Reflections Upon Return

I returned to land of my birth yesterday after three weeks in a foreign land. Today is a well deserved rest day since we worked every day. That makes today my first day off in September. I'm not complaining, I like work. But enough is enough and it is great to be back.

Fortunately, I was able to stay fit and not gain any weight on the trip. Access to a well equipped fitness center and a large outdoor pool was most helpful. Indeed I worked out 17 out of 18 days through Monday. The workouts included 12 stationary bike workouts, 5 swim workouts, 9 walk/jog treadmill workouts and some upper body work. On September 13, I thought I had the corner turned on my lower leg injury, as it felt the best it had done since May. However I suffered a setback the next day and it is bothersome still.

I went to Koala today for some therapy and discussed my progress with Dr Vargo. She said that I need to take at least one full rest day a week, my flare up occured on the eighth consecutive workout day, and one where I had pushed my walk/jog and swimming up to the most strenuous in the period.

Why do I push a little too much over and over again? Life and health is so precious. It must be grasped with all ones might and taken to the limit. Everday is an opportunity. Today I went for an 11 mile cycle averaging 18.7mph around the upcoming USA 10 miler route. It was exhilarating. There is nothing quite like having to slow down to 20 mph on a bike for a school zone. Or spying the Turkey Vulture pack on Space Center Boulevard waiting for me to crash so they can have some fresh meat.

I am looking forward to a big Saturday (bike ride in the morning and have been called off the injured reserve to fill the last spot on a relay team in the evening).

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.

Henry V, William Shakespeare