... that is the question facing me tonight. Whether to ride the 8 miles to work in the morning or give it another day of rest. I could use some advice from those more experienced than I.

Here's the story: I'm currently disgustingly overweight and have a bad (disintigrating (almost gone)) disc in my lower back, right at the base of my spine. I bought a bike last summer and started riding 'cause it's one of the few exercises that my back will tolerate. I made some great strides in overall fitness last year but then quit riding over the winter (bought a house, was going to school and working, you know the story), then picked it up again this spring. I've really been pushing myself the last few weeks and enjoying seeing the improvements in my body and fitness level.

This last Sunday I suspect I pushed it too hard. Rode 33 miles (longest yet, yayyy!) and didn't start really flagging until the final 5, 'though we did take it pretty slow and easy all the way. Woke up Monday with a stiff, painful neck and shoulder but the rest of me felt in pretty good shape so I figured I'd ride to work this morning. Woke up this morning and my lower back was tied in a knot, the worst it's been in a long time. I could hardly walk. It's still feeling pretty fragile tonight, but dammit I wanna ride! It's starting to get fun! *whiiiiiiine*

The question (obviously) is: Do I need to take another day off, or would y'all just suck it up and go tomorrow?