We had a great tactical plan, and we had the people and motivation to carry it out.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to witness or take part in the second half of the race, since I was in the hospital, but I do know the team was riding well while I was there.  I also heard that everyone was super strong and instrumental in helping Kristin get into 4th. 

Despite the early rain and wet roads, my day was actually going well.  I really liked the course, I was keeping my stress levels down, and I was happy that our team was making the race hard.  I was also doing a good job of hiding out in the front staying safe and not wasting energy moving up every lap.  That is until the 4^th or 5^th lap when Brandli attacked on the downhill after the first climb.  This split off a small group of about eight riders that was just up the road.  I was in the next bunch.  After the small, technical road portion of the downhill, we got onto the bigger road.  We went fast through town.  Then, from what I remember, Emma Johanssen (Sweden) jumped prior to the left turn that was immediately followed by a right turn switchback that took us back under the road.  Kristin and I were the first to follow Johanssen.  We made the left ok, but in the right corner both Johanssen and Kristin slid out.  I stayed up and was watching them and their bikes sliding in front of me…in slow motion.  Instead of laying my bike down, I tried to shoot past them.  DOH.  My escape route had metal barriers in the way.  Big metal barriers.  I slammed into one of them.  My left hand took the force of the impact.  I spun around and then the rest of me hit it before I smacked to the pavement.  As I lay on my back, I could feel intense pain in my hand.  I held very still.  I was crushed…both my hand and my heart.  I could not believe this was happening.  Tough year.  I think I reflected on all the ups and downs in the few moments I laid there.

Shortly after impact, I was in an ambulance and on my way to the hospital where they took x-rays and told me that my 2^nd metacarpal was in 3 pieces.  Surgery was needed, but I told them I wanted to consult with my team doctor, before I made a decision about where I would have it.  I had to wait 3.5 hours before he arrived, so in the interim they set me up with an IV in prep for surgery.  While I waited, I stared at a blue curtain while all kinds of thoughts and prayers raced, strolled, or limped through my mind.  Eventually, the team doctor (who speaks Italian) and team director arrived.  There was no question surgery was needed, however, I could fly home and have my doctor do it.

The IV came out, and the hospital staff splinted me with plaster and a wrap.  Finally, I could get out of there.

I flew home the next morning.  I spent one night in my own bed, before flying to Park City where the Heiden Orthopedic team is.  Dr. Karen Heiden took a look at my hand and the x-ray.  Her reaction indicated the severity of the break, and she told me this was going to be at minimum a 90 min procedure.  Yowsers.  Surgery was set for the next morning.

As a bonus, Dr. Eric Heiden sent me in for an MRI on my shoulder.  We discovered a fracture which explains the pain and discomfort that I have had since the Giro (finger) crash.  Right now, the plan is to leave it alone.  As you might imagine, I have had enough with operating rooms.

So anyway, I had the surgery on my hand yesterday. Dr. Karen Heiden was very happy with how it went.  She was able to skillfully put me back together.  Because the procedure took 2 hours, I suffered with nausea for about 8 hours after, but I am ok now.  The pain is what it is.  I am splinted up, and I will see her again on Monday.  I believe we will make a plan, and I will get fit for a custom splint that will help me with my recovery.

In the meantime, I am staying with my sister in Park City where the fall colors were beautiful until the snow started today!  I am laying low…staying positive…trusting that God has a plan.  You know…Sport parallels life and both can be hard sometimes.  Peaks come with valleys!  This is all the more reason to enjoy the view when you can.  In addition, the challenges always present opportunities for impact or growth.  Sigh…doesn’t mean that it is always fun or easy… just part of the process. 

BTW I’ve got some cool before and after X-Rays.  I will post them soon.