So last Thursday, on the morning climb up Capitol Hill, I experienced my first cycling-related "tweak". I was pulling a little over 30lbs up the hill in my Bob Trailer and I got frustrated at the lack of speed I could generate. I was sitting in a fairly upright position, spinning away in the lowest gear. Then I lurched forward in an aggressive attack position and pushed as hard as I could. Suddenly, my lower back became warm and I felt sharp pains in my obliques. Startled, I tried to sit back up but found I could not. When I got to the top of the hill, I got out of my clips and tried to straighten up but my back would not let me.
Needless to say, I ended the week with a very, VERY slow ride on Friday and even though I got my 60 miles in for the week, I paid dearly for the aggressive approach on Thursday - I spent most of Super Bowl Sunday on my stomach on the couch, trying not to make any sudden movements in any direction.
A co-worker recommended a sports-centric physical therapy place in Northgate - G2 Sports Therapy. If I'm still walking around in a hunched position by week-end, I may pay them a visit.
It's only February and already I'm pushing it.

Totals:
Week 1: 40 miles
Week 2: 55 miles
Week 3: 60 miles
Week 4: 60 miles

Week 5 so far - not looking good.

By the way, the Seattle Times had a lead article today about cycling in Seattle: Click Here To Read. If you've ridden the city, then you kind of already know most of this stuff but it's GREAT advice for anyone just starting out. Not a bad reminder for those of us who think we know it all, either.

BE SAFE OUT THERE