It's been four weeks since my surgery and it's clear to me now that I won't be able to compete in IMFL. The muscles in my neck will take much longer to heal, I have lost all of my fitness, I'm having trouble swallowing which would get in the way of nutrition, and they severed a nerve which feeds my left arm/trapezius muscle. All of these issues will eventually heal. But it will take a few more months which is not enough time to be ready for November 5.
The past year of training was an amazing experience for me. I'm glad I did what I did even though I can not race. I'm looking forward to next year and the challenges it will bring. Looking back on this past year I have to say I am most proud of the 5K swim at The Ridges. It ended up being closer to 6K and it was by far the hardest mental and physical event I ever took place in. I'm also glad I found a way to overcome my tendon injury and keep running using the Galloway method.
If I learned anything this year, I learned to Keep Moving Forward. And so I will. And I hope you do as well. See you out there...in a pool or lake, on the open road or trail. Swimming. Biking. Or Running. Forever smiling. Thanks for sharing this past year with me.
