Three Things Thursday ...

1. I'm not quite sure what happened this week, but I made a huge jump in healing. On Sunday, I could barely lift my arm (maybe 3-4 inches from my body). But, over the past two days I have gained a HUGE amount of mobility. I can lift my arm at least to shoulder height and I can almost get dressed like a human being again.

Now don't get me wrong, it still hurts. It hurts to drive. It hurts to change diapers. Sometimes, it just hurts out of no where. But, it's progress. Quick progress, in fact. And I'm lucky to heal so quickly (see, my superhuman powers are kicking in again). On Tuesday, I met someone who had the same injury as me about seven years ago. He had the old style of surgery which was more invasive and was in a sling for three months. When I told him that I had my surgery 13 days before, he nearly fell down.

2. So, yesterday, I sent out a tweet and Facebook post that said, "If you get me to 800 votes today, I'll run a mile." Well, you all came through. I hit 800 (feel free to vote again by clicking HERE) and kept up my side of the deal. Last night, once the girls were in bed, I RAN ONE MILE! In 9:40. And amazingly, I was pain free. But, if we are being honest, I looked like a fool. I chose not to run in my sling, which meant I had to self-stabilize my arm.

Picture this - I'm running. Normal arm swing on the left side. But, on the right, my arm is locked tight to my body with my hand near my shoulder. It was ugly.

But, it worked. I can run. (And I might even be running that 5K I am signed up for on Saturday.) My plan is to work up to 3 miles, 5 days a week. I know that I could probably run more than that, but until my shoulder is strong enough to let me swing my arm normally, I don't want to. I've seen that injuries (even unrelated to the legs) can cause postural changes which mess up form and cause more injuries. That's not going to happen here. I won't have it.

And since I will be running less, I will be riding more. Sleeper, my trainer and I are going to be best friends. In fact, after my run yesterday, I jumped on Sleeper for an hour while I caught up on Glee and chatted via text with Tall Mom. I have to say, this whole riding on the trainer thing can be really good for multitasking ...

3. Injury is tough. Not being able to train sucks. But, injury that causes you to lose your ability to function in your everyday life is even tougher. Fortunately for me, I have some amazing friends who have made meals, watched my kids, even folded my laundry. Earth Momma Mer and G have gone above and beyond to make sure I was completely covered from all angles. SpeeDee set up Sleeper with Aero Bars to make sure I was training safely when I came back.

And so many of you helped too. With your emails and cards (Thanks Marlene, Kim, Bethany and Katye) and gifts (which were completely unnecessary, but much appreciated Lesley and Jen). I am truly grateful for all of the support both virtual and in real life. So, thank you.

things I learned ...

After three full weeks of sitting around being lazy, I mean, healing, I finally got my sweat on yesterday. I had planned to get back in the saddle immediately after I got the "all clear" from my doctor on Thursday, but I didn't feel good and slept for 12 hours instead.

Then Friday rolled around and it was Dizzle's birthday, so I chose a cupcake over Sleeper.

And when Saturday came, I was just plain scared to try.

Scared that working out was REALLY going to hurt and I would end up discouraged.

Scared that it wouldn't hurt at all and I wasted three weeks being lazy.

Scared that I had lost ALL my fitness.

Scared that my trainer would somehow release Sleeper and I would go crashing to the ground again.

I know. All RIDICULOUS reasons to be scared. But, EVERY SINGLE ONE of them crossed my mind.

But then Sunday morning arrived and I knew I had to start my day right. That I had to workout the second I got out of bed, so that I couldn't give myself a reason not to. So, that's what I did. I got dressed. Put my sling BACK ON. And jumped on the treadmill.

I pushed the incline to 10% and the pace to 3.5 (which equates to the effort of an 11:39 mile), and walked for 30 minutes. When I was done, I grabbed some water and hopped on Sleeper. And I sat there. Thinking. Trying to figure out how to get comfortable. Questioning if I was really going to ride or just sit there and catch my breath. After five minutes, I started. And pedaled and pedaled for 30 minutes.

And when I was done, I realized that I had learned a few things on my first day back ...

• Slings are not made of wicking material.
• Walking a 10% incline at 3.5 mph may equal the effort of an 11:39 mile, but it feels a lot harder than that.
• I am by no means PAIN FREE when I walk and ride. But, the pain is tolerable and much less than it could have been.
• I sweat. A lot.
• I have to sit straight up when I ride. This means that the pretty new Aero Bars that SpeeDee gifted to and installed for me are rendered useless. I tried the whole one arm thing and it sucked. Both uncomfortable for my upper body and detrimental to my cadence.
• My butt hurts a lot more when I sit straight up that when I am in aero position.
• If yesterday's workout was any indication of when I will be able to swim, the answer is MONTHS not WEEKS like my doctor suggested. And if we are being honest, I can't imagine running anytime soon either.

So, I guess you'd say the first workout back was kind of a mixed bag ...

dear legs ...

Dear Legs,

I want to apologize for what I put you through on Saturday. I know that our first ever run-bike-run was a challenge and that I didn't choose the easiest course. But, honestly, I didn't choose the course. G did. And we all know when she's in charge, there are going to be hills.

And really, who are we kidding? You were built for this kind of work, TORTURE, whatever you want to call it. Just look at you.

I'm not trying to boost your ego. You know that's not photoshopped. That right there is 100% all natural. And it's fierce. Just embrace it. And the power you hold.

Yes, I realize those climbs were tough. I know I'm asking you to power a lot of weight up those hills. And it's true that a six mile run, followed by a 13.5 mile ride and another 2 mile run is crazy tiring. But, I promise, it will get better. Easier. Know that one day, I will upgrade Sleeper and maybe, just maybe, you won't have to work quite as hard. Maybe.

But until that day comes, know that I love you. And that will never change. But, I need to be honest with you. Saturday was just the start. There is a lot more pain coming your way. So be prepared.

Love always,
TMB

3TT: jealous edition

1. Tomorrow morning at 5:35, J and Dizzle are headed to Disney for the weekend. I had two park passes from the Disney Princess Media Mixer that I hadn't used (one was mine and one was given to me by Monique @ Mo Travels). Initially, I thought that J and I would sneak away for a kid-free weekend, but logistically, it was too complicated.

So, instead, I suggested to J that he take Dizzle there to celebrate her upcoming 6th birthday, in lieu of a party. Coincidentally, J turned 31 on Monday, so it looks like they will be celebrating his birthday too. It worked out quite well. Perfect, actually. And between redeemed points for the hotel and car rental, we only had to pay for the flights, which cost within a few dollars of Doodle's party last month.

Honestly, I am really excited for them to a have weekend of Daddy and Dizzle time. But, let it be known that I am 100% jealous that they are going and the rest of us are not.

2. I have bike envy. Don't get me wrong, my bike is fine. It works. Yes, I want new handlebars. And a new saddle would be nice. But, it's functioning and I know that's all that matters. And I know, eventually, I will get my way and J will let me upgrade. But, I'm impatient and the Performance Bike catalog was delivered yesterday ...

3. And you should all be jealous of Shannon @ Tough Chik. She named my bike for me. Here's what she said ...

"Ummm...a good name...what do you think of Sleeper? They call cars that don't look fast, but can blow the doors off other cars sleepers. Your bike doesn't look flashy and fast, but the motor (you) will blow the doors off the competition!"

I read that and knew it was the perfect description of me and my bike. The choice was obvious. Sleeper, it is! So, Shannon, shoot me an email with your address and I will send you a little thank you gift.

See, I told you that you should be jealous ...