NURSE RATCHET IS TICKED OFF!

WHEN PEOPLE STOP BY TO VISIT they inevitably want to check out the garage.  Oddly, they aren't impressed by the stacks of surfboards, or the quiver of bicycles...

... there is one thing that sticks out.

Over in the corner is a somewhat rusty, cobwebby and neglected unicycle.

Can you ride it?

Maybe, it's been quite a while.

This is just me goofing on them.  I know perfectly well, that even if it's been over a year, I can get on the uni and...

... make it look easy.

But, first I pretend to really struggle.
Several fake and shaky starts.

It's like riding a bike,
put in the time and you'll always be able to do it.

Which is probably why Nurse Ratchet is so pissed at me today.

Bored out of my mind,
easily skipping down the stairs in the house,
doing lunges and walking backwards with zero issue...

... I couldn't wait until she left.

The second the garage door shut, I hustled upstairs and threw on a kit for the first time in 3 weeks.

I'd secretly lubed and checked out the MTB the night before.

It was go time.

Kitted up,
aired up...

... there was only one thing left to do.

Throw my leg over the saddle, and pedal.

Gotta be honest, 
I was a little scared to clip in and go.

But, I couldn't take another day of lethargy indoors.

The first few strokes were glorious.

I was free,
at last.

There was no need to hurry, she'd be gone at least 2 hours.

I chose the MTB because of the fat tires and full suspension, figuring it was the bike least likely to jostle my noggin.

My balance was fine.
My ability to process information was still slow, and dull.

After 20ish minutes, I reached the top of the local trail system.

I stopped.
Gave thanks.
Took in the view.

It felt so good to...

• hear my breathing
• feel the sweat
• be outside

... things we think we are grateful for, but have no clue until we can't access them on demand.

I stood and coasted ever so slowly down the trail.

An hour later I was home, after more stops and moments of appreciation.

Refreshed,
encouraged.

I knew my recovering brain needed oxygen flow,
my body need to be taxed,
balance tested.

A quick shower,
change of clothes,
Nurse Ratchet would never know.

One problem.

She has Strava,
she follows me,
I was busted.

She stormed in pissed,
didn't want to talk about it.
Said I'd been stupid and reckless.

As usual,
she's right.

But, you know what they say...

... it's like riding a bike,
you never forget.

How do I feel?

Well, I took a catnap.  So it musta been challenging.
My head seems fine.

Will I ride again?

Def.

How soon?

Unsure.

How long?

Lesssure.

Am I all better?

Not even close.

Because my ability to process information is diminished, I'm riding very slow.  Another reason to stay on MTB and off the roads.

It's gonna be a minute, I'm predicting 3-6 more weeks to restore confidence.  I'm cool with that.  Spring goals have been tabled.  Time is on my side.

Am I getting better?

Fo sho.

Will she forgive me?

Yeah, in a few days or weeks.

Am I upset about that?

Not even.
She cares,
and that's all I care about.

 ---

162.3 lbs
8 hrs sleep
A few pullups, pushups and air squats
20 minutes recovery 
180 minutes reading + Journaling