Sunday, April 17, 2011

Perspective



So this evening, while I am folding laundry, our daughter asks us "What is the difference between half full and half empty?" My answer? "Perspective". Then Tommy and I had to explain perspective to her.

I haven't blogged in over 3 weeks. This is a triathlon blog, and I have awesome sponsors and incredible pro and age group teammates, and I'm not sure if I can be a triathlete this year. I have put off racing until August (but will be there to cheer my teammates on at Rev3 Knoxville). My knee started hurting suddenly on a run two weeks ago. It feels exactly the same as my torn meniscus did. I saw the ortho, who suggested the symptoms don't sound like a torn meniscus. Since they are exactly what I had before, I'm not so sure. I rested the past couple of weeks, and did a lot of strengthening, and it still hurts like crazy if I do the wrong thing. Even swimming and deep water running hurt it. So I will get an MRI this week and try to figure it out.

This brings me back to my daughter's question. I seem to be a magnet for non-life threatening medical issues this year. I am frustrated as all of my tri friends and teammates blog about their training and the start of race season, but at the same time there is a feeling of acceptance. I fully realize that I have SO MUCH to be thankful for, and I am. So while I am putting it out there right now, I know whining gets old.

I was laughing to myself the other day as I told a friend about reading other blogs where friends/teammates/fellow bloggers post their training numbers (swim/bike/run distances logged). My training is virtually nonexistent (though thanks to teammate Andree I am ready to begin my pro career as race sherpa).

Here are my 2010/2011 numbers so far:
- MRIs - 2 (soon to be three)
- CT scan-1
- Ultrasound-1
- Blood draws- 7
- Hearing tests-3
- Little round scars after attempted ablation- 3
- Little round scars on left knee- 3
- Courses of oral steroids- 3
- Courses of antibiotics- 2
- 2x normal (size my foot was after swelling up in reaction to a foot spray)
- Expletives uttered after recent knee injury (too many to count)
- Reasons to suck it up and get over it- countless

Maya Angelou said it well.
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."

8 comments:

  1. Oh, Kiersten! I didn't realize your knee was bothering you again! Hang in there!!

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  2. That is SO hard! We are all supporting you!

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  3. I love your stats recount. I wish I had some great advice or words of wisdom. I know how frustrating injuries are. I guess whenever I get hurt, I slow things down a bit and just try to keep my body moving...even if it's with no resistance. Instead of thinking about training, maybe you could look at it as,"I'm just going to ride my bike for a bit...nice and easy", and see what happens. You've definitely got the right attitude. I'm terrible with shifting my perspective, so kudos to you! Hang in there.

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  4. I am glad to hear you are being smart and not just trying to push through it. Taking the time now to figure out what is wrong will save a lot of headaches down the road. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hopefully they can pinpoint what the issue is!

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  5. Thanks everyone for the love. I really appreciate it.

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  6. Take care of yourself. The rewards are much greater when achieved through adversity! Hang in there!

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