Sunday, March 18, 2012

Baby Steps..

Whoa, lots of awesome events happening/happened this weekend: The NYRR Half (Hi Kara!), National Marathon/Half, Costa Rica 70.3, New Bedford Half..

The New Bedford Half Marathon- that would be the start line I would've been toeing at almost this exact moment. My body had other plans, and I've come to peace with this new plan at the moment.

Since I've last updated (I know, it's been way too long), my MRI has taken place (Thursday). I also have had some email correspondence with the surgeon's admin, and it appears surgery is a go (barring any major epiphany Dr Theodore has over this weekend).

I think the sheer devastation of losing the majority of 2012 athletically has passed, thank God. I moved into the acceptance phase of this process about a week and a half ago. I have embraced the pool, my bike, strength work, and even the elliptical machine at times (as an aside, that device is NOT built for 80 minutes of work - I tried.). I have logged in plenty of workout hours, despite not one minute of those being a run.

The surgeon will call me Monday to discuss the results of the MRI as well as some big picture stuff. At that point I'll have a better idea of if I'll be able to make some traction with the pavement prior to surgery. If I can, I will be elated. Absolutely, positively giddy. However, if I still cannot run for a little bit, that has to be okay too. While I miss running more than I can put into words, I have come up with a system that is working to keep me sane, and in shape (I think). I'm very proud of myself for getting to this place.

I am cautiously optimistic about next steps.. steps forward, instead of backwards. I am excited to take my bike off the trainer, and get in some riding outside (whoa, who have I become - I'm supposed to HATE my bike?!?). I'm excited to take my first open water swim of the year, and excited to continue to get stronger.

Surgery is scheduled for May 3rd, which gives me about a month and a half to maximize my fitness before going under the knife. I have some hair-brained ideas about a 70.3 later this year, but that's for a whole different post. For now, I'll just continue to take successful baby steps forward.

Happy Training!

17 comments:

  1. I love your positive attitude. I'll be thinking about you on May 3rd. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you after the surgery.

    I am thinking about a 70.3 in September. My legs have been acting up and forcing me to swim and bike lately so maybe x-training isn't so bad after all.

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    1. Thanks Robin! Yeah, it's easy to get sucked into triathlon mode when you're doing so much swim and bike. Hope those legs heal soon!

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  2. Your poise is amazing. You are approaching this so smartly and positively. I was so impressed yesterday at lunch at how you don't let talking about running and races and stuff get you down and are so good at sharing your own experiences, but balancing that with other fun chatter and not getting overly caught up. (because deep down, you WILL be back and with a vengence!!) One of the many things I love about you! And if you can run next week, you know who to call!! :-) XOXO

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    1. Thank you so so much Jo.. I appreciate your support so much.. xoxoxo

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  3. You continue to amaze me with your attitude toward this injury, surgery, and the future.

    Once you're "fixed" you'll be back and better than ever, and you're going to be amazing!

    If you need anything, ANYTHING, please tell me! You know how to find me.

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    1. Thank you!!!! And yes, I do know how to find you, so thank you so much for the offer!

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  4. You that same tenacity you always show to push through the surgery! I'm certain you will do great. Just think what all your hard work you've done to take care of yourself will do for your recovery. Best of luck.

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    1. Yes, I'm really looking forward to the payoff to all of this "behaving".. Trust me :)

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  5. Isn't it funny how a lay-off can make things we "hate" suddenly seem wonderful? Best of luck with what's before you--your base fitness and your good attitude will carry you through this, and it will someday seem like a blip.

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  6. Thanks so much T!!!I'm also hopeful the fitness will carry my through.. Thanks again!

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  7. At least the surgery will help you move forward. You have a great outlook on it and that will help!

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    1. Thanks Karen!!! Yes, the surgery in and of itself is a step forward :)

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  8. I totally noticed that poise in you during our lunch date on Saturday. That yes, this situation you're in sucks more than anything, but no you're not going into serious depression over it. You're facing it, you're at peace with it, and you're gonna rock this recovery like nobody's business. You're an animal, I love it!! :)

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    1. Thanks J, I appreciate your words :) And I cannot WAIT to start rockin'! xo

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  9. baby steps, indeed. sending you good thoughts - you will get up and over this!

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    1. thanks!! Wish we were closer, so we could ride together!

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  10. Glad you are moving into the acceptance phase. When I couldn't run, I did a lot of water running and am amazed how well that works.

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