It’s a labor of patience and humility. Above all, it’s a renewed appreciation for the very possibility of movement. Slower, less efficient, but intensely present and deeply felt.
Today is my fourth day back on the bike after more than three weeks off. No more than an hour and a half. I supplement this with yoga and strength training—which, by the way, I haven’t stopped doing, just adapted. I’ve actually enjoyed coming up with poses that don’t involve lateral ankle movements to protect two severely damaged ligaments. Being injured also means being creative and resourceful.
Practicing yoga and exercising with an injury requires great precision, constant attention, and a lot of gentleness. On my bike, I pedal smoothly, let Jo set the pace on the hills, and monitor my breathing, which I try to keep steady. My cardio endurance is much lower—which is no surprise after a three-week break—but I enjoy this exercise in patience, this practice of listening to my body that I must renew day after day with confidence and without any pressure to perform.
This sprain—admittedly described as “severe”—is a renewed opportunity to practice mindful and proper movement.