I am almost 6 weeks post Morton's Neuroma surgery on my left foot. Walking barefoot is almost completely bearable; every now and then I get a little electrical jolt if I slam it down too hard. I think it will still be a while before I am back to running and doing jumping jacks on the hard wood floors. But ... I can ride the trails again!
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| No nerve pain, but soft tissues still healing. |
A couple weeks ago I participated in Mulberry Gap's Turkey Shuffle. After 4 hours of riding trail and gravel, my feet were happy and I even won a raffle! I got a cool little item from Topeak!
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| Only 48 grams and small enough to stuff in a hydration pack. |
Last month my Avalanche got really really sick (the transmission died). After a heart-breaking mind- wrenching session with Charlie (and an all-day head-to-head battle with the dealership), we traded her in for this:
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| Lil' A |
No, we are not rich, just back in the land of monthly payments and working an extra shift or two per month. But with a 5-Star crash rating and close to twice the fuel economy, it is worth it.
Finally, I am not just gluten intolerant, I have celiac disease. It has taken me almost 2 1/2 years to determine the cause of my ill health and confirm it. It sucks! But at least I know now. And I can take the necessary steps to avoid getting sick. I even happen to be in the 10% of celiacs that cannot tolerate oatmeal. Avenin, the protein in oatmeal, is very similar molecularly to gluten, and unfortunately my immune system sees it as gluten. Only took me 9 months to figure that one out!
The only good thing that has come out of this is that I have one of the best diets ever! Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and chocolate! I am staying the heck away from restaurants and most processed foods. That being said, it does make it difficult to eat away from home. I basically have to pack all my food with me ... and the stuff to cook it with when I go on my mountain bike adventures and vacation.
I have been enjoying laying down a base for next year. Long rides and Core Performance, baby! This Tennessee weather has me longing for this. It is not even winter yet and I am so over the cold and wet and cycling layers and hand/foot warmers and Reynaud's rearing its ugly head!
