I am optimistic about a number of things. Although I had a bit of a setback in my training back in March, I feel like this little complication, in the end, is going to make a stronger person and athlete. There are numerous reasons for this:
#1. One of the very best ways to recover from any sort of injury is to eat lightly, but also consume a wide variety of fresh foods and as much protein as one can stand. I have done that, and it has reaped tremendous benefits so far. Also, I am now religiously taking supplements and fish oil, something I've never done in the past. Fish oil is great stuff, and I can really tell a difference.
#2. I realize what a charmed life I've lived so far. I mean, I've traveled and worked throughout much of the country, and in my 20s did some quite dangerous jobs, with nary a scratch. Jobs like, at the ages of 22 and 23, using a chain-saw to cut down massive Hemlock trees in miserable and rainy and slippery cold conditions, sometimes in the snow and sleat. I have ridden and raced bikes for 30 years now, and although I had some spills, none were really all that serious. I have never had a car accident and never broken a bone (except when Miguel and I were playing that bizarre little game we had engineered where we threw a small white ball against the side of the family room wall in Kirksville and I broke my pinky. This game required throwing oneself against walls and was basically a cage match. Or perhaps we were wrestling when this happened?).
#3. I am amazed at the body's ability to heal itself. What incredible creatures we are. I have found that yoga is also a tremendous assistant to healing, and wish I had time to do more.
#4. I also am continually grateful at what a wonderful family I have. Not just my immediate family, who are my raison d'etre, but I am blessed with two of the most incredible parents one could ask for and talented, kind, exceptionally intelligent and altruistic siblings,
I cannot wait to ride with Miguel when he is here, and will recount some of our adventures here. This photo is from the middle of March--back on the horse.
