The Day in Photos

Some days are just better represented by photos. And as it's Mom's last night in Pensacola, I would much rather spend time with her instead of writing a long entry. You know how it is.

OF course you do - you frequent my blog. You know how long and scattered my writing can be - sheesh!

So - my day in photos. Thanks for understanding...Enjoy!

This morning, I got up to read and Mom got up to crochet. Nathaniel, being the busy flight student that he is, left before we awoke.





Next, off to Physical Therapy. I had lots of fun, while Mom asked lots of questions (and took even more pictures). It was WONDERFUL to have her there!

It may look relaxing, but it's not. Trust me. I'm hooked up to some sort of warm, electro-stimuli machine, that is supposed to help my nerve impulses. It feels like I'm getting mini-shocked every few seconds. At least it's warm though... And hey - at least I can feel the electro-stimuli. So bonus there!

The rear view.See - not so pleasant. And no, I'm not talking about my behind. I'm refering to the wires and electrical stuff peeping out from under the warm blanket. Those Physical Therapists have a few tricks up their sleeves... I'm convinced. Case in point: I'm laying on my stomach on a bed hooked up to wires, derriere in full view. No peeking!

The Ultrasound - warm....Finally, something relaxing...

And finally, the dreaded flexibility.Aaack! Can you tell it's been nearly a month since I last stretched? Holy Lost Flexibility Batman! And this is after a good 5 minutes. Hey - I'm happy that my heel can at least touch my rear. Or come within a few inches. Phew! (Oh - and by the way, I'm clenching my teeth and my face is turning redder than usual. Nice).

Finally, the fun stuff!

Balance and the core board! 5 minutes Baby!! Stellar balance will not be forsaken for one piddly crash. Kapow!

More balancing AND the medicine ball! See - I can reach THIS high! Wanna play catch...?

Okay - how many rpms should I go? (an actual question posed by yours truly. Not kidding)

After a long PT session, Mom and I returned home and recieved not one, but two very special deliveries in the mail. One was for me - it was some of my gear from Zoot Sports! I was SO happy, and ecstatically tore into the huge box, with Mom by my side. The gear for the Elite Ultra Team is phenominal, and I love how it fits and feels. I can't wait to race in my kit!

And the second was for Nathaniel. As his newfound favorite show is "Most Dangerous Catch" on the Discovery Channel, I got him a pair of coffee mugs from his favorite boat. The Northwestern. Gotta admit, the boat and crew are pretty cool. And now my husband has another pair of coffee mugs. On one side they say: Northwestern. And on the other: I'd rather be fishing in the Bearing Sea.

Here's the happy boy himself.Holding onto the mug and smiling. You could power an electric plant with that smile! Or else just my electro-stimuli machine. Couldn't wait to take off the flight suit...

And finally, the BEST picture of all...

Me! Entering the COLD water of the UWF pool for the first time in 4 weeks and 1 day (not that I'm counting). Yes, the water was cold, but it was WORTH it. I spent 45 minutes pool walking - forward, backward and side-to-side. Not the splash comeback that I had envision, but at least its a start. NOT the appropriate time to whip out my newfound 200 fly. But that's okay. Baby steps!

And today - I got back in the water. Hooray!

It was a GOOD day.

And last but not least - me on the couch, tired, but warm and happy in my new Zoot sweatshirt hoodie and my two new paintings (purchased, not created) over my shoulders.

One more note: I've had a lot of questions about my return to racing and training. So far - I'm not in any hurry. I want to make sure that I'm healed and recovered before I try anything too intense. And Jen, my Physical Therapists, and team of wonderful doctors are all helping to keep me grounded and as healthy as possible. Oh yeah - and the friendly reminder from a few friends out there as well...

As for racing, obviously nothing until I return to training... I have signed up for Spirit of Racine in July - so that would be a GREAT first race. But we'll see. I'm thinking of Long Course Nationals in Las Vegas in October, and then maybe aonther half IM sometime in November. Obviously, I need plenty of time to return to "fighting form".

And the final "biggie" - the Ironman. This year just wasn't my year. And Jen put it best when she said, "We now know that IM Arizona was not meant to be."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

So no IM in 2008. But 2009 will be my year of the IM (as long as training and recovery - not in that order - go as planned). IM Coeur D'Alene sounds nice... I've always wanted to visit Idaho. And now I'll finally have a great reason to go.

Hooray for Leslie!

Hooray for Leslie!

My friend and training buddy from Camp HTFU, Leslie Curley, just crossed the finish line at Ironman Arizona. 12:06 - way to go Leslie! I am SO PROUD of you!!!!

I could tell it was her (and not because the announcer called her name), but because of the beautiful and HUGE grin across her face as she bounded across the line, hands raised triumphantly in the air.

Leslie: Congratulations - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! We all knew you could do it, and were thinking about you ALL day - from our long rides, the runs that we went on together, and the swims in our camp suits... it was meant to be. Way to go, friend! I cried for you today, sent you all of my good vibes and love - you are a true inspiration, a wonderful friend, and now an Ironman. Love to you!

If I could jump up and down, I would. But I can't - as that would be against doctor's orders.

So I'm not.

But I raise my hands in joy, a smile across my face reflecting Leslie's own pearley whites. It's been an emotional rollercoaster of a day, and I didn't even race!

Phew - this spectating thing on Ironman Live is tough! Holy Cow!!

Great job to everyone, athletes, spectators, volunteers, organizers at Arizona. Congratulations!

AND LESLIE - YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

The morning of the Ironman that wasn't...

I can't sleep.

Currently, it's 2:56 am here, central standard Florida time (the Panhandle of Florida is on CST, just FYI. Very odd, I know - then again, we are in the Panhandle. Lower Alabama, and such. So - no East Coast Time. Central time. Yeah.)

Oops, I misspoke - it's 3:03 am. Sorry.

I woke up about 15 minutes ago, to butterflies in my stomach. The first thought to cross my mind was, "I wonder if I packed everything in my Swim-to-Bike and Bike-to-Run bags....?"

And then I remembered. Everything.

There are odd moments like that, where I forget that I'm injured, and I'll say something, or find myself dreaming about my next run or race.

And then my reality hits.

My sadness is mostly gone, but the odd twinge here or there is a stark reminder of my limited physical ability. Current limited physical ability. Ameh. (Very important to get that sraight!)

Because while I'm currently limited with what I can do, the important thing to remember is that it's very temporary. A small bump in my ultimate road to becoming and Ironman.

And while the title of "Ironman" and hearing Mike Reilley say, "You are an Ironman!" makes it official, in my heart of hearts, it's a place that I know I want to be - a journey of my life unfulfilled.

I have so much respect of the distance, of the race, of the individuals who have trained and completed the 2.4 mile swim, the 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run - that leading up to the race, I refused to wear anything with the M-Dot logo. No visors, no shirts, nothing. Because I wanted to earn it. I wanted to go the distance, to cross the line, to hear Mike Reilley yell, "Marit Chrislock-Lauterbach, you are an Ironman!" - because the race means so much more than just that.

But in this journey, I have realized that what other people say that I am, means little or nothing if I don't believe it internally. IF I don't feel it in my heart, believe it in my mind, then what others say matters very little.

And I believe that one day, I will be a true Ironman. Just not yet.

For now, I'll just have to cope with something along the lines of "I did all the training except the taper and race..."

But I never started the race.

And though its a bit sad, and at moments like this I feel a bit more contemplative, this is all part of the experience of Ironman itslef. We can't control what happens in the race. The logo of Ironman itself is, "Anything is possible!" And just with Ironman, that's true to life.

Anything IS possible.

So, no race for me today. But an Ironman IS in my future, will be part of my path and journey. And I'm no less of a person, no less of a triathlete for not doing it today - I just had a bump in the road. Bump in the butt that put me out of commission. So I'll have a neat scar to show, a bit of road rash on my elbow, and a wonderful story to tell about my return and recovery from the event.

And while I am a little sad about not racing today, I have so many things to be thankful and grateful for:

I have wonderful family, friends, doctors, random strangers, internet friends, blogger friends - an entire support system that believe is me. And I am so grateful.

I am expected to make a full recovery... back and nerve function!

I have a fat grey cat who adores me (had to throw that in)

I get to spend wonderful time with my family - Nathaniel, my Mom - that I won't otherwise get to do while training the way I train.

I have the support of the best sponsors ever!

I found that I love the sport, and miss it fiercly when I'm "away".

So, while it would be easy to be blue and glum about the situation - I still feel incredibly lucky. It could have been worse, yes. But everything since the accident has, well, gone right! And that inspires a lot of confidence...makes me grateful and happy.

I don't think that sad is the right word to describe myself right now. Simply, IM Arizona was the "Ironman that wasn't". I don't feel any less of a person for not doing the race, for not "going the distance." Like I mentioned before - I have plans to return in 2009 and make it my "year of the Ironman". Perhaps "temporarily on hold" is a better way to describe it.

That being said, I wouldn't change the pre-race jitters and nerves for anything. I can't image the emotions and stress before a race like this.... I get nervous enough before races, as is. And if I was racing, I would either be 1)laying awake in bed, unable to sleep 2) Pacing the room, unable to sleep or 3) Cruising the internet, unable to sleep. Quite frankly, I think I've got it a bit better right now.

Until the cannon goes off, and the compeditors start the final leg of their very own Ironman Journey. Then, they get to spend an entire day doing something they love. That in and of itself, makes me happy.

Yesterday I spoke with Leslie Curley, my Ironman-Soul-Sister from Camp HTFU. She sounded a bit nervous, but ready in her heart. She didn't want to throw away her favorite water bottles from South Carolina - and I couldn't help but laugh! If that was her biggest concern, the I knew she would be just fine. I'll be thinking of her all day - and the several other friends and people racing who have send me an email or well-wishes.

I am so proud of EVERYONE racing - Leslie especially. This is not easy, not something that "just anyone" would do. But the individuals toeing the line in Tempe choose to make the commitment....choose to do the training, put in the time - and I'm sure there were times for them (as there were plenty for me) that it wasn't easy nor fun. The early mornings, the painful saddle, the long runs of solitude. All part of what it takes to become and Ironman. Part of the journey.

Good luck to everyone in Arizona today. I'll be with you in spirit, in my heart.

Don't be sad for me, as this time just wasn't my time. My journey is not yet complete...Ironman interrupted, if you may. But I don't think that Interrupted is really the right word for it. Ironman on-hold - or something of the sorts. Because with this accident, with this crash, I have discovered more about myself that I would have, had I never fallen off my bike. And for that I am also grateful.

So this year, I heal. This year, I race in August or Septmeber, or whenever my body is ready. My heart is willing, my mind is determined, and all that I'm waiting on is for my sacrum to heal. Then I get to return to doing the sport that I love.

And for 2009? Well, I think that Idaho looks pretty good...

To everyone in Arizona: Safe race, and enjoy the journey! Much love from Pensacola, Florida is heading your way! Be positive, be grateful, push past the pain. And relish each and every moment - you are living your dream! Hooray!

Pottery and Paintings

Hey there Sportsfans!

Today was virtually a whirlwind of a day... as Nathaniel ran a local 5K to support wounded Marines and thier family memebers, and later the three of us headed out towards Fairhope, Alabama.

Yes, we were a day late.

However, we were warned of a fierce cold front moving through the area, and advised that travel would NOT be the best option. So we waited.

And I'm really happy that we did, as the day was great with Nathaniel.

First - a stop at Tom Jone's Pottery. Some readers may know that I have a not-so-secret passion for pottery. In particular, I collect pottery tea pots. Just something that I can't explain - I love the shape, how each one is different, the love and care that was taken to create each one, the vibrant colors, the feel of the clay, and how each teapot reminds me of a specific area that we've lived in OR stands for something meaningful. Today we bought a beautiful Cobault Blue one that had sea creatures on the side.

And second - we walked up and down the strees of quaint Fairhope, a small arts community across the bay from Mobile, Alabama.

Last time we were there, Nathaniel and I fell in love with a few paintings done by a local artist. When we returned to the shop, we found that we held the same feelings for these special pieces of art.... To Nathaniel they reminded him of Southern Spain. I loved the colors and feeling of the bigger of the two, while the second's colors matched the first, yet the vantage point was high above on a cliff. It looks as though it would be the perfect lookout on a high cliff after a tough bike climb. Surely a Cat 1... In Spain... or Italy... or France. Somewhere beautiful.

After a little barganing, more thought, some discussion, and a little more bargaining, Nathaniel and I settled on a price and bought the pair.

And I'm so happy.

While the two painters who worked at the studio were wrapping the pictures, one commented that color was, "nourishment for the eyes and soul."

I believe that it truly is. These paintings - along with the pottery tea pots - are all creative, all beautiful, all original, all unique unto themselves. Like people - no one is exactly the same. We may look similar, my share the same opinions - but at the end of the day, we are all unique. We are individuals. We are all ourselves.

The pottery, the paintings - they speak to me. They make me happy, and they make me appreciate their own unique beauty. I am grateful to the creative minds that shape the clay, that find inspiration with the brush. It makes me look at their crafts, and appreciate the world that much more.

My pottery teapots. From L-R (Green Turtle Teapot, Alabama Tom Jones Teapot, North Carolina Seagrove Teapot, Minnesota Layer Teapot, Nordic White Teapot)

A Day for Mom and Marit

How does a day start with yesterday?

Well, it began at Target, when Marit and Zora were shopping for towels, of all things. Marit’s new Physical Therapist called while the pair was discussing the merits of differing shades of blue. Pirate’s Cove or Turquoise?

(Is there a difference?)

Apparently, for the folks at the Target Towel Department, there is. Along with dark blue, deep dark blue, emerald blue, light-cloud-color blue, sea blue, among others.

In the end, they opted for the Pirate’s Cove.

In the meantime, while Zora’s eyes were on the towels, a young man dressed in the telltale red Target shirt, as she discussed her crash, surgery, and subsequent diagnosis with the newfound Physical Therapist.

Target-boy was especially flustered, when Marit’s discussion turned to catheters, folly bags, bowel movements, range of motion, bladder control, and urinary flow. He soon left the scene.

However, at the end of the conversation, Marit and her newfound PT set up an early-morning rendezvous at his clinic to begin her immediate physical therapy and rehabilitation…

Recovery was imminent!

The countdown had been started, and all systems were go for launch!

This morning I got up bright an early at 6:32 am. Before I loose you, gentile reader, please remember that I’m still on “California Time”, (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself), and currently, I have absolutely no reason to wake before 7:00 or later, as I am no longer swimming, biking, or running.

(Milking it for all it’s worth! I might as well do it now, while I can. Because before long, I know I’ll be at it, just like I was before. Without a doubt!).

However, up and at’em, I was – raring to go for my very first physical therapy session. And knowing how I hate to be late, I arrived a full 10 minutes early. Go figure. I am my father’s daughter. Can you tell I’m literally chomping at the bit for this?

Excellent!

The day was a complete success, but busy at the same time. Instead of writing a detailed recap, Mom and I are enjoying brainstorming and cracking jokes together. There is much laugher, as I lay on my stomach - supported by squishy throw pillows - on the floor (the computer at my fingertips), and Mom is knitting in The Ugly Green Recliner.

It turns out that there is Another who enjoys the chair!

So here’s our day, in our own recap – enjoy!

* 6:32 am without coffee = discombobulated Marit. Then again, I still am on “California Time” (wink wink), then again, I do live in Florida. So… let’s compromise, and I’ll admit that I’m torn. My butt is in California (at least it feels like it), and my head is somewhere between here and there (wherever that is!). Thank goodness I had a cup while filling out paper work at the physical therapist’s office. It did the trick.

* Mom was left to fend for herself against The House Monster, (or as she calls Tabbitha, “The Beast!”). I had just left the house at 6:55 am when Mom emerged from the study. Nathaniel was heading out the door, and explained that Mom was, “on her own” against Tabbitha. She knew the prognosis was grim, however being the recourceful person she is, she immediately spied the kitty cat treats, and knew she had the situation under control. Her reasoning was brilliant, and as follows:

Tabbitha loves food. Tabbitha hates people. Tabbitha loves food more than she hates people. Tabbitha ate the 20 treats that Mom threw to her, and retreated to the bedroom (fully satiated). AND, she didn’t attack (yet!). Thus, Mom was safe.

* At Physical Therapy, I had an ultrasound, electrical impulses applied to my back, and was rubbed down by an anti-inflammatory cream. However, I was more interested in the vast array of medicine balls, exercise equipment, and upper body cycles than getting my therapy. However, the gentleman getting his neck cracked in the bed next to mine was quite amusing - or something of the sort. At least the sound of his neck being “adjusted” kept me happy that I broke my sacrum and not anything higher. Ouch! (The sound itself was enough to make me feel nauseated).

* Mom was hesitant to drink Marit’s light vanilla soymilk. However, after a taste or two, she decided that it “wasn’t all that bad.” We now have a new soymilk drinker in the house! Bonus – it goes well in coffee! Remember to always try new things!

* Peanut butter + Granny Smith apples = yum! (Mom)
* Oatmeal + cinnamon + brown sugar, grapefruit, soymilk = yum! (Marit)

* The two of us had a great walk around the UWF Track. Bonus, the UWF Men’s soccer team was practicing. Very distracting (but in a good way). At one point, we saw what appeared to be a pack of 6 players, v stepping and hopping their way down the field (in unison). The next thing we knew, they were goose-stepping, hopping, and jumping (in unison – again!) down the next stretch of field. We couldn’t help but look. Suffice to say, they got our attention. Especially the one with the 6-pack.

(They accomplished their goal! Hee hee hee!!!)

* While walking, Marit pointed out the 2 Seahawk Helicopters that flew overhead. Then she pointed out the TH-57, the T-34, and a small biplane. In the end, Mom was able to identify and classify various aircraft found throughout the southeast. Excellent!

* A quick trip to the grocery store, turned into “S” time: Sushi, spinach, and soymilk. Go figure.

* Happy Hour at 4:30 pm with Nathaniel, Marit, and Mom was filled with beer, sushi, and plenty of laughter. Followed by a nap. (Can you tell that we’re getting old?)

* The House Monster continued to hiss, but so far, no blood has been drawn.

* I tried to answer some emails and get caught up, but am finding that it’s a never-ending battle. My sincerest apologies if you’re waiting for a response – I DO remember, I’m just treading water to try to keep up…. Thanks for your patience!

* The Spinach that we bought was made into wonderful Japanese Spinach with Toasted Sesame Seed dressing. Absolutely delicious! I was very happy that Nathaniel gave me ½ of his serving, as I was getting close to jumping him for it – which would have been bad for my back. Sensing the urgency of the situation, he gave up his spinach, and I enjoyed the rest. What a man!

* I ventured a glance at the IM Arizona forecast. Holy Heat Wave Batman! My hat and heart go off to everyone down there! (Athletes, volunteers, spectators…the cacti…).

* It was GREAT to hear my coach whooping it up as I told her I was cleared to swim starting NEXT MONDAY! Hooray!

So far, things are going great. It’s wonderful to have Mom here, and we’re having a great time together. I do miss my “norm” of swim-bike-run, but for now I’m enjoying the extra free time that I have, spending it with loved ones. I wish that Dad and Karyna were here – but I’ll take what I can get. Tomorrow there’s talk of driving into Fairhope, Alabama – a small artsy community across the bay from Mobile, AL. I don’t think that Mom has ever been there… come to think of it, I don’t think that she’s ever been to Alabama.

Oh well – that’s what life is about. Trying the new things, experiencing it all, continuing to learn all along the way. Today we saw hopping soccer players, ate a lot of spinach, and discovered that Mom likes Soymilk. And me, well, I had electro stimuli applied to my back and butt. So there you have it – something new all around. And I hope that tomorrow is no different!