I'd be lying if I said I was totally cool not being in Texas this weekend....especially since I later found out my brother and his fiancee flew out to surprise me and Ryan since they aren't able to come watch us in Kona this year (if I ever get around to qualifying...!!).
But, I chose to be smart and stay home completely. I could have changed my flight to fly out on Friday night (for a $200 fee), but knowing how much work it is spectating a race, I chose to completely cancel my flight. [For those who haven't spectated an Ironman before... you're on your feet ALL freaking day. It's almost as exhausting as the actual race.]
- I got an MRI on Thursday. Results showed bone edema, which basically means I would have gotten a stress fracture had I continued to run on my foot. The cause was downhill portion of my running in Boulder. It's just steeper incline/decline there and I didn't take that into consideration. Lesson learned (and hopefully this helps others not get hurt too!)
- I baked some of Ryan's favorite foods. And am surprising him with some other treats. Don't worry; he's flying home so won't read this until he sees his surprise.
- Cry tears of joy when realizing how freaking blessed I am. Between my family and friends scheduling time to hang out this weekend to take my mind off of not being at the race, to getting bombarded with constant text/messenger updates on how Ryan was doing... I felt so incredibly loved and supported. Thank you :)
A girl I went to high school with passed away a few days ago. We never really hung out outside of school, but were friendly towards each other. Thanksgiving 2015, she sent me a message via Facebook letting me know how she can relate to my hurting (it was when I tore my plantar), and overall just a really encouraging message that reminded me how lucky I am to simply be able to workout as she had recently been confined to a wheelchair.
This past Thanksgiving, when we were in Cozumel for the Ironman, she sent me another message. She told me she was no longer confined to a wheelchair but was still in a lot of pain. Long story short, she asked me to remember those like her who are not as fortunate as I am, every time I race. That really stuck with me, and I literally gave my all at Ironman Cozumel.
So, the next race I do is 100% dedicated to you. SO many people were touched by your spirit during your time on earth and I will carry your positive words with me throughout this next training cycle and beyond.
Thanks again for all of the support throughout this weekend. From keeping me updated on Ryan's progress, to doing fun things with friends and family while Ryan was away, this weekend truly reminded me what an incredibly blessed woman I am.