The Fragile Body
Some lessons are learned the hard way
It’s been a while since I wrote a post here. The reason is simple, these posts are usually the lessons I learn in class, but I haven’t trained for 6 weeks…
I fractured my clavicle (collarbone) at the end of March falling off a mountain bike. I hadn’t ridden since before Covid but decided to take it back up to improve my stamina for aikido. In 10 years of aikido I’ve never broken anything or really suffered anything more than minor sprains and bruises but third time out on my new bike I did this. The irony was more painful than the injury!
For a month I wasn’t able to drive which meant I couldn’t even attend class, but it’s healing well so this week I’ve been able to go along and watch. It’s a mixed blessing. There is definitely still benefit to be gained from observing, much better than sitting at home watching TV, but it also makes me itch to just get up and join in!
What have I learned though? Well the first thing is that skills fade if we don’t maintain them. I was a confident rider having been on mountain bikes since my youth and commuting on bike for a few years. But letting it lapse then assuming it would all just come right back was foolhardy. The accident happened because I was riding some small trails in the woods and I just didn’t handle the bike or the minor loss of control correctly.
Secondly, the fragility of my body as I’ve aged. I don’t bounce like I used to. I’m not going to let that be an excuse to give up on taking risks but I need to recalibrate my risk assessment criteria. I’ll be back on the bike when I’m healed, but just like aikido, I’ll be building up my skills gradually.
And I’ll be back on the mat as soon as I get the all clear. The injury is healing well but the psychological impact and fear of falls might be another matter.