Manatee Mentors 2014--CLOSED (begging & bribes MAY work) (Page 100)

The big 3-0!!!!!!! Do you feel differnt ???. Happy Birthday!!!!!

The whole injury thing has been quite a journey. First I hurt my back in June 2011 while training for my first tri. It was just a stupid back bend over an exercise ball because of tightness in SI/coccyx area. I had difficulty walking, sitting, standing, everything for a couple months. Must have pinched a disk or something. In any case, it hurt like heck. Then while doing PT for that, I discovered I'd torn my left hip labrum. Had surgery in Feb. 2012 for that, then tore it again 6 months later (slipped on the kitchen floor!!). Let that go for 6 months thinking it was just soft tissue stuff. Finally went back to the surgeon in March 2013 and she confirmed that I'd torn it again. Had labral repair surgery again in July 2013. Meanwhile, the back pain continued throughout. Before the 2nd surgery, I couldn't stand or walk for more than about 15 minutes. in March 2013, I started swimming every week with my friend who was training for a tri herself, using a pull buoy and despite the back pain because swimming is so cleansing for me mentally and emotionally. In December 2013, I went to an orthopedic surgeon, who told me I needed a fusion and my L5/S1 disk was shot. By January of this year, I was literally ready to throw in the towel on life because I felt like there was no hope for a future without pain. Then I found this amazing chiropractor in mid-January who told me that I didn't need surgery and could be training for a tri within 3 months. He did chiro adjustments, acupuncture, and stretching, and got me doing some core strengthening exercises 6 days a week. And here I am, a little over 2 months later.

I agree, the run is going to be the biggest challenge but I know I'll get there. I feel so much stronger mentally and am much more self-motivated and disciplined than I've ever been. I've been through tough times before, mostly emotional. This time is really different for some reason, probably because it feels like I'm finally getting my life back. I really feel like I'm rising from the ashes.

Yes yes yes! Yay on your big 30!! (It won't hurt, I promise.)

Congratulations, awesome report.

Sooooo...how 'bout now? :D. Happy birthhour!

Way to go, Salty!! Congrats on making nationals and then powering your way to the wedding in style! You look great in that last photo. I do notice that you're sitting down. Can't blame you one bit, after that kind of performance!! I'm guessing you didn't exactly dance the night away?

Those female master wins will soon be piling up!

Great job, Ann-Marie!! You were thisclose to getting that new PR, which means you really rocked it. Way to go!

Wow, those are amazing!