Another race bites the dust. No St. Anthony's weekend for me

Hey there Sportsfans!

Well, a bit of bad news from my part. But from the point of view from my sacrum and surrounding area, the news is actually good.

At my doctor's appointment earlier today we discussed my recovery, how I was feeling, and my general state of being.

For the record:

1) Recovery is going great. I'm 5 weeks out post crash, and recovery is going faster than can be expected. My body is getting stronger day by day - and although I can't do nearly as much as I would hope (swimming, biking, running), I'm throwing myself full stop into my physical therapy. The aweseome PTs at the spot I go to are really wonderful, and I am challenged daily by the new exercises that I get to try.

Who knew that balancing on a core board could be so much fun. Especially when there are no grips to hold onto. Yes - my days of rowing - from the Minnesota Boat Club to the US National Team - have played a big role in my ability to balance in silly positions. I have volunttered to balance on a Swedish Ball - with my knees of course, not standing like I prefer.

I have never seen or heard 3 physical therapists shout, "NO!" all at the same time.

2) Most of the time I'm feeling great. I'm off the pain meds (wow - my clarity of thought is so much better - hooray), except I have some in reserve incase I start experiencing break through pain. Which - as I experienced Saturday after the Mullet Man Triathlon (local sprint) - was great to have in reserve. 5 hours on my feet probably wasn't the best thing for me. So yes - feeling generally great, upbeat, happy... although I do have my few moments.

I found myself bursting into tears after stubbing my second toe on the corner. Have no idea how it happened. But it certainly took my focus off the sacrum/rear area.

3) General state of being - see #2. I guess my doc wanted to cover all grounds. I have my good days, my bad days, my inbetwen days, days where I want to eat all the unk food in the house - but upo0n finding none get a bit more pissy than ususal. Then there are days where everything seems to go right. It has taught me patience and understanding - most notably with myself.

Now - for the bad news.

When Doc asked what my weekend plans were, I told him I was driving down to St. Petersburg to cheer on a race.

And, just as he did when we talked about how pee-filled the pool at UWF was - he peered over his glasses and flatly said that a 7 hour communte both ways would NOT be good for my back. He assured me that it could be done, but I was really putting a risk to myself, my back, my recovery, my health and my pain level. He reminded me that the bone damage was mereley a small portion of what's going on. Nerve dameage is still quite prevalent, and even sitting for hours on end could compromise the healing that the nerves are constantly undergoing. And further more, a whopping total of 14 hors in the car, coupled around with walking from one spot to another would be more than tiring.

So after much tears, much soul searhing, much dilema - I have decided to skip St. Anthony's. I am SO SO SO SAD! Beyond tears, beyong wiping my nose, beyond eating half baked brownies (none left). I love this race, love what it offers to the spectators and athletes, the challenge of the course - and I was superbly excited about meeting other tri boggers, online friends, seeing old friends, and cheering everyone on. You guys have all been like an extended family of sorts - and know that I will be with you all in spirit as you race around the course! Good vibes will be flowing across the Gulf straight into The Pier.

I know that everone will have AN INCREDIBLE weekend, and I wish you all the BEST! I whish I could be there in person, but I'll be there in spirit, with my heart!

Happy racing - I know that everyone has worked so hard for this one. It really is an amazing course, and the feeling of swimming in the calm water's off the pier as the sun rises orange above the horizon, the thrill of tight turns in downtown St. Petersburg on the bike, and running through the beautiful neighborhoods simply can't be beat. Love to everyone headed to all the fun of St. Anthony's. Have fun - enjoy the opportunity to race, race hard, and remember - don't leave any question unaswered. No regrets.

A wise person once gave ma a pendant that read: "Nothing is impossible if you believe."