Welcome to My Personal Page
I have decided to make a difference in the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. I personally have ulcerative colitis and have had to be particularly careful during this pandemic due to immunosuppressive medications.
With active ulcerative colitis, the first thing I did when I entered a new place was to note the location of the bathroom. Car rides were always a gamble, even just a commute from work. I’ve had to leave weddings early, stay at the hotel on vacation, listen to my favorite bands from the bathroom. Arcade Fire sounds surprisingly good from a port-a-potty. The medications I’ve been on have worked for a few years, a few months, and not at all. They’re expensive; one medication I need to refill now is $874 for 90 days – it’s a generic. The special biologic medications (Entyvio, Remicade, Xeljanz) list as $10,000+ on my insurance benefits forms – thankful I have insurance and the ability to pay for my medications. I have friends the same age that have had it worse. I’m currently feeling well on Xeljanz, but expect that it will stop working at some point. New medications and knowledge are needed for treating IBD.
During the week of July 10, I will participate in the "Parks & Trails New York's 24th Annual Bike Tour" (https://www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal/annual-bike-tour). This 375-mile ride from Buffalo to Albany will occur over 8 days with overnight stops approximately every 50 miles. This will be a big undertaking, but it will all be worth it because your donations will not only motivate me to the finish, but they will help us get closer to the cure. I’m asking for you to donate what you can to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for support of patients with IBD and to fund research on the diseases.
Won’t you please consider a donation today?
About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affects almost 1 in 100 people. They are painful, medically incurable diseases that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may attack anywhere along the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever, and weight loss. Many patients require numerous hospitalizations and surgery. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35; however the incidence is increasing in children.
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Foundation’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.
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One month left!
Only one month until the big ride! Thank you all for donating and supporting me as I get ready for it!
The previous Saturday and Sunday I did back-to-back 30-mile rides with 1900 feet elevation gain. I felt pretty strong, so I was happy with those. This week was a busy one at work. On Friday, I completed 30 miles. I had some pain the last few rides, so raised my seat and that seems to have taken care of the problem.
I also figured out my bike pack situation, so really happy with how that fits during my rides and the capacity seems right.
Yesterday was a big day though! I completed a 100 km (62.5 mile ride) on the bike path. That will match my longest day on the path, so I'd say I'm ready to get started.
The next few weeks, I'll keep my usual routine (3-4 days/week) while trying to do 40s on the weekend.
Thank you!
by Justin Ricci on Sun, Jun 12, 2022 @ 6:52 AM
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Biking biking biking
It's been a long time since I updated this. I'm really happy with my training so far. Just did 55 miles yesterday afternoon and did a combined 100 miles over three days a few weeks ago! My regimen has been approximately four 15+ mile rides a week with a longer one (~40) over the weekend.
I need to start doing 40 miles on consecutive days, so hoping to do that soon. I was tempted to go for the full 100 km yesterday, but it was getting a little later than I would have wanted for the return trip.
So far it hasn't been too hot (other than today and tomorrow), but it'll be interesting to see how my body adapts to that.
I'm feeling good, but want to build up a little more speed and get used to the heat.
Thanks for all the support!
by Justin Ricci on Sat, May 21, 2022 @ 2:23 PM
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Training
I've started training! For the past two-ish months, I've been pumping iron to try and get some muscle mass. And recently joined the fitness center at work to get some cardio/endurance. I'll continue with that at least until the weather is nice enough to bike.
Thanks so much to everyone who has donated or offered other help! It means a ton to me to see how much everyone cares.
by Justin Ricci on Sat, Feb 26, 2022 @ 6:21 AM
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January 8
Hello!
I'll try to update my training and prep work for the ride. Thank you for the support!
Due to climate change, it was 50 degrees on New Year's Day. I started it off with a 15 mile ride. I was slower than I liked, but also it was January 1st.
I'm going to look at my exercise plan this week to get ready for 50 miles a day, 8 days straight. I'm not too worried about the mileage, more the 8 days straight and the weather.
Some background on the ride. It will be 650 people. Our clothes, food, and other stuff we don't need on the ride will be shuttled to the camp area each day for us. I'll just carry my water, food, rain gear, anything else I might need for the day. It's not a race, so can take breaks and stop at museums or towns if we want on our way. If you want to join, let me know!
by Justin Ricci on Sat, Jan 08, 2022 @ 8:36 AM
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