March 16, 2007

What I Got

Here, I am sitting in the Portland Airport listening to Sublime waiting for my connection back to Bend after a quick trip to San Jose. I stayed at my home away from home at "Casa de Muddy" with my coach Muddy and his lovely wife Barbara. Just one night, but well worth the trip. Alcis had a kick off party for their Elite Triathlon Team. I finally had the opportunity to meet the rest of the Alcis Execs, Brian, Mark, and Reed, good times, pleasure to meet you all! And good to see you again Eric. Also had the chance to meet Todd Hinders, who put us all together, and has helped me out plenty. Todd, see you back in my hood at Pacific Crest. Met with Dr. Gino today, where he calmed me more than he probably knows, with an athletes perspective on my injuries.

So my injuries, well as I mentioned in the last post my confidence in my Australian Dr. was less than stellar. My hunches where correct, a little light in the ol' diagnoses doc! On top of my obvious broken elbow, I broke my wrist, have several bulging discs in my neck, some badly bruised ribs, and most likely recovering from a concussion. Good news, I am blessed to have great sponsors and friends that know their stuff, and have completely set me on the road to recovery. So Dr. Verhyden over at "The Center" or as I call him, straight shooting William Tell, set me up with a smooth riding titanium screw in my wrist. Man, that guy is good, I thought that surgery was supposed to hurt. I had no pain, and had to take his word (and the sweet xray) that he actually put a big ol' screw in there. Thanks Dr. V!

Next door to my boys at Therapeutic Associates, where Chuck and the crew set me up with a sweet splint. They also got me going with some exercises to ensure the swim will be back to normal when I am all healed up. Good news is it looks like I can ride on the trainer and run, and in a week should be able to get in the pool for some kick sets and some drill action. I LOVE KICK SETS!!!

Of course as stated before the fella's over at Chiropractic Family Healthcare, Brad & Shad, have been setting my crooked neck straight. The only setback is those guys are stinkin hilarious. Why is that bad? Well it puts me in tears with my ribs and back pain, but all the better for my general mood. No negative nancies here! Thanks fellas.

So I am actually in really good spirits, and am ready for some hard work to get to racing shape soon. My goal for the first race of the year is 70.3 Florida in the end of May. So keep your fingers crossed, but I am completely confident I will be ready to go. This has been a crazy couple of weeks, and I have learned that you really never know how things are gonna turn out. Everybody has struggles, but what defines you is how, and with what attitude you respond to them. So here I come, bring it on, cause what doesn't kill me makes me stronger!