I went back to work on Monday with great trepidation: Would I have the energy to do a workday? Could I get back to commuting home by bike afterwards? How would my family handle getting back into the regular routine?

Thankfully, all these concerns proved unfounded. I definitely feel more tired than usual — not sleepy, but tired. Even so, I’ve been able to get through a whole day, including commuting, tolerably well.

Overall I’m breathing pretty well except when I accidentally breathe hard; then it’s still raspy. But that’s about the only symptom left besides the residual tiredness.

I’m trying to exercise discipline when biking to ensure I ride at a pace where I don’t have to breathe hard. This means I’m slow, but thankful to be back riding again. Also, the streak of beautiful weather that persisted during my entire illness has snapped and it’s back to drizzle and clouds. That’s okay, it’s what I’m used to.

It feels good to be getting back to real life.