It’s like the second x-ray was saying, “A-okay.”

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The Ortho told me that I have some strains and sprains, but that I have no fracture in the hand.

[PSA: An urgent care clinic, for the record, may not actually know how to read an X-ray.]

I am now officially buddy-taped.  And cleared for activity.  (And in need of manicure.)

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Next stop, however, is physical therapy for the massive jostling of my vital organs, neck and spine… dude, the whiplash abounds.

But I see it as one last hurdle to overcome.

My bestie, Ansley, was laughing at me, because I told her this morning, “This hand is not broken.”  And she said, “What is this, the power of positive thinking?” 

And maybe it was. 🙂

So I am taking a deep breath…

One of my athletes just texted me and said:  “I am sure no matter what you decide it will be best for you and your family… from what I know about you and our interactions, I think it was a big step for you to do what didn’t feel like ‘Old Meredith’ would do. Instead you dusted yourself off and got into the arena, again. And whether it goes well or leaves much to be desired, I think that shows just how much you have transformed as a human being since I have known you… daring greatly.”

[We’re Brene Brown fans, in case you didn’t catch that.  Brene is a repeat force on this blog: here, and here, and here.]

So. I have read the signs. And I declare them in our favor.

Even knowing this is not going to be anywhere near the race I hoped.  Knowing that I have a really tough few weeks of therapy and training ahead of me. I can’t stand to sit back and wonder “what if I had just shown up.”  (A favorite mantra between me and my Dad.)

I thank the Expert for always being right there, pushing me and telling me, “Yes you can.” Honestly, I don’t know if I could have any of this confidence without him. He just believes expects that I will–and I often just follow that belief right to my finish lines.  He sees me day-after-day and knows the obstacles I often face—even those imaginary ones.  And he, along with my Dad and Coach Brett, are those few special forces who seems to always choose “Yes” for me …when others just say “crazy.”

[Thank you.]

Tomorrow, Coach Brett has surgery for his collarbone and elbow from the accident on Sunday.

Now… I am not the type of person who’s going to sit back and say, “I’ll go ‘try’ this Ironman.”

Belief and hope is everything in this sport.

So here it is:  I am going to do this Ironman.  In 25 days.

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And… this one will be for you, Coach Brett.  I’ll race this one for you.

 

28 Responses

  1. I’m SO happy and excited for you! And please don’t take advantage of your husband’s support — not all of us have that.

  2. Damn eye allergies’

    “Just show up” . I love that, the men in your life , and your determination and attitude!
    Can not wait to watch the computer tracking and feed on race day! I better buy extra tissue because I’m sure it will be a bad allergy day

  3. Yay!!! I’m glad nothing is broken! Breaking my thumb last year stunk! I think it’s safe to say we’ll all be cheering you on in 25 days!!! 🙂

  4. Can’t wait to track you…. and am so glad it isn’t any worse!~ Hopeful you can seize the moment of the day, with the spirit of Coach Brett carrying you!

  5. I was in a similar accident in May, where I was rear-ended by my daughter’s school at 35 mph. I had massive whiplash to my shoulder (rotator cuff) and lower back, and I raced AMA in my first 70.3 just 6 weeks later.

    I haven’t for one single, solitary moment, regretted this choice. Yes, I’m still doing PT for the accident related injuries, and yes I still have some issues that probably would have subsided by now if I’d not done it…. but I wouldn’t change a damn thing. That race was one of the highlights of my LIFE. No joke.

    Go get your Louisville! We will be cheering for you!

    #CoreMemory

  6. Yes, Yes, YES!!!! Success is a function of burning desire, belief, expectancy and action! You have the desire in spades, you take action to a whole new level, and you have belief (or at least you are willing to allow the belief of others to carry you along. And you know what to expect. I expect to see you crossing the finish line at IMLOU in under 15 hours. I believe in YOU! Go get it!

  7. You got this Meredith! Whatever happens on race day will happen but I will be there in spirit to cheer you on!! xx

  8. “[PSA: An urgent care clinic, for the record, may not actually know how to read an X-ray.]”

    No matter where you get an X-Ray done there will be a Radiologist (x-ray doctor) reading the images and giving the report to your primary care or whoever ordered it.

    Radiographers (aka x-ray techs) are not allowed to give you any type of diagnosis or even a guess. It is out of our scope of practice and can get in trouble if we did. so asking the person who take the x-ray what they think will not get you answers.

    good luck on your IM!

  9. The doctor at urgent care DID read the x-ray, not a tech. “Your hand is fractured” I think was the statement.

  10. Good to go. Like I said, find a race and do it. I’m glad it’s the one you signed up for.

    You don’t seem the type that wears regret well.

    God bless you and yours.

  11. I just started doing triathlons this year. So far I’ve had cyclist’s palsy (couldn’t hold a pen, a FORK, snap my fingers – nothing – for weeks). I’ve had a case of Rhabdomyolysis, and I watched my cycling coach get hit full-on by a truck doing 60+mph just inches away from me during one of our bike rides. I decided that God/the universe is not actually trying to stop me from doing these activities but instead is making damn sure that I toughen up during them and prove how badly I really want it. I want it. I know you do too. Keep on!

  12. Glad to hear you have decided to go ahead with IM Louisville. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain at this point. With your experience and training I have no doubt you will have a strong day and a great blog post for us to read after!

  13. So glad nothing is broken! I don’t know if you’re crazy or inspirational…why not both? Best of luck as you head into the final prep phase!!

  14. Dude, you’re awesome. Long time lurker here. I’m just now dipping my toe into the swim/bike/run world. Well, barely dipping, since I’m mostly running :-). But I have a bike. I have access to a pool and an ocean and am determined to love swimming! And it’s mostly thanks to you and this blog. And your book.

    Keep on trucking. Look forward to following your race :-).

    Amy

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