Luther works from a serene room she rents from an acupuncturist in downtown Pasadena, with views of the nearby mountains.

All USC’s star running back knows is every Wednesday his acupuncturist will put them in whatever muscle has been aching that week.

He’s a beacon of energy and knowledge who can get in touch with the city’s transformative saxophonists and give you the name of a master acupuncturist.

In the video below, you’ll see the race from the point of view of competitors in last year’s 35th Legendary Banked Slalom, including Khai Bhagwandin, 36, a Seattle-based acupuncturist sponsored by Niche snowboards.

I have been turning all of this over in my head for weeks, arguing about it with my editor and my friends and, one day, my acupuncturist.