Monday, August 13, 2007

A Brave New Week

Yesterday, I laid out two large plastic tubs and three smaller ones on the guest bed. I carefully folded my wetsuit and placed it in one. I pulled my Goody team cycling kit, the windstopper jacket and my favorite running hat and tossed them all on top. I put the heart rate strap in one of the small tubs, along with my Garmin power plug and favorite lap watch. I lined up a bottle of electrolyte pills and Hammer gels in another small tub.

Why?

Because I'm...

GOING TO WISCONSIN,
BABY!!!


Yeah!!!!

I'm jumping for joy at what was -- a mere week ago -- a given. I'm jumping for joy because I spent hours (and I mean HOURS) laying in bed wondering if I would make it there. Wondering if my back would sabotage my efforts, as my body tends to do now in it's thirties. I ouched and grimaced and moped and slugged my way through the week. And even by Friday afternoon, it seemed as if I would spend August explaining my injury to those amazing donors who have supported CPL and those unexpected and irreplaceable friends who have come along for this journey with me.

And I went to bed on Friday night with a glimmer of hope, because I hadn't needed aspirin for over 6 hours. And I cozied up to my heating pad and reminded myself that Tuesday held this hope for me, only to be dashed the next morning.

But, Saturday morning came. And I could reach straight up in the air without wincing. And I would rotate my arms all the way around without hurting. And, even though my back and shoulder sounded like a garbage disposal full of popcorn, I was standing there in my living room without pain.

Unbelievable.

Absolutely NOT what I expected to happen. And the most blessed thing to come my way in a while.

Oh, and I am thankful, friends. Thank. Ful.

I'm not up to 100% yet, but I went for a 4 mile run yesterday and my only complaint was the heat! I have another run and a short bike ride planned for tonight, and I'm hoping to have the same experience. I'm going to keep up with the aspirin, heating pad and cautious stretching. And I don't think the pool will see me for a few more days at least.

But I'm on the mend. I am on the mend.

And I couldn't be more elated at packing some plastic tubs than I was yesterday afternoon.

One for race clothes. One for food. One for electronics. And one for bike gear. A copy of the bike elevation chart sits next to this display, with careful notes taken when I watched Stu's video journal of the course. And my running shoes laid out for the next session.

Know why?

Because I'm going to Wisconsin, baby.

Watch out, cause...

HERE


I

COME!

16 comments:

Brent Buckner said...

Whew!

The Original MAJ said...

YOU ARE GOING TO WISCONSIN! WOOHOO!!!

Kim said...

yay girlie, i am so excited for you!!!!!! giddy up, wisconsin wont know what hit him!

Erin said...

Fan-tas-tic! So glad things are on the mend. See you here in Madison in only a matter of weeks!

the juice said...

Congratulations on your recovery! We're all set to cheer for ya here in Madison! You are *so* gonna rock this course!

Wes said...

Woo hoo! Steppin to the side of the road!!

LBTEPA said...

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
*does happy dance*
IMable's going to IMOO
IMable's going to IMOO
tra la la la la!

Tony said...

Your not just going to Wisconsin, you are going to rock the house! Tear it up out there!

Keep up the great work. You are going to do great!

Duane said...

Right on! I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laurie said...

Yay! I am so glad you are feeling better!

My cowbell will be waiting for you in Wisconsin!

Anonymous said...

Never had a doubt that you wouldn't go and give them something to cheer about!

Anonymous said...

Hey there,
I found your blog from ELF...Elizabeth Fedofsky...she sent it to me. It is great. I HAD to post b/c my In-laws live in Downingtown, PA TOO!! WOW, small world. We are there every summer and race at Eagleman after visiting w/ them. I love it out there. Jennifer Harrison
www.jenharrison.com

Unknown said...

Whew! Wiping the sweat from my brow, so relieved you're on the mend and back to your sassy and confident self. Keep up the recovery work and you'll rock WI!

IronTRISH said...

You are SO ready for this! Way to hang in there :)

Dan Seifring aka "OBRATS" said...

Can't wait to read the report. Best of luck to you.

SingletrackJenny (formerly known as IronJenny) said...

Fantastic!!! I will probably put sunscreen on you when you start the bike! (I have another shift of sunscreen mid-day, too)
I'm glad you are coming!
You will be fine - you will be an Ironman at the end of the day. And about 50 of your friends will be there!
I'm emailing you my cell number...
Jenny