Honest mistake

Yesterday my physician and physical therapist came over for my scheduled testing. Every couple of weeks they come and see if I can still up the training for the LiveSTRONG Challenge in Austin. As far as I knew I stuck to my schedule that they gave me. Little did I know I misread it and overdid it with riding outdoors on Blue Wonder2. As they explained, riding outdoors, in the wind and on uneven soil, is putting a heavier load on the leg and shoulder. It was an honest mistake on my part but I damaged both leg and shoulder doing it. I ignored the increasing pain because I thought that was inevitable with the longer hours and it always subsided pretty soon (in my honest opinion). My dear friend Jody wrote me and told me that sometimes it’s not about training hard but training smart. She advised me to develop a training plan that would allow me to continue training without injury. She gave me a huge compliment for what I accomplished so far, picking me up as she always does (and giving me way too much credit, as she always does as well). I am going to tell you the same I told her.

Today I sat down with my physio the make another training schedule that slowly ups the time I ride outdoors. I’m still aiming for the 100 mile but am realistic enough to know that it MIGHT not be possible. Not giving up yet though. I knew on forehand it was going to cause more pain but it is worth it, but I'm not trying (and willing) to increase the damage to the leg and the shoulder, so I am being careful. I really didn’t know the schedule was built on riding indoors not outdoors and doing it to the max would make me overdo it. As Jody asked me if my doctor was too conservative in my opinion I told her he IS too conservative, always has been: as they suggested the procedure they did on my leg (involving the 5 hours exercise a day) he thought it might keep me on crutches for 2 or 3 years. He didn’t think I would stick to the regime so long and be able to withstand the pain as long as I have. I always think of Lance saying Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever and the last 2 years of all you have been through and I’m sure I can keep doing the exercise for the rest of my life. So, since my doc was already surprised I’m still walking, he should know I would ride that bike to the maximum I was allowed to.

I AM coming to Austin and am so looking forward to spending time with Jody, her husband and all my LiveSTrong friends before that. I’m counting the days. Riding with Jody and all other friends will be the highlight of my Challenge, and Jody is right: I aim for the 100 but every mile we do will be a accomplishment and I will be so happy to share it with her and all of you!

I didn't mean to be stubborn to a point that I would forget my health and scared to death my doc will tell me I have to stop riding my bike because for me, it is about the (liveSTRONG) bike.