Updates

Thank you again for the tremendous outpouring of affection that has been coming my way; the emails sent (I have lost track how many, which is amazing) to me are more appreciated than words could say. I’m also touched by the support within the pro triathlete community. The many emails, calls and flowers sent by my peers and competitors (some I dont even have the pleasure of knowing) have illuminated yet another reason why this sport is so different than any other.

Those closest to me know my lifestyle is a very difficult one. I do 90% of my training alone, spending other daily hours at home tending to the coaching needs of my athletes, and am working alone. My life tends to be incredibly isolated so it is often difficult to remember (or even know) that other people are there who believe in you and support the difficult tasks you are undertaking. I accept this lifestyle as part of the sacrifice of racing at the elite level, which is partly why some of my results have felt so good … we don’t derive a lot of self respect from the things that are easy, do we? The outpouring of love I have received has been so healing to my spirit. I cannot begin to thank you all for your kind words and support.

Aside from the gratitude, I am also certainly feeling mostly embarrassed by the fuss that has been made. Truly, in a few weeks this will almost be forgotten – my plight is NOT that bad. I apologize to anyone who may have an overblown impression of its severity. A few weeks are going to be a bit painful with limited mobility, and then it will all be fine. That’s all. PLEASE do not spend any more of your own important time (or money) on efforts for me. I am embarrassed by it all and would truly prefer those type of efforts going towards one who needs it.

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since the accident and I am noticing significant improvement. Most everything takes a long time to do (and some things just wont get done) but I am now fairly independent, actually. Getting up and down KILLS my back, and I cant sit for long, but I can hobble around and take care of what’s needed. I can now type with 3 fingers (which makes all the difference in the world) AND can wipe myself. I’m being funny but not trying to be funny, to be honest, now that I can do those 2 things, much of my current stressors have evaporated.

The rest is just inconvenience and pain. But I have a high tolerance for pain…

Be well and be safe.
Thanks for everything.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 19th, 2007 at 6:30 PM and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.