After 1.5 weeks of pain related to increasing my commute from 4 to 16 miles each day, I am pleased to share that I seem to be on the other side with no pain to speak of one more freed belt loop.
A two-day weekend with two hour walks and a lot of rest allowed me to heal. On Monday I didn’t have the screaming leg pain, nagging arm and wrist pain or concomitant mental angst from such pain. Once again it was the pleasurable, joy ride that I remember and expect.
The highlight of my commute now is riding in mesmerizing morning twilight. The sun rises right over Monona Bay. The water appears to be a bright grey color before sunrise. The isthmus is wondrously lit up with the capitol and other significant buildings in the background.
My experience confirms that if you feel pain from riding you may not need to give up. You could take a day or two off with walking to stretch those leg muscles. It has been my experience that exercises targeted at where your pain is can also help.