freedom to travel in whatever direction we choose, and knowing that one of us could not move in the same way without the other. By the power of my pedaling and the drive of the bike, we give each other the means to liberate ourselves.
The bike does not discriminate. A bike is a muse and a canvas. The aerodynamic curves of my road bike inspire me to draw smooth lines as I swiftly descend the winding roads. The many ribs and grooves of my gravel tires lure me to the ribs and grooves of the wild to carve through the sands of geologic time. As we paint the world with our movement, others are captivated by our bold strokes. Every rider is an artist in their own right. Many bikes differ in size, shape, color, and capability. Some bikes are very much the same. Every bike is chosen, but the bikes do not choose.
The bike does not discriminate. A bike is a martyr of movement. All the bike knows is to move or not to move. When we move, it makes me stronger, but it grows weaker. The tires and brake pads wear away, the cables and chain lose tension, the frame gets nicked and scratched, and the bearings start to squeak and squeal in agony. All the while, my legs have grown stronger, my balance has become unwavering, my hands have callused, and my mind has found great peace in the rhythm of our movement. As much as the bike benefits me, it also needs to be nurtured. Otherwise, it is only a sacrifice for its rider.
The bike does not discriminate.
A bike is my role model. I want to be a companion to those who grant me their presence. I strive for everyone I share this earth with to feel this freedom. I am a willing muse to inspire the creativity of love, respect, equity, and sustainability in all spaces. I offer myself as support for others to gain the strength and peace that fuels their success.
The bike does not discriminate, and neither shall I.
Romance Summer JALEN CURTIS MALONE BAZILE (he/him) | @jalenbazile
MY
bike and I got together at the start of summer. From the unboxing, it was obvious that a summer romance would follow. Its lines down the bottom tube and into the chainstays were svelte, plus its shaded-teal and ivory color scheme spoke to my personality. It wore the finest of components—all carbon and finely tuned. You could say the two of us were picture-perfect.
I dressed up for our inaugural ride. My spritely summer button-up complimented the new bike’s gloss, like how a sun flare makes for a better image. It was on that ride our connection solidified. Our paces matched, the fit was perfect, and its compliance made me feel acknowledged. That first ride set the tone for the summer. My bike and I pushed each other to places that were vulnerable and wonderful. Remote service roads, backcountry trails, and winding double track is where we often explored. We talked about things, mostly me sharing and my bike listening. While pedaling, I’m given the space to process. Sometimes it’s childhood memories, other times it’s what I’m going through. Currently, however, we’re always looking to the future with bright eye(let)s. Our relationship is built on movement and exploration. We value play and joy and welcome a challenge and struggle. The simplicity of pedaling brings us into a shared flow-state of just being and processing. I’m learning from my bike that there’s a great skill in just being, something it does so easily. This past summer was the start of something potentially life-long. Our connection is growing deeper and we’re finding new horizons every week.
Silence Is
Agree
ment AYESHA MCGOWAN (she/her) @ayesupppose
Silence is agreement. Keep showing us who you are and we’ll remember. ou’ve heard me go on endlessly about how Black folks are dying. We’ve been calling for change for centuries, decades, years, months, weeks, days. Occasionally they’ll give us a crumb of consideration in the form of an arrest, a conviction, or a settlement. Such things are rare, and none of those things really feel like justice. None of those things will bring back the lives lost.
Y
We’ve been reliving this same terrible situation over and over, and Black folks have had enough. We didn’t invent revolution, we learned that from y’all. It is incredibly hypocritical for this country to get mad at its citizens for calling for justice using the very practices with which this nation was founded.
Originally published on AQuickBrownFox.com
Without protests, there would be no United States of America. Without damaged property, there would have been no American Revolution. When white folks do it, it’s for the better good of the people. When Black folks do it in the name of survival, it’s “uncivilized.” Back then, colonists wanted representation and control. Now, Black folks want to live.
Imagine how much it must matter if folks are willing to risk their bodies during a pandemic to fight for Black Lives. Imagine how much it must matter if folks are willing to show up to protests knowing the police have military-grade protection and weaponry, which they are not afraid to use. What would it take for you to care that much?
This outcry is the result of years of being unheard and the silence specifically within the bike/outdoor industry is deafening.
I’m tired. I’m broken. I’m terrified. I’m done. This isn’t just about George
It’s time to wake up and realize that it’s okay to stand for something. I’ve been in more than one terrifying racist situation where I wasn’t sure if it would end in my death or the death of the Black folks with me. Luckily that was not the case, but if it was, would you care? Would you still be silent? Would you be too scared to call it racism? Would you look into my past and try to figure out if I lived a life of crime? If I was intoxicated? If I was resisting? Would you justify my murder to make yourself feel better? What is my life worth? What is any Black life worth? I’m calling out the bike industry. Black folks have been protesting long enough for you to have had your marketing meetings and come up with a plan on how you can show your support. Vague statements acknowledging that silence is not okay is not enough. Call racism by its name. Tell us you think Black Lives Matter. Tell us what actions you plan to take to better support Black folks. If you can’t show your support, then I know where you stand, and I know that your silence is letting me know that protecting Black Lives is not worth your efforts. Don’t tell me about the property damage; things can be replaced, people can’t. If you’re that mad about it, help us demand justice.
Floyd, or Ahmaud Arbery, or Breonna Taylor, or even Tony McDade (the Black trans man killed in Tallahassee, Florida by police). These are just a few of the lives we’ve lost this year. In fact, we’ve lost so many lives, I can’t keep the names and locations straight. We can’t keep up. The pace is too high. The cost is too high. Black folks are actively dying. Stop judging our outrage and help us do something about it.
It’s time to wake up + realize that it’s okay to stand for
something.
I am a Black man. WILLIAM LOYD (he/him) | @bossmeem
My birth comes with an asterisk despite any action of my own. Society has upheld laws, prejudices, and internal biases against my existence. I’m a proud Black man. As a longtime cyclist, I’m passionate about being a positive representation for those who look like me. This industry historically is often uninterested in showing Black folx unless to applaud its white savior complex. I’m a tired Black man. Despite the incredible progress being made in recent times, any day I could be arbitrarily killed while my murderer remains free of any accountability. While the media and society sift through my digital footprint or clean record for justification. I can count on Black womxn though! They have and will always be our greatest resources, strongest support, greatest treasure. Showing up for us ALL, fighting for what is, was, and will be right. Sometimes the rest of us just take a while to catch up. This world exalts men, ignoring the Black womxn who no doubt were in the ear of your favorite Black leader (I’ll give you John Africa maybe, but everyone else...). Time after time, Black womxn have been at the forefront pushing the agenda. Organizing, unifying, liberating. Doing the thankless, exhausting, mentally draining work with or without us. I can only speak for myself, but I owe them more. Even now, the deaths of Black womxn go unnoticed, rarely garnering the concern we afford Black men. Lip service ain’t enough, they’ve heard it all. Before I knew the word Hotep, as a kid on Jamaica Avenue I felt like they must not like womxn much at all (before I heard the word misogyny). I can’t put a crown on my own head if I don’t show up for Black womxn. The ways to accomplish this are vast, as there is a need for more than foot soldiers. I LOVE Black womxn. I know this is independent of my mother, my older sister, and my wife and having looked up to so many of y'all. I’m sorry it took me so long to truly value y'all, but once I learned, then I did better. We want to see Black men shining and justice for those killed. Then we must ensure Black womxn are taken care of. We need them.
I Am a Black Man
A Case for Going
Plant-Based MARTON “MARTY” MERRITT (he/him) | @martymartinho
The most disturbing price we pay for the slaughtering of animals for meat and dairy is the effect on our environment, the amount of waste these industries generate (both locally and globally), and the underlying racism it presents.
MOTHER EARTH Let’s take any given large pig farm in rural North Carolina as an example: An adult pig shits much more than an adult homo sapien, which is fine, so long as that fecal matter is disposed of properly. Unfortunately, what in fact happens is that it is dumped into local water systems, thus polluting the local water supply that is used by the local population for drinking and farming. Globally, mass-scale cattle farming is by far the most environmentally devastating form of animal agriculture. This is exacerbated by the fact that North American fast food culture has become practically ubiquitous around the planet; it is easy to travel outside of the US (COVID-19 travel restrictions aside) and find fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and KFC. This means that billions of cows, chickens, and pigs are being senselessly killed so that more humans
can have more access to the host of health problems associated with this food. Furthermore, the mere raising and slaughtering of just one cow is so wasteful; the amount of water and grain this single cow requires before slaughtering could feed thousands of human beings. And yes, cow farts (methane gas) en masse do indeed contribute to the warming of the planet, and if we do not make major reductions in their killing, we are fucked. If you are lamenting the utter destruction of the rainforests, know that they’re being razed so that cattle can be raised. Even if you love cheeseburgers, you cannot deny that this is an inherently bad economic model.
ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM Another aspect of animal agriculture that affects us is that of environmental racism. If you take a quick look at the locations of industrial cow, chicken, and pig farms, then you will quickly notice that they mostly border rural Black and Latino immigrant communities. Ironically, many members of these communities work under inhumane conditions in the very place that is polluting their water and soil. On top of this, they suffer from elevated rates of cancer and asthma compared to those who live in affluent, mostly white suburban neighborhoods. I can attest to this personally. My dad’s side of the family comes from Clinton, a small town in North Carolina, where you will find Lundy’s* pig slaughterhouse. (I don’t like the word “farm” here, because it sends friendly, yet inaccurate images like those we see on the labels of sliced meat, cheese, and butter at the grocery store. It’s not unlike the “happy slave” fairy tale version of history taught at tens of thousands of US schools.) Every day the breeze curses everyone with the smell of death that emanates from inside. I’ll never forget the time my dad was driving my brother and me past Lundy’s and we heard tortured screams from pigs being electrocuted to death. I recall them sounding surprisingly similar to those of people. *Smithfield Foods purchased Lundy’s in 2019 and in a press release claimed that they addressed many of the issues mentioned in this story.
The last thing I want to mention related to racism and the industrial animal agriculture is the reality of the food deserts that many Black and Brown people reside in. Anyone who has lived in a Black or Latino urban community knows that it is much easier to find fast food than real food. We suffer the highest rates of diabetes, cancer, hypertension/ heart attacks, and obesity than any other racial group in the nation. It’s a health care nightmare and the treatment of these diseases costs billions of unnecessary dollars. Moreover, even though we have the highest rates of obesity, we are actually malnourished because of the lack of access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
BUT THERE IS HOPE I know that I may have painted some sort of doomand-gloom apocalyptic scenario, but I do believe there is some hope for our species. The first thing to accept is the fact that there is a better way to eat and you can make some small changes to your weekly food plan that can have big effects on your general health as well as your eco-footprint. If, for instance, you decide to reduce your intake of any and all animal protein from n days to n-3 days per week, then you will have already taken a BIG step! It may take a little bit of meal planning (I do mine on Sundays), but once you get a handful of
Plant-Based vs. Vegan OK
Avoid
No
Vegan
Plant-Based
Meat + Poultry Seafood Eggs + Dairy Oils Highly Processed Foods
Refined sweeteners, bleached flours, white rice
Whole Grains Flours, breads, pastas
Fruits, Veggies, + Starchy Veggies Legumes INFOGRAPHIC COURTESY OF FORKS OVER KNIVES
Whole-food Plant-Based
To Start Your Journey DOCUMENTARIES: Forks Over Knives Dominion What the Health Cowspiracy BOOKS: How Not to Die How Not to Die Cookbook The China Study
plant-based dishes in mind it’s a breeze, and one without the stench of dead pigs. Not to mention, you can save a bunch of money. The second glimmer of hope is that if you, or someone you know, has a small plot or yard, it’s a cinch to start growing veggies in your own space. When you grow your own food you have a real sense of satisfaction when you actually eat it. You’ll be like, “Dang, I grew this and it’s delicious!” The last thing that gives me hope is, well… the human race, which is funny because for the most part, we have been the problem. Look at the numbers of how the plant-based milk and cheese industry has grown substantially in recent times. It’s now common to see soy, almond, hemp, coconut, and rice milk in our local supermarkets. Consumer sovereignty is revolutionary: If we decide not to buy these products, then corporations will be forced to change their behavior because they depend on us, not the other way around. Even food giant, Tyson Meats has seen the effect of the power of the consumer and has begun producing plant-based meat substitutes… BOOM. There is a ton of literature and documentaries available if you’d like to become more educated on why a plant-based diet is better for people and the planet. And if you are curious about transitioning to a plantbased lifestyle, feel free to shoot me an Instagram DM and I’ll be more than happy to forward you more resources. Good luck!
Multi-Bean
Kale Chili SHEQUAYA BAILEY (she/her) | @deucedimples
Preparation
Ingredients Makes 7-8 servings
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1/2-pound button mushrooms, stems trimmed, chopped • Half an onion, chopped • 1 can small white beans, rinsed and drained
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and the mushrooms are browned— 8 to 10 minutes.
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
Add the beans, garlic, jalapeño, kale, diced tomatoes and juices, broth, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. (To make non-veg, use chicken broth; sauté meat in a bit of onions and oil, then add to pot with aforementioned other items.) Stir well to combine and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust the seasonings to taste and serve.
• 2 jalapeño, seeds and veins removed, chopped
Enjoy! If you make this, please let me know how it turned out and if you did anything differently.
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3-4 cups packed chopped kale • 2 cans (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, with juices • 3 cups of low-sodium veggie broth • 4 tablespoons chili powder *If using dry beans, use ¾ cups for each type and soak overnight. Add 10 more minutes to cooking time.
CHARLOTTE HARRIS / @GNAR_LOTTE
Biking With
Asthma SHANIKA “NIKKI” NICOLE (she/her) | @shanika_nicole
When
I was just one year old, I spent three days in the hospital before going home with an asthma diagnosis. Asthma has haunted me all of my life, and even though it affects me every day, I am still living my best life. Asthma is a lung disease that can affect people physically, mentally, and socially. It is a narrowing and swelling of the airways that can cause breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, which can have an impact on your day-to-day activities. Growing up, I avoided all sports. Living with severe asthma makes physical activities difficult, as the simplest of things can trigger an attack. Anything from laughing too much, to overeating, to sleeping can be all it takes. My biggest triggers are weather, allergies, and physical activity. Having so many triggers made the thought of sports horrifying. Sadly, there is not a cure for asthma, but there are ways you can take control of it. Everyone has a unique case with asthma and different needs to manage it. My best advice for those biking with asthma is to be aware of what your body is telling you. Here are the key points I follow when it comes to biking and living with asthma.
What does it feel like mentally and physically? When I’m on the mountain, some people will sarcastically say to me ”You’re talking, you can breathe.’’ That’s the worst thing someone can say when your lungs are suffocating you. Try mountain biking when it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest. It’s like breathing through a straw while plugging your nose or having the strongest person on earth giving you a bear hug that will not let go. That’s what it feels like, at first. It takes about 30 minutes for my lungs to warm up when I ride. I’m not saying my symptoms completely go away after that, it’s just not as brutal on my lungs.
When breathing becomes difficult, I start to panic. Sometimes I will have a full-blown panic attack and can’t talk myself through it. I can’t think clearly; my body gets tingly and then goes numb. I can’t explain how others can help. Sometimes, I’m too embarrassed to tell them what is happening. I hate that this occurs. It’s scary. It doesn’t help that I’m already fighting to breathe, but the hyperventilating on top of that makes it all the worse. In emergency situations, I use my rescue inhaler, but I don’t want to be dependent on it. Albuterol usually makes my heartbeat increase so I take breaks, a lot of breaks, and that’s OK! The body already gets tired when you mountain bike and asthma restricts your body’s potential to operate efficiently because it’s not producing enough oxygen. When that happens, it can make you feel tired, and biking at higher altitudes can leave you exhausted for a few days. But the feeling of accomplishment will last forever. This is how I take control of my asthma, instead of letting it control me.
Medication and Action Plan Having your asthma at a controllable level is very important for not only mountain biking, but for everyday life as well. I’m very cautious when it comes to my asthma and carry my rescue inhaler wherever I go. I always have one in my purse, one in a kitchen drawer, and keep my nebulizer in my living room. To be extra safe, I even sleep with an inhaler underneath my pillow or right next to me. And I always carry one in my fanny pack because I will not bike if I don’t have one. I also stock up on all my medications, just in case. Especially during COVID-19, it is essential to be prepared, as there have been albuterol shortages. Following my doctor’s instructions has helped me tremendously and it has given me some hope.
Action Plan from Asthma and Allergy Doctor: • A return visit every six months • Two puffs twice a day for Symbicort • Continue Albuterol two puffs as needed • Continue Montelukast one tablet a day at bedtime • Continue Cetirizine one tablet once at bedtime • Saline Spray once or twice daily as needed • Avoid fish (allergic) • Flu shots yearly • Currently following COVID-19 precautions per CDC guidelines (I’m high risk)
My Action Plan before biking: • Warm-up at home with weights and the bike trainer or in the parking lot by stretching and riding around • Drink a can of beet juice or take beetroot pills • Drink half a glass of Calm Magnesium Powder • Two puffs of Albuterol 15 minutes before ride • Take my time the first 30 minutes of my ride
Weather My doctors told me I should live in a bubble because I’m allergic to everything outside. But hey, that’s why we have allergy medication! Weather plays a substantial role in life with asthma and will trigger symptoms. In Colorado, the air is dry which causes swollen and irritated airways and heightens symptoms. Because I live in Colorado I also have to be hyper aware of fires. This year has been the worst on my breathing because of the heavy smoke. It destroyed my lungs and I am just now getting back to normal. Since my lungs are so sensitive and the smoke was so thick, I had to stop riding for a few weeks because I was afraid that the smoke and particles would permanently damage my lungs. During winter, I have to avoid biking in 50 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Lower temperatures make breathing a battle because when cold air strikes the airways, the lungs respond by tightening. It’s best for me to stay healthy and safe during winter so it will not lead to something worse down the road. One year, I got bronchitis because of biking in colder temperatures, and unfortunately, my
breathing has not been the same since. This is a lesson I do not need to learn again and hope you will never have to! If you do decide to exercise in colder temperatures, make sure to inhale through the nose and exhale through your mouth. You can also use a neck gaiter. And, if all else fails, hook up the bike trainer and Zwift!
Moral of My Story Don’t let asthma hold you back from biking or doing other physical activities in the outdoors, on the field, or on the court. Before throwing in the towel, you should talk to your doctor and see what actions you can take to manage your asthma. Don’t let anything limit you because of your differences. I took the steps to take control of my asthma and my life is so much better because I did. Biking has taken me to the most beautiful places on earth and introduced me to some of the best people. It has also taught me how to take better care of my health, which is the most important lesson. Ride on!