For the past several years, in the month of June I've written about the Race to Sunset, how great it was to be suffering for 10 hours and how I would sneak out to the Badlands to do some riding while visiting my parents in North Dakota. I did visit them again, but this time I spent time in an MRI machine instead of on some sweet singletrack.
To make a long story short. I developed some significant pain in my lower back a few weeks ago that began radiating down my left hamstring and ultimately into my calf. I thought I'd tough it out and see where it went from there. Well, it went South. The pain became debilitating and pretty much put me into a place where I could only lie on a hardwood floor for two days. Rachel was a total angel and basically had to do everything for me for that time.
Judging from my experiences as a young child, I decided to make the trip to ND to see my family - as they've always provided that magical healing touch. My Aunt Sandy (who is the manager at an MRI center) ran an MRI on me and it was clear as day. I have two trouble discs - one herniated and one with a tear. This was probably the hardest moment I've had in a long time. I knew my season was over - and I knew it was going to be a long road to recovery. I don't know what caused it, but I know how I'm going to prevent it in the future.
I did stop by the Race to Sunset and saw all my friends out there. Although it was tough to see everyone racing while I was on the sidelines in pain, it was important to see everyone. My family had already posted up out on course to ring cowbells and cheer. I think seeing that made me realize how great it's been for me to come back and take part in this event. I've received an outpouring of support from the community up there and it has meant a lot. It is amazing when you realize just how many people have faced a similar situation with an injury. It does seem like it's the end of your athletic career, but I know I'll make progress and come back stronger. 2013 will be my strongest and fastest season. This I believe.
In the 'good news' column, I did hit up some North Dakota staple attractions.
Salem Sue. (She's only the world's LARGEST Holstein cow)
Ahhh, the Badlands...
To all my sponsors and family - I will work harder than ever to get back in action as soon as I can. The amount of support you've shown me has taught me a lot - and getting back to riding and racing is the closest thing I can find to paying you back.
Until then, I'll have some extra time to watch the Tour de France this July...
To make a long story short. I developed some significant pain in my lower back a few weeks ago that began radiating down my left hamstring and ultimately into my calf. I thought I'd tough it out and see where it went from there. Well, it went South. The pain became debilitating and pretty much put me into a place where I could only lie on a hardwood floor for two days. Rachel was a total angel and basically had to do everything for me for that time.
Judging from my experiences as a young child, I decided to make the trip to ND to see my family - as they've always provided that magical healing touch. My Aunt Sandy (who is the manager at an MRI center) ran an MRI on me and it was clear as day. I have two trouble discs - one herniated and one with a tear. This was probably the hardest moment I've had in a long time. I knew my season was over - and I knew it was going to be a long road to recovery. I don't know what caused it, but I know how I'm going to prevent it in the future.
I did stop by the Race to Sunset and saw all my friends out there. Although it was tough to see everyone racing while I was on the sidelines in pain, it was important to see everyone. My family had already posted up out on course to ring cowbells and cheer. I think seeing that made me realize how great it's been for me to come back and take part in this event. I've received an outpouring of support from the community up there and it has meant a lot. It is amazing when you realize just how many people have faced a similar situation with an injury. It does seem like it's the end of your athletic career, but I know I'll make progress and come back stronger. 2013 will be my strongest and fastest season. This I believe.
In the 'good news' column, I did hit up some North Dakota staple attractions.
Salem Sue. (She's only the world's LARGEST Holstein cow)
Ahhh, the Badlands...
I owe my parents more than I could ever repay. We left ND with a recharged feeling. (until we hit rush hour getting back into Denver, that is)
5 comments:
Just the BEST!
Get well brother. We'll see you in 2013 stronger than ever.
You're going to kick recovery's ass.
Rest well Kelly, you've earned it. I pray you have a miraculously fast recovery. We'll reserve your first place spot on the podium for Race to Sunset next year ;)
Tough like your Mom! One day at a time. Love always.
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