I Want to Ride My Bicycle...

I want to ride my bike...

That Queen classic has popped into my head a few times the past few days.

Since I can't run or even elliptical for a few more weeks, I am spending more time biking and swimming.

Sigh, such a shame. [wink, wink].

This weekend started out with frigid temperatures and a just under 3 hour trainer ride - graciously hosted by TRIgirl BL and Barracuda BN - and in the esteemed company of TRIgirl DL and Mr. GG.

We gathered together a little later in the day, which always makes me happy - though traipsing the darn trainer, Patriot Sangria and all my other crap is a whole 'nother workout (especially wearing "da boot"). I also realized that I've historically probably set-up my trainer a few turns easier on the tension than Mr. GG kindly sherpaed mine prior to our virtual loop of the IMUSA course.

But soon, we were following Coach Troy through Lake Placid. Coach Troy was very encouraging, as he coaxed us to catch his wheel and spin at ridiculously high cadences during downhills I'd normally be coasting and desperately engaging my brakes. Not to mention the cadences he expected while in the big gears while simulating the climbs through the Hazelton hills and the Three Bears. As TRIgirl CJ noted, Coach Troy provokes the worst of "Training Tourettes," evidenced by the involuntary expulsion and explosion of four letter words.

Let's just say, while I couldn't meet all of Coach Troy's expectations, my quads were quivering by the end of the ride. Thank goodness for a glass of wine, soothing food and great company during a post workout refueling at the Tavern.

Sunday, with temperatures above freezing, I struggled with wanting to join the outdoor posse vs. knowing I would be tired trying to ride two days in a row. I have to say, I don't remember my legs ever being so weary before a ride, but minutes into our trek to Ashland, it did not matter. I was surrounded by the beautiful outdoors and the great energy of my riding mates - REB60, POPSCR, TRIDi and TRIgirl Annn. TRIgirl Annn (who has graced me with a very cool nickname) lead the pack, at a challenging pace, to Ashland - and REB60 and POPSCR carried us back home.

I've heard some of my training mates talk about how they are happy to get their workouts done early in the day, leaving the rest of their day open. But for me - a bike ride with great people is something I look forward to - a special indulgence my lifestyle offers me.

I love my fellow weekend riders, especially the outdoor diehards. I can't imagine a better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon - other than figuring out how to add adult beverages to our cool down. (Glogg or Blackbirds anyone?)

Survey Says!!!!

Picture Richard Dawson saying that, with an added "It is a stress fracture" for the number one answer.

And showing this (Big DING) on the survey board:

It could be better - like a diagonal fracture (probably not the accurate medical language).

And it could be worse, like a dislocated fracture.

I am just grateful to know what it is and to have a doctor who will treat it aggressively.

I will be wearing this beautiful boot almost all the time over the next four weeks:

And using a bone growth stimulator twice a day:

And attending PT 2x a week.

I am OK with all of this. To be honest, I think I knew from the moment it happened, but also needed the diagnosis to transcend denial. Right now, I am a little disappointed, but also kind of fascinated by the process. And since I believe positive thoughts generate positive energy - I am going to approach the next few weeks with a healthy and healing attitude.

And will be crossing my fingers, toes and ... metatarsals for a little good luck.

Can't Tell A Thing

So MRIs are kind of cool. I spent over a half hour in the contraption to evaluate probably a 1-2 inch segment of my foot! No news yet, as my doctor needs to review the results, but here is one of the less bizarre images (they give you a DVD!).

I'd really love someone to sit down with me and point out all the gory little details.

Trust or Acceptance or Some Other Thing

I've run twice since the doctor's orders.

The first time seemed promising. The second was, uhmmm, just OK.

Now I find myself hobbling along again. It could be the miserable rain surrounding Richmond, or...

That's the thing. Am I wimping out after feeling a little pain or am I pushing it too far?

After emails and calls with Coach G and Ironwoman Canada, I've decided not to risk it.

No running for now.

I did the elliptical this morning - and think it went well as a substitute.

But what I really want is for someone to check out my foot and tell me the deal; the confirmed diagnosis and the perfect prescription. To say to suck it up if I am being too cautious - or to tell me that if I let the dang thing heal - all will be good in X number of weeks.

I want definites.

But I don't think they are out there.

And now I just feel a twinge of regret for all the negative running comments I've made over the years.

I want my stupid, healthy, happy and slow limbs to be able to pound the pavement without worry.

At least until after IMUSA.

Happy New Year!

OK, much like my race times, my blogging is a bit behind. Hope everyone had a fun New Year's Eve and a great start to 2009.

I am feeling hopeful for the New Year. As a matter of fact, I think my word for 2009 will be "Hope." Last year's "Believe" will probably always be a biggie for me, but the next twelve months may need to embrace a bit more hope with a dash of luck thrown in for good measure.

Right now, I am clinging to some lucky hope or hopeful luck while heading into IMUSA training. After going to the doctor last week, my foot is most likely experiencing a "stress injury," often a precursor to the dreaded stress fracture. My treatment at the moment includes a scaled down running plan (no more than 10 miles per week or 4 miles per run) and wearing "stiff" shoes (you should see the oh-so-sexy BOC's I'll be sporting for the next few weeks). I need to check in again with the doctor for more details, but Shamrock is probably a no-go. I've run twice, slow and easy, since the doctor's visit. My foot discomfort is noticeable, but not painful. And I am OK with that. Especially since I seem to be able to bike and swim to my heart's content.

Like I did this past New Year's weekend. Good friends opened up their beautiful Nags Head home to the hubby and me, TRIgirl BL and Barracuda BN - and another fun, active couple. While I was thankful to have missed some of the feats of strength (including the push-up contest), I was incredibly happy to be able to participate in the Wii games (did you know I am an awesome Wii bowler after a few glasses of wine?), ping-pong tournament (did you know I totally suck at ping-pong when sober) and two incredible bike rides. Oh, and let me tell you about the rock star rider who ventured out both days on some upright hybrid contraption, wearing sneakers and lacking even cages. She pedaled along furiously keeping up with the rest of us as we cruised along on our cutting edge bicycles for a good chunk of both rides. Well, other than when the gauntlet was thrown down during the home stretch of the second ride - and I desperately pushed myself to stay on the wheel of TRIgirl SJG as she followed the boys' lead at about 22-23 miles per hour.

Here is to a happy, healthy and hopeful 2009!