My back has been steadily improving all week since my sneeze of doom on Sunday morning. I was concerned about returning to work on Monday morning but my work car is so comfortable and supportive that I think driving has actually helped. I’m convinced that the heated seats have also contributed especially having them on the high setting for long periods of the day.

As well as warming my ass in the car I’ve been walking each evening. Sunday and Monday I just about managed 3km and 4.75km, very slowly and with a walking pole for additional support. On Monday I could feel a significant improvement although my right leg was still dragging as my glute was operating at about 70% with mild spasms giving me regular reminders.

Tuesday evening I could feel further improvement and after the first 10min I realised I didn’t need the pole. It was still slow but manageable without any significant pain, still dragging my leg very slightly but hugely improved.

Last night and tonight I left the pole at home completely 💪

I’m full sure that this kind of managed, active recovery has helped. I’ve found in the past that stopping all activity to protect my back is counter productive and just prolongs recovery. Controlled and gentle exercise is much more effective.

Of course none of that would have been possible without the prescription grade anti-inflammatories I’ve also been popping!

I got these at the start of November when my dodgy knee flared up (yes, my body is falling apart!). I got a 4 week supply but only needed them for approximately 2 weeks. Like a proper Irishman I did the responsible thing and kept the balance “just in case”!

They’ve definitely assisted my recovery this week also. However, as I was feeling a lot better I decided to skip my dose last night to see how I got on. No major issues today so same thing this evening. I’ve 4 left so that will carry me into and over the weekend when I hope to get back on my bike for Saturday morning.

It’s 2 weeks today since I last turned a pedal on NYE. I’m definitely missing it and it took a fair bit of self denial not to join the Club night spin this evening. I’m also very conscious that I’m already halfway through the month and still have a 100km spin to complete and maintain my RRTY 100 progress.

Saturday’s forecast is just about as good as you can get for January and I’m really having to talk myself out of not doing attempting the 100km this weekend! The long range forecast for the 24th is also looking good but that could change. The sensible decision is to wait of course.

The one member of the household happy about the last week is of course Cooper. It’s hard getting the time to walk him properly with all the other stuff I be doing so he thinks this week is a late Xmas present!

I’ve been getting home from work most of this week between 5 and 5:30pm and the stretching evenings are getting more and more noticeable. Especially this evening with the mostly clear skies. The photo below was taken at 5:30pm. Official sunset was 4:35pm but it didn’t really get dark until 5:10pm and even later they’re was still some brightness in the Western skies.

Now all we need is a stretch in the mornings. It’s getting progressively more difficult to get out of bed at 7am in the dark…