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2003-07-12
2003-07-12 - 3:25 p.m.
My yoga practice has been sadly neglected over the past few months. At one point I spent about 90 minutes a day; lately it's been more like 10 or 15. This morning I woke up stiff and headachy from allergies, but determined to stretch every muscle that I could. Forty-five minutes later, flattened into the appropriate T-shape for Warrior Three, the world was a much better place. Yoga and pilates have been my best allies in regaining the flexibility and strength lost when my back broke in '97. There are still poses I can't do - plow, for instance - because my back no longer bends to that extent. But hey, for somebody who has vertebrae lumbar 11, 12 and thoracic 1, 2 and 3 pinned together with titanium rods, I think I do all right. During recovery from the injury, one of the best disappointments was that I could no longer ride my mountain bike. The angle was just too painful. I gave away the bike and pretty much gave up. Until, that is, Miss Beek asked for a bike for her birthday. We put together about half the cash for her to pick up a sweet green ladies' cruiser. After seeing how much she loved it, I asked to borrow the newly-named Green Flame for a ride. An hour later, I came home ready to buy a bike. No pain at all. So after yoga this morning, I showered and headed down to American River Bicycles (they have a site, but it's not running correctly for some reason), where the fabulous Sean and Mike hooked me up with a Giant Sedona LX. There is no way that I should have spent this much money, but I tested a handful of cruisers and comfort models, and this bike just rocks. The best shock systems I've ever felt, quick release everything and construction that not even I can jack up. Plus the bike shop is so close that if necessary, I can drop her off for adjustments and walk home. Love.The.Bike. Love even more that the list of 'things I can't do because of my back' just got a little shorter. So if you call today and get the voicemail, you know where I am.
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former / latter
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