Well, it has been almost two months since I tried to crush the asphalt with my hip and I still can't believe how quick all of the events have transpired. I mean, I was on crutches, barely able to get around and here it is, the first week in October and I feel like my old self again, well close.
The original down time was to be 6-8 weeks, which would have put my first ride on the bike this past week. Well, I have been on the bike since the first week in September. Not sure if the doctor knew of this, buuuut…what he doesn't know won't hurt (maybe me). It was sloooow going at first and i was really not eager to get back on the bike at first. What!!?!?! Seriously, I didn't feel the urge to straddle my trusty steads. It felt like a job, not a passion. I even felt a little like not riding at all for foreseeable future. That would be a quitters attitude you say? Not quite.
I am sure that there are many of you that have something you enjoy; whatever it is. I mean something that you are so passionate about, that it is a part of your every being. You live it, breathe it. It almost consumes you (careful not to go too far, eh?). It is so much of your everyday life; it is an extension of you. It defines you (to a degree). Now imagine that is gone; for some it is permanent, and for others like me, temporary. So for that month, I felt as if I would not be able to ride at the level that I was used to riding at. So, I thought if I couldn't ride at that level, what would that mean. I know it sounds selfish, but it is my blog and my feelings.
The first few weeks were rough. I mean I saw my HR get back up to 201 on quite a few occasions. I knew I would have a lot of work to do, but that was showing how much indeed. I struggled with sustained power and my legs and lungs didn't seem like they wanted to join the party.
The last two weeks has seen some amazing results for sure. I am feeling about 85% right now and I feel as if my legs are getting much stronger. My recovery times are still a bit slow, but being that I am 46 and coming off of a broken hip, I guess I have to deal with it.
Funny thing is I feel really strong on the mountain bike, but a bit slower on the road. Not sure if riding the single speed had expedited the strengthening process or not, but I am ok with that. I have put in almost 12k of climbing this week so far and 10k of that is on the mountain bike. My heart rate is back down to a more comfortable 188-191 on most efforts. My leg are a bit fatigued, but it is a good feeling knowing that I am able to push hard again.
Today was the first day I was able to ride the fixie again which is the icing on the cake. I don't run brakes, so stopping was the big issue with my hip. I stop by skidding or hopping the rear wheel and I was pain free, so all is good I think.
So I have some words of encouragement for those of you coming off a riding injury or an injury that keeps you from riding. Always remember that cycling is what makes us who we are. It is a part of our social fabric and more importantly, it makes us more social beings and that should be enough to keep your head up and help keep your recovery goals in sight and know that if this 46 year old single speed moron can do it, there is hope for you. Stay single and ride rigid!
