This week has been a little bit of a challange. I strained my back last Thurs/Fri and am still suffering with stiffness and pain. I could barely get out of bed Monday morning and had to lay on a heating pad just to do so. Standing and sitting were excrutiating and my back even locked up Saturday night. I almost called in sick so that I could thoroughly rest, however, I just took some time off and will take another day of leave this Friday so, I didn't feel comfortable missing another day. I decided to see how walking, showering, etc would feel and, ultimately, decided that riding would be preferable to driving and/or walking to the Metro. I was right. Although I didn't feel great, the ride actually seems to have put my back in a good position, and loosened things up a little. I rode again today, taking it very easy, of course, and my back now feels slightly better, although I noticed some shooting pains going doing the back of each leg. I'm using the heating pad and taking Naproxen as a precaution. I should be able to ride out the week, however, I've got a century on Saturday and am a little worried. I'm taking it easy, as I would have anyway this week, but am worried that I won't feel 100% by Sat. I could bag the ride if I had to and support the wife (she's doing the Metric), but I know I'll feel bad missing the ride, especially with all the riders that are expected. I also suppose that an out of whack back might be the only acceptable excuse that could keep me from riding. I could also give it a shot and get SAG'd (there's a first time for everything). We'll see how tomorrow goes.