I did make it back on my bike this week. I knew you were all biting yournails waiting for word. Right now the big goal is just to do it at all. I’ll attack my superannuation and squishiness as I go along. One thingI’ve learned at various points in various trainings and physical projects is this: whatever is difficult enough to get your heart rate up and make you feel like you’re getting a workout, but not so hard that you can’t do it, is probably enough exercise.

Monday I started a little bit too late and it was pretty hot by the time I got underway. Tuesday I got more than twice as far, starting earlier. I also discovered doing events like Ride the Rockies that you get stronger every day, and surprisingly quickly if you ride daily. I was really surprised how much stronger I was on Day 3 than I was on Day 1. So I’m trying to take a page from that and just fight my way back as best I can…

You longtime readers out there probably remember that last year, I attempted to resume my cycling training. I made some progress, but then got sidetracked by the two-pronged derailing engine of my impossible schedule and the fact that my hamstring injury was not as completely healed as I had hoped. I had some problems with numbness, shooting pain, and screaming. As an endurance cyclist, it also figuratively cramped my style because I couldn’t go too far afield. At any time, I could suddenly find it impossible to ride any further and I might have to walk my bike home… for maybe 20 miles or more.

Well, my hamstring now behaves much like it did before I tore it, lo, these many moons ago, except that it’s a bit more flexible, and my right side is still not as strong as my left (which is subtle enough that I usually only notice it in pointe class). So tomorrow, I’m planning on getting back on a bike of some kind, and trying to remake a habit of it.

I knew it would be hard to come back from a serious injury, but I had no idea how long it would take, how many discouraging attempts I could make, or how very soft I could get while I waited to be well enough. I’m in worse shape than I was in before I started riding at all, plus I’m many years older, which I’m starting to feel. I have to do it, though–I want my f’ing body back!

Wish me luck.

…without the syphilis, of course.
So I was talking to Lisa on the phone the other day, and she tells me she’s started a community newspaper. This is, by the way, the same Lisa with which I share some blogs, who got me started blogging in the first place, who is writing a clever novel, who encouraged me to learn to knit, and who is one of the best damn writers, well, anywhere. Until I get my blogroll up and running, you can access her grooviness on a regular basis here, among other places. I am knocked out by her entrepreneurial spirit, particularly when it comes to giving The People the knowledge and the power. Good on ya, mama!

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