The 1st Century

For many people, riding 100 miles is a 1 day workout.  Even more do this as part of a weekend ride.  For me, it took 3 weeks. I gained so much strength in 3 weeks of riding. I'm at the point where a 10 mile ride goes by fast, and I can push hard for a mile at a time.  These are accomplishments that I had taken for granted before. Through January, I should end up at 140 miles. That would be just shy of 4% of my goal, and just under 1/2 of what I need to average per month.  I've dug myself a bit of a hole, but over the summer, I should be able to crank out some of the long rides that I'm used to, and make up some ground.  on to some updates on my injury. 

I have continued PT, and some body weight strength exercises.  These seem to help me.  I'm doing much more light stretching and starting to add in ab work.  overall, the goal is to gain core strength and stability.  In addition, last week I went for an EMG test.  I've you've never had one, they are a treat!  First, a doctor puts electrodes in various places on your legs, then uses a Taser to send lightning through your nerves. your legs and feet "jump" as the muscles are activated.  It really didn't hurt, but it wasn't comfortable either.  When this is done, they insert a needle into your hamstrings, quads, calves, and finally FEET. Then they make you flex that muscle.  You really don't feel the needle, till you flex, then there's a good deal of pressure and pain.  However, I never, ever want a needle in my feet again.  That genuinely hurts. 

At the end of the EMG, the doctor said he will share my results with the specialist. i'll see him again next week to review them.  He confirmed nerve damage to both legs, with the left side being worse.  He did say that it looks like the nerves are starting to regenerate, and that the strength returning to my calf is a good sign. He timetabled my recovery at another 8-12 weeks. 

That's all the updates I've had.  For now, I can't run, but I'm walking normally again.  Pain levels are at a 2 consistently, but they are manageable.  I'll keep on the bike, start eating better to, hopefully, take off some weight, and keep trying to get stronger.  All progress is positive progress!