So, the results of this year's cycling miles are in. THIS YEAR, THESE LEGS CYCLED OVER 5899.23 MILES. AVERAGE WATTS --> 251-266. It might have been nice to add in tomorrow's build because it will likely result in over 80 miles as I continue training for the indoor cycling century ride. But, alas it just made sense to schedule it for the first day of 2023 and use yesterday and today for carb loading.
THIS HOWEVER IS NOT THE GREATEST VICTORY OF THE YEAR!!! Apart from the completing the Olympic Triathlon last summer, it's hard to believe this time last year I was still using a cane to walk. Learning how to walk without a cane was hands down one of the most physically painful things I ever went through...the muscle spasms, torquing, ITB issues, and groin pain hit levels that at times made me say out loud, "I don't know if I can do this...I think this triathlon is gonna need the cane." It was the kind of pain that wears one down mentally. But, if it was possible to condition every other part of this form through body building, it was possible to retrain the muscles in that right leg to bear the weight I was asking them to bear. And, then of course we discovered the phenomenal turbo boost power that MS spasticity can provide...the power in that right leg still humbles me. It's like having my own little super power.
But, I stayed the course and my assessment came true around the 6 week mark. The muscles in the right leg showed me they were finally willing to learn...the pain started to subside and that first 7 mile walk without the cane was more delicious than words can remotely convey!!!
But, the magic wasn't over yet and that right leg said "oh no, honey we're not done we got some stuff to show you." And walking transitioned into running and the right leg showed me exactly what it was capable of. One of the first miles this girl ran was done in 8 minutes and for the first time I knew what it was like to be a bird in flight, hindered by nothing and no one...pure sweet bliss like no other. Needless to say, 4 mile runs turned into 5 and then 8-10 mile runs at a go and some clocked at an 11:19 minute pace per mile up hills...p.s. the right leg loves her some hills! The hardest thing has been to slooooow my pace down so the heart rate can adjust and I can speed up naturally. But, we're working on it.
Anyhow, if you've read this far I wish you all a wonderful New Year and hope every single one of you has an opportunity to reflect on some of your own personal victories in 2022. May 2023 offer all your hearts the opportunity and freedom to manifest your bliss 🥰
