Pain

Yes, that is the only word that comes to mind when thinking of my last few rides. Hills that I saw myself improving on now have me crawling in my biggest ring. My back prevents me from completing a ride without stopping and my fitness, is, well non-existent. I rode with Arthur yesterday and a ride that we could easily have finished in 1:45 or 2 hrs took 3 hrs. My butt hurts and I feel more like we did 100 miles. My body is still struggling to recover.

I realize that I am coming back from an injury, I realize I am riding a bike that isn't at all like what I had, I realize I am 10 lbs heavier than I should be going into the season... I know I am starting over. But the feeling physically of starting over, of feeling the way I did a year ago when I really started applying myself is one that has humbled me beyond anything I could have imagined. I still suffer a depression that separates me from everyone else that I don't think they can understand. Melissa reminded me that it will all come back but it is a journey that is hard to start after knowing where I was before the accident.



I try to look at good things to motivate me, like the new pair of Sidi 6.6 Carbon shoes that were a Christmas present that should be here by the end of the week, the fact that the new team kits should also be here soon, the fact that I can still hang with Arthur on the flat stuff, the fact that my teammates are off to a strong season, the fact that I am alive and walking. It just hit me really hard last night that I have a lot of work to do, more than I wanted to admit. But I am committing myself to it. Not many things worth having in my life have come without working for them.

Adjusted

My MTB ride yesterday didn't do my back any favors and even my session shortly thereafter with Lucy Allen (THE BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST IN THE WORLD as far as I'm concerned) helped but didn't fully scratch the itch. I've had serious discomfort from the base of my spine all the way to the middle of my back and into my right shoulder.

This all being said I went to see the good Dr Jeff Brown this morning for a long overdue adjustment to the old back. I have never heard such sweet sounds waft from the area just above the middle of my back all the way up to the base of my neck. Yes, I've managed to get a few good pops over the last few days but nothing like the symphony that Jeff arranged. I sounded like a freaking bag of popcorn or a sheet of bubble wrap in the hands of a kid at Christmas. I have been liberated from the pain that has occupied that region for about two weeks now. Even the pain in my shoulder has dissipated as the day has stretched on. Of course there is a chance that I'll go back for more adjustments and back for more massages... but I couldn't be happier.

A New Spin

Spinning on two wheels is great but now I am back on FOUR!!! I got my VW fixed this week and she is running like a dream. Thank you IRS and the state of SC for such hefty returns as to assist with this task.
New Pink Indusrty Nines are on the horizon too!!!

Kenda

While the team sponsor is Michelin and I plan on ordering some new tires I did invest a hefty booty in a new pair of 2.1 Kenda's. May I just say that I am in love with those tires. They had great traction and rolled over everything. Plus they have glitter on the inside wall, what more could you really want from a tire. Well, except that they be pink and I only have those on my road bike =0)