Revenge of the Rattlesnake

I went up to Davis to hang out and watch one of my favorite races. Its always a little bit brutal. This year it rain the night before onto very dry ground. A lot of the racers had a "hollow" look in their eyes after the race. But at least they got to eat Sirianni's Pizza after and drink good Brew Pub beer. I got to see so many friends and that was so fun.

After seeing some of the Cross Vegas pics, I got really jealous for racing. Seeing all those racers so fit, skinny, driven and with such purpose made me feel a little bit sorry for myself. Of course there isn't any reason to feel bad, as my leg is coming along very well. I was able to do my first yoga class and swam laps today. That is an such a big step forward. But I do miss racing and especially getting endorphins.

I'm now thinking about doing a little bit of racing next year. WTF.

Its so pretty right now

I'm so happy to be able to get around better now. It has been such sweet weather for taking little walks in the woods. Sometimes I still use the crutches or one crutch for a little relief. I got to hang out in Slatyfork this weekend and be shuttle bunny for the cool ladies that came out for the singletrack clinic. It was so fun to see their smiling faces after Tea Creek Mountain Trail and then on Sunday after Props Run. They had the ear to ear adrenaline/endurphine rush. And of course the food and wine is always good at Elk River.

There is a big bounty of apples this year. Johnny Appleseed traveled all over West Virginia and every back road has tons of apple trees. I took some back road home, planning out my Western Divide bike Tour that goes along the Virginia/West Virginia State line...can't wait.

Walking the walk

PT

Advantage Physical Therapy has been taking good care of me. Michael Wilburn and Kayley have been helping me get my groove back. It was very exciting to be walking on my own a good bit yesterday. Very exciting indeed. Today, is a little colder weather and my leg is stiff and a little tired. The walking is going to get better and better, but still taking it day by day.

I go to see the doctor on Wednesday to see if I'm allowed to weight bear and take an Xray. But Tim says I'm well enough to start working around the house. My hands are so smooth and soft right now from no biking that it will be good to do some work.

I heart crutches

Its hard to believe that I'm still not walking. No weight bearing yet for me. I'm at the 7 1/2 week mark. I hate crutches, but if I didn't have them I would be nowhere. So, in the end, I love my crutches.

No, I'm not riding outside yet. Its not prudent. But, Tim did get me a three wheeler for when I do. The only glitch is that it is a coaster brake and a one speed. Hills are kinda hard on the red miami sun. I know this because Tim gave me a backie on it to go see a movie( Gonzo: Hunter S. Thompson Story). That was exciting and probably not very prudent. But you have to find the edges or else you are in the donut hole.

I actually have been loving spending so much time at home and have zero race and travel related stress. I didn't realize how uptight and stressed I was this last year. Its so counter productive to optimal performance. Watching Michael Phelps do his thing at the Olympics really reminded me of how important it is to be relaxed, to smile and laugh even during serious athletic events. Even when you are going for 8 gold medals, you have to let all the work you've done to get there be your ultimate confidence. Next time you go to a sporting event look at the competitors faces. Look for the athletes that don't have that furrow in their brow. It will only be a few, probably.

I got to see my Aunt Mary who is visiting from Africa. She has been a missionary nun/nurse in Tanzania for over 30 years. She is 85 and still kicking it. She is very energitic, generous and productive. She is really fun to hang out with as well. She has beautiful white hair and a quick walk. The picture is with my mom and Aunt Betty.

My leg is doing better( I guess?) I don't have much pain at all. I get weird little twinges as the weather changes but that is it. the swelling has gone down immensely, but its still swollen and a light purple color unless I'm just getting out of the pool after swimming.

The PT is progressing for strength and range of motion. Today, they tried putting kinesio tape for the swelling. Its a Japanese technique. This is what you saw on Kerri Walsh's shoulder in the Olympic beach volleyball matches. It looks cool. And you know I'll try just about anything.

I wanted to let people know that I love and appreciate people's comments to this blog. But most likey, I won't reply on this blog. But if you want to leave an email address then the chance of reply is much greater.

Shenandoah 100 2008

This was the 10th anniversary of the Shenandoah 100 mile MTB race. It has really evolved into the big event in this area. It now has 550 racers and tons and tons of volunteers. It is really a friendly race, with great aid station support, good homemade French Fries afterwards and thick toliet paper in the portajohns.
The start was huge. I got to wake up moments before to get a pic. It was nice not racing, but I sure would of liked to be riding in the woods. I saw so many friends out there and got to use the cowbell . It was so amazing to see people who have more than enough ability drop out and then people who have lots of heart and soul finish despite their lack of preparation or troubles. And to see people with $7,000 bikes be unhappy and then see the girl with the 15 year old POS just smiling. Its nice to see competition as an observer for a change. I'm still holding to my idea that bike races are kinda boring to watch and so much more fun to participate.

Good job to Churtle and Eatough for big Wins.