Olympic Trials and the back
I hope you’ll join me in rooting on JZ, either in-person or sentimentally, at Olympic Trials this weekend. I realize she’s my friend so I’m going to seem slightly biased in my support, but she so truly deserves a spot on that team, representing our country. I think all the women (and men) have worked hard; they all have sacrificed. But few people realize what JZ went through after Sydney. The woman was out for 3 years with her back injury. 3 YEARS. The rest of us flip-out when we are out for weeks or months, JZ endured years of very painful mobility, rehab, and the resolve that she would likely never race again. Instead of giving in, she continued to fight – and she came back!. That is just SO her – it is hard not to support that spirit. While some rely on their DNA, and she clearly has God-given talent, I can tell you I have never seen anyone work harder than she does. Every day.
Go JZ, GO!
I rode today… it was a beautiful 70 degrees ….. I dismounted the bike to feel the same pain I have always felt. No improvement despite unending work and intervention. The discomfort was enormous (again, I hasten to use “pain” as a descriptor). I laid down on the asphalt to stretch my body …and cried. I can’t think of any more I can possibly be doing to help myself.
But I’m continuing to try to find something. I’m realizing strongly and with great certainty that I am beaten up quite nicely. My body is a primary vehicle for which my internal happiness is ensured. Without which, I know no direction. It’s all so primal to me. There comes a point in training, and the interjection of an injury, where the body knows too clearly that it is hurt beyond use. It isn’t the familiar twinge, the cracking joint, or the popping tendon sound. It is a point in time which utterly concedes to mortal demands. I remember this moment when I knew I was hurt beyond use, when I truly knew for certain: the bike ride in Boulder (in my September 2007 blog) 2 weeks before the crash in Kona. As I reached Jamestown at the top of the climb, I dismounted my bike, unable to pedal any more and in extreme pain. This wasn’t when it all began. Issues with my back first started in 2005. But this moment at Jamestown is when I knew it had ended.
Once I am fully recovered… if I get fully recovered …. I hope with all my heart I never know that moment again.
“A champion is someone who gets up, even when he can’t.”
~ Jack Dempsey
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Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations
. I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my blog, it is about the Teclado e Mouse, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://mouse-e-teclado.blogspot.com. A hug.
Carole – I have been following your blog since last summer. I raced at GCH against you and was inspired by your performance.I am so sorry to hear about your back injury and subsequent crash.About a month ago (5 weeks to be exact), I suffered a horrific bike crash while training for IM Arizona out in California. I had emergecny surgery to repair a crushed sacrum and lots and lots of nerve damage. I too will be out of racing and training – as my new focus has turned towards recovery.Thank you for your candor in documenting your recovery. I know that it’s not easy, that life can be really tough. But you have been an inspiration to me – and I wish you all the best.My recovery is going well – I won’t be running for another 7 weeks or so, and same with biking. I am allowed to “walk” in the pool.
Not much -but at least its something. No doubt, you understand.I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery/healthy return. Know that my thoughts and prayers are sent you way daily.