March 02, 2007

Em, ya maybe not!!!

So- disregard my last post. Yes, Australia is great, and the training was phenominal (I emphasize was), but I am getting on a plane on Monday to head back to the states.
So 70 miles into a ride with my new training and coffee partner Matty Clark, things went a bit wrong. Somehow coming out of a stoplight, due to loose handlebar tape, my hand came off the bars just when I hit a bump, standing getting up to speed. When the hand comes off when you're standing bad things tend to happen. So my chest bounced off the bars, and as far as I can remember I went over the bars head first into a guard rail, where I ricocheted off my head landed on my elbow then back, and slid to a stop. Like a loyal training buddy, Matt was the first one there when I got my bearings. I hung out in the street for a bit, just getting my breath, and Matt and I were convincing the small and very helpful crowd that an ambulance wasn't necessary. I got picked up by the Australian hospitality committee, Dave Hutchison, and Mr. ESP - Alan Cunningham, who called me minutes after the crash. Which was a good thing, cause I was gonna ride home, which wouldn't have helped my situation.

So I went to the local doc, who may not have had my situation as high a priority as for his busy schedule. I was diagnosed with a broken radius, but given nothing more than a cloth sling. "Em, did I mention that my helmet cracked in like 3 places", to which the doctor replied " you're not puking, and you can talk okay- so I am sure your fine". Sweet!!! My headache for the past 4 days makes me think that maybe a slight concussion is probably more likely.

So on the phone to get home, to go see all the specialists that I am blessed to have in my life back in Bend. Levi at Therapeutic Associates has already got me set with a Orthopedic Surgeon at The Center when I arrive back in town. I am sure I will be getting my fill of therapy at Therapeutic's as well- pretty sure I strained some back and neck muscles in the crash as well. And of course, my boys down at Chiropractic Family Healthcare, Brad and Shad, to take care of my TWEAKED neck and back, as well as convincing me that there is probably something pretty funny about the situation. Those guys are hilarious, which actually scares me a bit cause it hurts a hell of a lot when I laugh.

So that is what I am up to now. I am definitely pretty disappointed, this trip was a pretty big sacrifice, and I have been putting in a lot of hard work. I was feeling really fit, and was looking forward to racing well at IM Australia. I keep telling myself that it all happens for a reason. That is what your supposed to say - right! Hopefully my recovery won't be long, and I will at least be able to get on the bike and the run soon, so please keep your fingers crossed for me, I would appreciate it. Well, hopefully the next update will include more good news- check ya later- Matt

Oh- Bye Australia!! I've loved my time here, and thanks to all the help from my Roomie Dave, and the Cunninghams - you have all been amazing at making me feel at home, and helping me out whenever it was needed. Oh, and Matty, thanks for the training, and Bend here ya come!! And thanks to Mom, for being my emergency travel agent, you are a huge help! We will get you your Australia trip soon- I promise!