Tiger Woods

I've been spending a lot of time on my kitchen floor lately.
I have a nice view of the ceiling and an enlightening angle on the cleanliness of my kitchen.

About a month ago, since I could barely walk after even a short ride, I decided to take on the pain I've been experiencing in my left knee and upper leg.

I want to cycle for the rest of my life, not just the 950 miles I was signed on for with Sea to Sea so I figured I should know what I've been doing myself by putting in all these miles on my bike.

The initial news was discouraging..possible arthritis, overtraining and tendonitis. I'm older than I thought, obviously! My 2nd opinion paid off. The the sports medicine drs at Loyola gave me good news. They could help me manage the pain by lots of stretching, ice and therapy.

So I began therapy and backed off a few miles on the bike. Now I spend 2 or 3 times a day stretching my legs in convoluted positioning with my left leg extended up the doorway of my kitchen wall. It's paying off. Now I can ride long distance without the shearing pain up my left leg. I'm blessed with some great opinions, good advice and lots of people praying.

I'm reminded that Tiger Woods just won the U.S. open on a broken leg and a bad knee. If I can manage 10% of that kind of fortitude, I will win the battle.

And, I'm reminded, it's not all about me...it's about me getting out the word of others who endure the pain and suffering of the poor. The poor of this world are the endurance atheletes who don't win medals or golf trophies and don't have crowds cheering them on. I could definitely learn a thing or two from them.