Down for the Count

Well last night was a very very bad night. I was out cycling and broke my collarbone.

My plan had me doing lots of hills, so I had this 3-4 mile loop I found that has several good hills on it. My plan was to do 3 repeats of the loop. Now the ride leading up to the hilly loop itself has the longest and stretch of an incline that I had to ride up, I was finished with my hill loops and was headed back. Going down the long incline, I had picked up some speed and at a turn I had apparently hit a patch of dirt/gravel that was washed out from the heavy rain the night before.

As i made the turn my rear tire went out from under me. Its funny but it really does go in slow motion. I saw myself falling and tried to correct myself. I remember seeing the front tire wobbling left and right as I was trying to straighten up, and then Bammm. My shoulder took the hit and I skidded for a bit. My shoulder probably took the brunt of the fall because I was still trying to fight it and did not let go of the handlebar, so I did not put my hands down fast enough to cushion the blow.

The funny part was that as soon as I got up I knew I had broken my collarbone, there was a new corner under my skin that was not there before. So I sort of righted it by hand, and tried to get back on the bike, but I could not move my arm without a ton of pain. So I decided to walk the two miles home.

At this point I was just incredibly frustrated that this had happened. I was just feeling great about my training having done the century the day before and feeling strong, I was doing awesome on the hills. It was in fact just thinking not 10 minutes earlier that perhaps I stood a chance to do real well at IM Wisconsin.

SO As I was walking home I decided I would vent to someone who would understand my frustration, I called my friend Phil, who I figured would be out working out ( he is in training after all). By some freakish yet fortunate instance he was home and picked up. My first words were dammit Phil I broke my collarbone and now I think I may not be able to make my swim workout tomorrow!

Phil was like "Uhhh ... where are you?"

Me " on the road walking home"

Phil (laughing) "Dude I can't believe you! Stay there and I'll come and pick you up!"

Me " OK but its not necessary, I was not calling for help, I was calling because I am frustrated, I am going to have to miss my swim workout tomorrow!"

Phil "Dude I think I better picked you up"

Phil did come and pick me up and he took me to the hospital ( Great friend!). I believe he felt I was in shock or delirious or something. Anyways it was much appreciated that he came.

So now my plans are on hold. Personally I think my IM plans for this year are done for. Well that just sucks! I asked the ER Doc and he said I should not do anything with the arm for 4-6 weeks. The collar is not a bone they put a cast on because it heals well on its own, however I run the risk of causing damage if I do not let it heal.

So I have to make an appointment with a specialist to follow up. Will see then.

The required road rash pictures will follow in the near future.