While today is not the day of post-race celebration and bragging rights. And I don't have the "Finisher's jacket" I imagined as all I wanted for Christmas during that ride, I am celebrating.
I do have several things that either I wanted and some that I just wasn't conscious of quite so keenly before this.
I do still have what seems like "space" that's been taken up heavily lately, for months and months actually, by thoughts and focus, and training for this event. It's suddenly freed up. I had jokingly referred to looking forward to free time after the 22nd. It's true, though I didn't feel it immediately because I was consumed by details of how and what and who in the first 36 hours, it's finally settled.
I do have a big sister that takes care of me when I need it, even when I don't know or admit it and a mother who can change her tune even at 84 to support a concept she still thinks is nuts!
I have cousins that are incredible people and that just do what needs to be done to offer assistance and comfort to someone in need, because they can. They're people I look forward to meeting again during less stressful times!
I do have an awesome medical community and an insurance card in my pocket that allows me the privilege of seeing who I need to see. I saw the right person at the right time yesterday and learned that very possibly all that happened was the larger muscles in my left foot fatigued to the extent they would not work and were straining so much the continued use caused the pain. Swelling inside shoe might have been caused by insult to injury in the hard, inflexible bike shoe, then the black boot that allowed me to put weight on it actually also let it blow up further.
I have a registration for the 2011 Ironman, that I took care of on Saturday before any of this happened, knowing that no matter what the outcome, I wasn't done. I'd be wanting to either improve my time and my focus over this next year or to complete unfinished business which as it turns out is more true.
I have the relief in knowing after a time of physical and mental rest and cross training I'll be able to train again safely. I don't have the nagging worry in my head I would have if this had been a stress fracture.
I have expressed thanks for several of these people before, but since Sunday they came to the rescue in many ways. My life has turned into a country music song, lol. You certainly do find out who your friends are!
They keep calling and they're there to make sure you're OK. They want to know and want to let you know they care. I've been a 'want to do it myself' person either learned by need or by preference for a long long time. It's not always comfortable to get the help I need even when I know I need it. These people are oblivious to that or just plan to keep bugging me until I get it.
Sher
Chris Bachman and his girlfriend Gretchen
Karen and Bill Bachman
Jon Bachman
Mike Garton
Bill Huls
Julie Vardamon
Madison Mackenzie
Dan Atkinson
the guy in the kayak who zipped my wet suit back up before the start gun went off
the countless volunteers along the course who lived up to and surpassed every possible account I'd heard about how amazing the volunteers are
Dustin
Deb Hoyt
the hotel concierge at Mission Palms in Tempe
Caite, the massage therapist who retrieved my bike for me
Mike Dodge, fireman for Tempe tending the AZ IM
Dr. Chuck Gilarski
Seashelly- who finally called two days late! Thank goodness it wasn't my heart! Initially in her first message she offered bad advice; "never go alone again. If you have to go alone, don't go." First of all, you're never alone at an event like this. Second of all, I'm not ever waiting again for life to start for someone else. In the end we are each solely responsible for the life we live.
The triathlon community embraces every level of athlete. You should move in, too!
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