For those of you who have read my blog since the beginning you know that last year was a special year for me. I was able to return to racing after 2.5 years on the disabled list. I raised my expectations this year and after the Scottsdale trip believed I found my mojo again. Even after last weeks set back I knew in the back of my mind that I had it in me to have a good season.
This weekend I was at my nieces 8 year old birthday party when my boy challenged me to a game of one on one basketball. Never being one to back down to a challenge the "game was on" until I drove to the basket and my back decided it was driving me to the ground. Down and out again.... I spent the better part of the last 3 days in considerable pain and barely able to walk or get out of bed. Thankfully there was some pain meds left in the cabinet from someones prior injury (always get the extra bottle of pain meds as you never know when you will need them!!). Each day the pain has been reduced and today I could get out of a chair without looking or sounding like my grandfather when he was 85. I'm not sure how bad this is but I do have some weakness in my left leg. I remain hopeful that I just pissed off a muscle and that if I take off a week or so I will be good to go again. Really I'm not worried about it but I did look at my new bike today and promised it that I would be on it soon.
The point is, that everyone should be thankful for every day they are able to participate in this sport. Don't take training for granted. Quit worrying about personal records and pushing the limits but slow down and enjoy the health you have. I recently had an athlete I coach be told he couldn't run again due to a hip impingement which is causing some changes in his hip socket. One week he is preparing for a half ironman and the next week he is a swimmer/cyclist. Life changes quickly.
After my heart incident in Arizona I went to see my Dr. for an annual physical today. He told me that the bee pollen was probably the root cause of my heart spiking that day. Then he listened to my heart and said "that doesn't sound right". They took an EKG and drew blood work. Results to follow in a few weeks. I also learned that a recent MRI on my brain returned with a small polyp on my pituitary gland. Apparently this is very common but is something I need to monitor closely (A brain MRI every 12 - 18 months). I was a little taken back at first but my Doctor informed me that in the majority of cases these things turn into nothing. Life continues to throw me curves but I refuse to quit. As far as I'm concerned all I've heard is that there is the potential for some bad news but I haven't heard anything definitive yet. The only thing that will change is how I choose to live life.
A few weeks back in San Francisco there was a terrible loss in which a pro triathlete and pro cyclist were killed while riding in a pack. Apparently a sheriff fell asleep at the wheel and drove into a pack of cyclist. We've heard the words so many times, "enjoy each and every day as it were your last". We hear the words, for a couple days we live life with a little more zest and then we go back to our old ways.
So as I reflected today I'm thankful for everything I have.. my wife, my kids, where I live, the Rocky Mountains, my job and my athletic accomplishments. I'm thankful that those of you who read my blog find me interesting enough to return for some words of wisdon. I'm not worried about my back, my heart, my brain or anything. I enjoyed the day to the fullest and tomorrow when I wake I plan to do the same.
Continued: I saw the Rolfer today and she did a lot of work on my Piraformis and Glutes. I think they resonded well. My QL on the left side is still bad and my left hamstring feels weak. Looks like another week of relative inactivity. I'll try some swimming tomorrow. Positive thoughts for postive outcomes. Tough when it is 62 degrees out and you see people cycling and runnnig all over the place.
