And what’s up with the “Best regards”, Math? That was one of the most obnoxious and condescending comments I have ever read on someone’s blog before. “Best regards”? After a rant like that, you expect him to accept any regards whatsoever, let alone your BEST ones? Which, FWIW, I doubt you’re actually offering. If this is how you feel about athletes who weren’t bred to compete on world class levels. Where do you get off?

Hope you’re doing well, buddy!

Honestly, it’s probably better that you didn’t continue your ride. It is entirely possible (actually likely) that the only reason you “knew [you] could continue” was an acute stress reaction. (http://goo.gl/lm9u)

You should keep a pain journal for the next week or two. When you get up in the morning, before and after you exercise, and before you go to bed, jot down the time of day and any unusual pains you are feeling. From events like this, it can be several days before the actual injury triggers a pain response. If you think this is overkill, think of it as a “just in case” policy. Hopefully, nothing will come of it, and it will be a nuisance. On the other hand, if you *do* experience something, this will allow you to identify it early-on and give a complete medical history to a physician who will be able to get you back in shape much faster.

My sister and I went trail running in Utah about 12 years ago. We were coming down the trail when she took a crazy spill. She literally flipped all the way over and landed on her back. I went over to her, and she sat up, got up, brushed herself off, and did a quick check for problems. She insisted she was fine. We ran the rest of the 8 miles down the mountain. Next day, she was fine. Her back had a bruise, and she was a bit sore, but that was it. The day after that (two days after she took the spill) she couldn’t move her back. It took over a month of conditioning before she could run again.

So yeah, take care of yourself.

Regarding the attempted vehicular manslaughterer, fuck him and his lack of responsibility. With any luck, he did this because he was stoned out of his mind, and he will be T-boned when he runs a red light. 7 months in a body cast ought to do it.

the cervelo has been great. Its a great size and the fit and feel is wonderful. It’s not too stiff and just all around looks good. actually just scooped up another Dual for the woman- silver/ DA components in mint condition for cheap! so now we’re a cervelo family!

Classic story about the dude and his fries…. not that I advocate violence, but woulda been sweet had that dude got out of his car only to be cold cocked by a dude on a bike… drivers are idiots… can’t tell you the numbers of times I’ve almost been hit both running (always run against traffic and inevitably someone pulls out of a parking lot on a right hand turn only and never actually looks right) and biking. I live in So Cal and often ride the dreaded laguna beach stretch along PCH… along with a tight road you have latte sipping, texting drivers which makes for a fun combo! Have fun…. enjoyed your blog !

I will agree with you on part of this and I completely understand your feelings, as I too dislike “congestion” in a race.

However, just because I find training bothersome doesn’t make me some chum in the way. Also, it doesn’t mean I don’t put the hours in to prep. While we all have our set goals, because I’m not aiming for elite rankings doesn’t make me any less of an athlete. And yes, race day IS part of the picture, so is the glory, the finishing prizes, the camaraderie, the pictures, the accomplishment– otherwise everything would be just practice.

Greatness isn’t a level of athleticism, it’s a mindset. If I train for an event, go out there and give it the best I have and lose…I’m a great athlete. If Ordinary Joe finishes a race 5 hours after you and you find it disgusting–he’s a great athlete too, and quite frankly, you’re an ass for thinking that.

And if you think competition, whether it be mighty or weak, is disrespectful in a race…perhaps you’re “running” in the wrong race and should go try chess, where there’s no distraction.

While you may be racing for Pro, I’m racing for PROgress.

Cheers~