I am very, very good at making lemonade. My lemonade isn't a beverage though, it's a life choice.

At some point in my life my father said to me "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade." And believe me, I have made gallons, 2006 will bring my latest and greatest batch yet.

This week a trip to the Orthopedic doctor confirmed my suspicions, the pain that I have been resting from, substituting the elliptical for running because of, icing my brains out... is from a partial tear of my Achilles Tendon. Yikes. He then fitted me with a "High Tide Boot" which is a rather heavy boot that runs from toe to below the knee, and a beautiful pair of black aluminum forearm crutches.

"How patient can you be" he asked me.

"As patient as I have to be doctor." I replied, feeling like I passed the challenge question.

"I would not rule out a 2006 season." He said. "However I would rethink a 2006 Ironman."

" I already have doctor." I said which took him by surprise. "I have two Ironman medals; I am okay with waiting for my third. I'd like to have 100 more"

"Your recovery depends on your compliance." He again challenged me.

"I am the most compliant patient that you've ever met." I rose to his challenge.

What he didn't know is that I knew before I had even met him that I had torn it. I thought through everything, including a 2006 Ironman. Sure, I could gut through it, but it would likely be my last. On the other hand, if I spent a season rehabbing, I likely would have 100 more within me.

I've has 10 years without any significant injury, I am long overdue. I am also not opposed to taking a season to rebuild myself from the inside out. Therefore I have assembled a complete rehabilitation team, to ensure a complete comeback, healthier and stronger than ever.

I have a physical therapist / personal trainer with whom I will re-strengthen every muscle of my body.

I have three chiropractors who are certified in active release therapy who will help me become biomechanically sound.

I have an awesome massage therapist who will help these muscles heal.

I have a Nutritionist who is helping me rebuild my nutrition.

And then some.

I am cycling with one leg. Swimming with my feet tied together. Weight training like mad. I am not using my left foot. I am not weight bearing on it at all. Dr. DiGiovanni will be floored when he sees that I have **** GASP***** not only complied with his plan, but I am managing to retain my fitness too.

For crying out loud this is an injury, not cancer. I am breathing, living, moving, and I am grateful. My batch of lemons could be made of something so much worse.

I will admit it to be strange to be sitting at a computer this Monday morning, staring out to a grey but uncharacteristically warm January day. It'd be a perfect morning for a trail run. It's also a perfect morning to sip hot coffee while sitting on the ball I now use for a desk chair while I pour out my thoughts. Waiting for me is a paper that needs writing, as I am once again a college student, perusing my Masters degree in Nursing.

Multisport saved my life 11 years ago, and it remains within me. This is not a setback, it is the greatest opportunity I have ever been given. The chance to be stronger, mentally and physically.

More importantly though I continue to guide the 11 Train-This athletes I am working with to their first Ironman finish line. While I was supposed to be racing with them, perhaps someone with a lot more power than me, thought I was needed on the sideline a little more than on the course.

On with rehab!