Al, so sorry to hear about your crash - more good vibes coming your way. I have been lurking more than posting over the last couple of months, but your insights and wisdom has been a huge help to me in my preparation for Kona. Sorry I won't get a chance to meet up with you at this race, but there will be another one.
Not something any of us wants to hear. Al is definitely a bright light in the EN haus. Thank you Cheryl for posting and please keep us updated.
Stem damage? Sounds like it broke. How about we all make sure our stems are new every 2 years like helmets? No light weight ones either. That's the wrong place to save weight, especially on TT bikes with all the weight from the forward position. We sweat right over that stem and corrode the bolts with salt (think cars that spend their service lives on salty winter roads or along the coast).
I was very saddened to hear this news and I wish you a full recovery.
Through your posts you convey tremendous wisdom and spirit ... please utilize these to drive your recovery. I know that you'll be back to your typical top form in due time!! Godspeed!
Cheryl - Thanks for informing us and, as your time permits, please keep us posted on Al's recovery. Team EN is with you!
I am just SICK reading that. So incredibly sorry this happened to Al. If my DH is any barometer, these in-shape, smart guys start the comeback faster than expected. I hope the same for Al. Plus, "pissed off" is a good sign.
And, Cheryl, if you read this....I just went through a similar traumatic bike crash this summer with my husband. This will be very, very hard on you. While they are busy being injured and getting better, you are living with the "what ifs," "what's to come," and shouldering a huge emotional and phyisical load. Don't underestimate how hard this is for the spouse. Hugs and healing to you too. Take care of yourself. Please check in a let us know how you both are doing.
@ ;Al - As you know, you have been my biggest mentor and inspiration on this team since we met last year at IMAZ. Between you and Mancona, both very humble athletes despite huge accomplishments in this sport, you both gave me the go ahead to add to my signature line so many months ago. At no time has "Al Truscott's Guts" been more meaningful and inspirational to me than right now.
Like many of us, I know how very much Kona meant to you this year. But it will be there for you next year. I suspect IMCdA will be a formality for you.
As for IMAZ, I will be there. And I know you will be right there with me (and the rest of us) in spirit. You have inspired me to race for a new goal. After the race, I will let you know what it was. But suffice to say for now (and I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this) a Truscott tribute will be in order on November 21st. Until then, fight on and live one of the greatest comeback stories of all time!
Please heal quickly. Let me know if you need any medical input at any time. I am a neurosurgeon who does quite a lot of spine trauma work. My professional e-mail is kevin_walter@urmc.rochester.edu and my home phone is 585-248-3217.
Cheryl and Al- My heart sank and I had a sick feeling in my stomach when I saw that headline. I am glad that you are mentally alert AL and please know that we are all thinking of you and sending the both of you hugs and healing vibes. I still remember the pics of you working out on your bike. All of your advice was so perfect for IMWI. Not sure if you saw it, but I thanked you several times in my RR. Please keep us updated. Motivation and determination.
Cheryl and Al, I am sick about this. We've never met and I am really saddened by this. I guess that illustrates what Al means to this group. I hate that this happened to you (both) but I can't think of anyone here better equipped to overcome it. Keep being remarkable, Al. Get well soon. Chris
Cheryl and Al - I'm so sorry this happened. I'm hopeful for the good prognosis you gave, but can't even imagine Al's disappointment after working so hard and being so close to Kona...again. If I can say anything positive, it would be that Al's next trip to Kona will be all the sweeter. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!! r/Paul
Cheryl and Al, You are both in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I was looking forward to cheering you online this year. I guerss that will have to wait another year.... please let us all know if there is anything we can do. -hb
Cheryl, like everyone I'm shocked and saddened for both of you but also thankful ... it sounds like it could have been much worse. Al, I'm sitting here trying to think what positive vibes, encouragement, and spot-on advice you yourself would give if the situation were reversed. We all know your abundant reserves of wisdom and determination because you've shared them so often with us ... so listen to your heart and body, take the time you need, and get better soon!!
Wow, speechless to say the very least. Al, I know it's probably hard to sit back and let recovery take place, but it's best. Enjoy the down time. You, and your solid words of advice and wisdome, will be missed by everyone. Many thoughts and prayers are heading your way.
So so sorry to hear about this. I feel disappointment that he won't be in Kona this year but incredibly grateful a full road to recovery is visible. Will keep Al and your family in prayer in the coming recovery weeks!!! Keep us posted!!! Again, I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear this news.
My hope for a speedy recovery. I'm sure his fitness and dedication will help him during this time and over the next few months. My thoughts are with you and him.
In case you did not realize it, Al is a very important part of the EN family. Brenda and I met you and Al at the La Quinta in Coeur d'Alene the past couple of years. I had a pit in my stomach when I read the tag line. I would have posted earlier but I had to read ALL of the responses before I could post. You can see by all of the responses, Al is a VERY special person. Like Linda Patch said, please remember to take care of yourself because this will be hard on you too. If you need anything, let the "Nation" know. Put the word out and we will make it happen!!
Al,
If you need a new bike before Kona, there are easier ways to convince Cheryl that you "need" a new bike. The rehab process will be both physically and mentally challenging. Allow your body to completely heal before you start your training again. With some many IMs in the last several years, this forced "stand-down" may be a good thing long term for your racing career. It is what it is. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, you know what to do...
Al and Cheryl: our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Like many in the EN family, I have not met you but feel like we have been close for years. Take great care and we will see you at CDA in June.
Comments
Just nauseating. SO sorry to hear about this. WIshing him a timely return to health and the sport he embraces.
Stem damage? Sounds like it broke. How about we all make sure our stems are new every 2 years like helmets? No light weight ones either. That's the wrong place to save weight, especially on TT bikes with all the weight from the forward position. We sweat right over that stem and corrode the bolts with salt (think cars that spend their service lives on salty winter roads or along the coast).
Makes me sick to my stomach.
Vince
Oh no, how awful. Al, I'm so sorry, but so relieved you're doing well.
Thanks for checking in, Cheryl - please keep up posted! And hang in there yourself.
You're both in my prayers.
Al,
I was very saddened to hear this news and I wish you a full recovery.
Through your posts you convey tremendous wisdom and spirit ... please utilize these to drive your recovery. I know that you'll be back to your typical top form in due time!! Godspeed!
Cheryl - Thanks for informing us and, as your time permits, please keep us posted on Al's recovery. Team EN is with you!
Best regards,
I am just SICK reading that. So incredibly sorry this happened to Al. If my DH is any barometer, these in-shape, smart guys start the comeback faster than expected. I hope the same for Al. Plus, "pissed off" is a good sign.
And, Cheryl, if you read this....I just went through a similar traumatic bike crash this summer with my husband. This will be very, very hard on you. While they are busy being injured and getting better, you are living with the "what ifs," "what's to come," and shouldering a huge emotional and phyisical load. Don't underestimate how hard this is for the spouse. Hugs and healing to you too. Take care of yourself. Please check in a let us know how you both are doing.
@ ;Al - As you know, you have been my biggest mentor and inspiration on this team since we met last year at IMAZ. Between you and Mancona, both very humble athletes despite huge accomplishments in this sport, you both gave me the go ahead to add to my signature line so many months ago. At no time has "Al Truscott's Guts" been more meaningful and inspirational to me than right now.
Like many of us, I know how very much Kona meant to you this year. But it will be there for you next year. I suspect IMCdA will be a formality for you.
As for IMAZ, I will be there. And I know you will be right there with me (and the rest of us) in spirit. You have inspired me to race for a new goal. After the race, I will let you know what it was. But suffice to say for now (and I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this) a Truscott tribute will be in order on November 21st. Until then, fight on and live one of the greatest comeback stories of all time!
So sorry to hear about Al's crash! We're all thinking about him and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Al/Cheryl, heal quick!!!
"WAGU?" for the Kona peeps? IMAZ too?!?
Keeping both of you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Please heal quickly. Let me know if you need any medical input at any time. I am a neurosurgeon who does quite a lot of spine trauma work. My professional e-mail is kevin_walter@urmc.rochester.edu and my home phone is 585-248-3217.
Steve and I are so sad to hear this news. Tears in my eyes. Thank you for keeping us informed. We will be praying for you like it is our job!!
Love, Carrie
Cheryl-
Give Al my very best. Have enjoyed meeting him/you at the EN dinners the last two years in CDA. He will be missed!
I am sick about this. We've never met and I am really saddened by this. I guess that illustrates what Al means to this group.
I hate that this happened to you (both) but I can't think of anyone here better equipped to overcome it. Keep being remarkable, Al. Get well soon.
Chris
r/Paul
You are both in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I was looking forward to cheering you online this year. I guerss that will have to wait another year....
please let us all know if there is anything we can do.
-hb
Best wishes and prayers to you both.
Cheryl,
In case you did not realize it, Al is a very important part of the EN family. Brenda and I met you and Al at the La Quinta in Coeur d'Alene the past couple of years. I had a pit in my stomach when I read the tag line. I would have posted earlier but I had to read ALL of the responses before I could post. You can see by all of the responses, Al is a VERY special person. Like Linda Patch said, please remember to take care of yourself because this will be hard on you too. If you need anything, let the "Nation" know. Put the word out and we will make it happen!!
Al,
If you need a new bike before Kona, there are easier ways to convince Cheryl that you "need" a new bike.
The rehab process will be both physically and mentally challenging. Allow your body to completely heal before you start your training again. With some many IMs in the last several years, this forced "stand-down" may be a good thing long term for your racing career. It is what it is. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, you know what to do...
Get well soon Al! Hang in there Cheryl!