Back in the Saddle

So I felt well enough after my little bicycle mishap to get back out there. I was all set, I had a plan, and I was going to pay attention this time when my legs felt like they had enough. I went around one block, uphill, and then down and over to the next. I felt good. I went up that block and felt good enough to finish out to the next on before going back toward my street. I was so proud of myself. I was doing really well. YEAH! Right! A little over halfway up that block, I slowed down to a snail's pace, barely enough to keep the bike up. I could swear I was going up a huge mountain, but of course there aren't any in my neighborhood. No, this was the regular street that goes slightly uphill. Hmmm. Well, I made it. Barely. I really thought I was going to have to stop. I made it to my street where it went downhill again. I was so tired and my legs were so beat you would think I had been biking for hours. Nope. 20 minutes. Apparently that is my limit. I keep wondering when I'll be able to do more; when I'll be able to handle the uphill better. But, you know what? It's okay. If 20 minutes is my limit, then I will do 20 minutes whenever I feel I can go out there. Can't do it if it's too hot out or when I'm having a particularly bad MS day, but so what. I am doing what I can and hopefully my body is benefiting from what little I can do for it. It's all I can do, and I won't stress about it.

Listen to Your Body

I was very proud of myself today. I rode my bike further, almost double the distance. Then my body started complaining a little. I was back in front of my house and I could feel that my legs were tired and I was getting thirsty. I decided I could go a little bit more and then stop. Stupid ass that I am, I wasn't listening to my body telling me to stop right then. I told my left leg that the weakness it feels in trying to be the starting peddler indicates that it needs to do just that and then we can go home. Like I said...Stupid Ass. My left leg complied and was able to make it up the height to the pedal so it can start the bike on its way...well, the rest of my body was apparently helping by leaning the bike a little to the left, which I didn't exactly notice caused the handle bars to also lean to the left. So, naturally, the bike went left and I was unable to pull it back. Those of you who have similar balance issues as me will immediately understand...once balance is compromised, there is no getting it back with MS related issues. Down I went. I felt really stupid and hope that no one saw me. I got up, went home, and rested. I can hear my body saying "I told you so" repeatedly. My left thumb is now killing me...no doubt its way of screaming at me for allowing the bike to topple over on top of it. Sigh...hopefully I can ride again tomorrow. I will not ignore my body again.

Just Like Riding a Bike

Because my legs seem to be getting weaker, my doctor suggests excercise. So I wrode a bike today. I haven't been on a bike in over 15 years. It's true what they say...you never forget. You can, however, lose some sense of balance. I swerved a bit...okay, a lot. No big deal though. After a leg cramp, a seat adjustment, and lots of weird wobbling like a first timer, I made it around two blocks near my house. A total of 15-20 minutes. Felt pathetic, but I'm giving myself a break...baby steps. I will have to make a habit of it and get better. It felt good but I got tired. I will get better.