POST IM WEEK.

Like a lot of you, I have spent the extra time I have this week reading race reports from IM Louisville. All Pulitzer prize winners, that's for sure.

And why does taking one day off work take four to get caught up??

I've tried to keep a low profile this week too, since I know Don isn't feeling the best about the race outcome, but we actually had signed up to do a sprint tri this weekend, the Grand Marais Triathlon. Its short and sweet, I hope. Its in the UP of Michigan, and the swim takes place in Grand Marais Bay of Lake Superior. Hopefully, the water won't be too cold. The website says that Labor Day Weekend is the warmest time for the lake, whatever that might be.

This weekend will also mark the one year since my infamous bike accident on Sept. 3, 2006. While I have tried not to dwell on this too much or use it as an excuse for not doing things, I have to be honest and say that it did pretty much dominate my life for a long time, and I was quite surprised it took so long to really get over the effects of the injuries. I was also surprised at how hard it has been to really get back to the base level I was at last year at this same time, and I'm still not even sure I'm there. It seems to be a continuing saga when I say my swim is slower, my bike is slower, and my run is slower, so nothing new there! But I finally feel like I am gaining back some strength I just couldn't seem to find no matter how hard I worked. Even with the recent ankle sprain (which I'll have you know has had a relapse of sorts having turned it again the other day! Aargh!) I still seem to have regained some endurance finally.

Some of the struggle has been mental, as well. There was a spark that was put out when this accident happened, and I struggle constantly to keep the flame going. Not that I don't want to, just that it is so hard sometimes! I'm sure you all can relate. And while I don't want to use my age as a factor, I know it definitely makes a difference.

And while triathlon and running are a big part of my daily life, there is a subtle change when you go from your forties to your fifties. Subtle. Had the accident not happened, I might not have noticed it so much. But since then, I see things differently than I did a year ago. I weigh my options a lot more before making decisions or taking perceived "risks." I am not so quick to take on a difficult task or get involved in controversial things as I might have been a year ago. And I struggle to put in the miles and training necessary to really get ahead. Its hard to explain, but the change has been there.

Not that I won't continue to strive for more or to be better. I hope I always will. I just may take longer to reach the goal or level than I might have before. Some things stick in your mind and don't want to readily leave. Some of it is conscious, and some of it is reflexive.

So I hope getting away this weekend with put this chapter of my life behind me and I can start over--again.