Well, the post-ironman weeks have been rather enjoyable until today. Lots of light and off days, allowing my body to recover. I started running the Wednesday after Ironman, but just went a few miles. Since then, I've had a few short runs and rides, but nothing too hard.
I ran the Foot Lake 4 just 6 days after Ironman. It felt strange to move my legs fast after all the slow Ironman training! I managed a 23:52 race, 5:58 minutes/mile pace. I felt OK with that, but definitely not fast. Fortunately, it was fast enough to win my age group though. I also ran the Prinsburg Freedom Run on July 4. Just a 2.5 mile jaunt through Prinsburg, followed by one of my favorite times of the year: Adam's Race, a race for the pre-K through 6th grade. It is so fun to see the kids run their hearts out in honor and memory of Adam Mikelson, who was killed in a car crash at the age of 18 last year. The day was fun. A lack of competition in the Fun Run allowed me to win this year in a time of 14:08. Michael Jr. took 3rd in his age group in Adam's race, which was pretty cool considering he didn't want to race at all!
I've had a few good rides as well, until today. It was hot today, around 95 degrees. I decided to go for a ride-swim-ride. Ride 17 miles to the YMCA, swim 1500 m, and ride 17 miles back home. I had the wind slightly at my back for the first part of the trip. 10 miles into my ride, I was cruising at a nice clip of 25 mph, and didn't notice a big orange flag with a wooden handle laying on the shoulder. The handle was about 1.5" in diameter, so it was pretty good size. It was laying at an angle to the road (not perpendicular). By the time I saw it, I was right on it and had no time to slow. I hoped I'd just go over it, but it was too big and immediately forced my handlebars and tire towards the center of the road. The sudden jolt through me forward and the next thing I knew I was going head over the handlebars at 25 mph. The first thing to hit the pavement was my helmet, followed by my right shoulder and elbow and hip. My head cracked the pavement so hard I was surprised I could get up. I looked around for my bike and saw it laying in the middle of Highway 23. I quickly pulled the bike off the road. Just as I was fetching my bike I noticed an oncoming car must have seen me flip and he was pulling on the shoulder. I was grateful that I would have some help. Then he drove off, without even saying anything! I looked myself over, and noticed a good gash and huge road rash on my elbow. Also, my shoulder was throbbing and my jersey torn open. Closer inspection revealed a good chunk of skin missing on my shoulder as well. My hip also had a good case of road rash and was very sore. But, Praise God!, I was walking and thinking! My helmet cracked, but it saved my head!
Several cars went by, and no one stopped. My chain had come off the bike, and it hurt to bend over to fix it. After struggling with it for 10 minutes, I finally got it on. Everything else looked OK. More cars passed by, but no one stopped. I tried calling home, but couldn't get through. So, I decided I best try to ride home.
I made it home 10 miles, but the sweat mixed with the blood was starting to sting quite a bit by the time I got home. Fortunately, nurse Heather took good care of me and washed the wounds with some antiseptic before treating them with antibiotic ointment and bandages.
My shoulder are hip are quite sore tonight, but I came through quite well. I think I had some guardian angels over me! My head feels fine, and I have no broken bones to my knowledge. Also, I am grateful that there wasn't a car behind me on 23, as that could have been disastrous. And, I now know more than ever: Always wear a helmet!! It saved my life.
Unfortunately, it looks like I won't be running the 12-mile road race tomorrow. But, I feel blessed to be walking and typing right now!
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