I felt great yesterday, and since it has been just over three weeks since the injury it seemed about time to start doing a bit more. I’ve already been taking off the sling for a couple hours a day to let my muscles stretch and relax a bit. Yesterday was warm and sunny, and since today was supposed to be snowy, I thought I should get outside. I hiked for two and a half hours. Three times I hugged my arm (in the sling) close and jogged a bit. It felt fine. The rest of the day I walked around without the sling. In the evening it felt so good I tested how far I could lift it in each direction. I did a few other things throughout the day, like putting my hair up for the first time on my own. I felt great going to bed. But I woke up this morning in pain and realized it was all too much, too soon.

I’m anxious to do more, to feel better, and to get this arm back in action so I can ride. But I have to pace myself and not get too hasty. I know what I need to do, but it’s so hard to be patient–especially when it feels so good all day.

Baby steps. That’s what I need.

So tonight I’ll take a pain pill and try to sleep well, and tomorrow I get to start over. I’ll wear the sling most of the day, and each day I’ll take it off a little longer. Next week I’ll start the real stretching and basic rehab exercises.