A quick note to update you on my knee. As some of you know, I tweaked my knee trying to ski like Lindsey Vonn on my recent ski trip to Aspen. The MRI last week confirmed that the tweak is an ACL injury in my right knee. My ortho guru (Dr. Dale Boyd) suggested ACL repair surgery sooner rather than later. My current surgery date is set for May 4 (may the fourth be with you!) - but, I'm on the wait list and I could be moved up with a cancellation.
This is exactly what I looked like, too.
My recovery will be longer than I prefer. :) I will be non-weight-bearing -- in a brace and on crutches -- for two weeks. I won't be able to drive those first two weeks either. I think I'll do physical therapy 2-3 times a week for the first month. The good news is that I will be able to swim when my stitches heal and I will be able to bike indoors as I regain strength and mobility. I anticipate being able to run in 12 weeks. My training focus will be physical therapy and Pilates!
I have run the gamut of negative emotions since my fall: anger, sadness, fear, embarrassment, loss, denial, FOMO, you-name-it. I have had to cancel my training and racing plans for the spring. I've only ridden my new bike ONCE! I've had to cancel my Ironman in Lake Placid in July. And, last Thursday, I broke up with my one-mile-a-day run streak. On day 525, I went to the beach house and ran almost the same one mile course that I did on the first day. Then, I walked over to the beach side, wrote 525 in the sand and watched a wave wash it away. I am proud of my determination and the ability to let go.
I am mostly disappointed right now - and I have a major case of FOMO (FearOfMissingOut) as the spring events start up and my friends start to train for races. But, I know that will change. There are already glimmers of hope. I know that I can make a comeback. I know that my late season races will be a treasure. And, I know that this will make me a better athlete and coach.
I want to thank those of you who have already encouraged me. I couldn't have done this without my close team of advisors. ESPECIALLY Neal. [He has put up with A LOT of tears already.] I need your prayers. My biggest requests are for God's timing and protection during surgery, His comfort while I feel all the feels and a quick recovery.
I will keep you updated on my progress here as I know it. Until then, take care!