In April I got a few rides in before I re-flared my back injury, but I was already in a lot of pain and was pushing myself. This was the month I really had to slow down. I didn’t realize how much strain I was putting on my lower back and how I was coping with really tight muscles. Reflecting back, I realized how much more cool-down exercises are to have a more balanced workout experience with less pain. Taking time to listen to your body is really important and even though being injured sucks, I am glad it happened while I was home rather than during the ride.