My Abrasions

let me show you them.

From: Coach Steve
To: TNT Lavaman Triathlon Team
Date: Tue, Oct 26, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Subject: You Never Know What You Might Miss At A Team Workout!

[blah blah blah - weekly workout stuff]

Now, this is where some of you missed the fun! Saturday’s ride was lightly attended. However, there was a considerable amount of good information provided by your captain, Kristen.

Kristen, being the great leader that she is, demonstrated the importance of wearing a helmet! Now, for those of you who were not there, I don’t think that she will be repeating the demonstration any time soon. Some of you are probably wondering what I am talking about at this point. Well, you see, with two miles left in the ride, Kristen was hit by an SUV. Before you think that I am too callous, understand that Kristen is doing very well thanks to her helmet and, with some of my own literary liberties, has approved the writing of her story! She has some cuts and bruises and is definitely sore. We are not yet sure how her bike is faring. She will be at the swim practice tomorrow night to recount her story. However, this is also a clear demonstration of a fundraiser as the lady who hit Kristen told her that she would sponsor her in her event. So, as you can see, Kristen has gone to the extreme for the Team; not only has she shown you how necessary a helmet is, she has also demonstrated how to raise some money for the cause!

Ok, seriously, now. We are very happy that Kristen is fine and certainly do not recommend that anyone relive her experience. We make every effort to provide for your safety and now you can truly understand why we say that you need to always be wearing a helmet!

Thank you for all that you do to help us find a cure!

Yeah.

Finally got the x-ray results and heard from the bike shop today. The final tally:

Sizeable abrasions: 4.
Massive bruises: 2.
Arm: officially not broken. Hooray!
Helmet: cracked and dented.
Bike: totaled. I'll miss you, Firebolt. :(
Overall: super lucky.

I got hit (and landed) on my right side. My shoulder/upper arm is pretty messed up (but thank goodness for no fracture!). Unfortunately, this means I can't do the triathlon that I'm registered for on November 7th. One-armed swimming is not my forte. Also, it'll be a few weeks before my bike can be rebuilt. I'm super-bummed.

BUT! My next Team in Training tri isn't for another five months. I'm hoping in a couple weeks I'll be good as new and ready to get back at this thing. Holy sheesh - how amazing is that? I get full-on broadsided by a Mercury Mountaineer (her fault) and walk away with some scrapes and bruises? Big thanks to God and to the good people of the Bell helmet company.

Wear your helmet, people! And give a little to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society if you're so inclined. Hey, some good has to come of this, right? :)