Crawling In to My Box Now, May Not Come Out Though!
IMChoo in a week!!!! I've had a fair amount of varying emotions about the race.... Fear, excitement, confidence, lack of confidence, etc. but this week takes the cake for stress and emotions and I guess I'm looking for some mojo and positive words.
Last week my Mom was diagnosed w uterine cancer. Very common/treatable if caught early (we're hoping so but won't know til, the surgery 10/2) then shell have about 6 months of chemo. I know she'll be ok but still devastating. (I'm an only child and mom is like my best friend). Also, that means the parents aren't coming to IMChoo. (Disappointing but the least of my worries!)
Then yesterday, my wife's uncle got a brain bleed which they fixed but the damage was already done so we are basically going with her family to say goodbye before they remove life support.
Sooooooo, although these recent events are taking my mind off worrying about IMChoo, I'm feeling, well, overwhelmed and lost my mojo/excitement for IMChoo. I know I have the best teammates, and I do have a friend and her kids who are coming to the race now so I'm psyched about that and I'm sure I'll get psyched once I'm in Choo, but, damn, this is hard even for a usually positive person. (My usual strategy of denial and avoidance only goes so far!)
Send any extra mojo this way, or words of wisdom/advice. Or cookies. Those might help too...
Last week my Mom was diagnosed w uterine cancer. Very common/treatable if caught early (we're hoping so but won't know til, the surgery 10/2) then shell have about 6 months of chemo. I know she'll be ok but still devastating. (I'm an only child and mom is like my best friend). Also, that means the parents aren't coming to IMChoo. (Disappointing but the least of my worries!)
Then yesterday, my wife's uncle got a brain bleed which they fixed but the damage was already done so we are basically going with her family to say goodbye before they remove life support.
Sooooooo, although these recent events are taking my mind off worrying about IMChoo, I'm feeling, well, overwhelmed and lost my mojo/excitement for IMChoo. I know I have the best teammates, and I do have a friend and her kids who are coming to the race now so I'm psyched about that and I'm sure I'll get psyched once I'm in Choo, but, damn, this is hard even for a usually positive person. (My usual strategy of denial and avoidance only goes so far!)
Send any extra mojo this way, or words of wisdom/advice. Or cookies. Those might help too...
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We can make "doing it for Mom" a common theme. Just a little over a year ago, my mom nearly died from complications resulting from colitis of all things. Well, technically she did die two or three times in the hospital. I had a Chattanooga tripped planned for last year's event in order to volunteer/register for this year, but really wasn't feeling up to going since my mom wasn't in the clear yet. She wasn't able to talk, but wrote on her little ink pad, "Go on your trip." I went, got registered for this year, mom is doing much better now, and as Rachel mentioned I have a special "one-thing" to fall back on now. Hopefully your mom comes through fine and perhaps you can figure a way to use this as some motivation. Seeing so much sickness/illness has made me appreciate how I'm well and healthy enough to go train even when I don't really feel like it. I definitely have a different perspective now and genuinely appreciate the days I am able to go out and do something/anything psychically. Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Kim,
Hugs and more hugs. Take a deep breath. Realize that your emotions are normal. Don't fight them. If you are any example of what your Mom is like then she will be burning up the internet watching you. Your Mom needs something other than her cancer to think about. What better thing than her super daughter doing what MAKES HER HAPPY. Have a great time. Share it with your mom. I know you can take selfies.
XOXOXO,
Jacklyn
Kim-I echo all the sentiments previously expressed. Hugs and mojo coming your way. And if you have a hotel address, I will send home baked goods too
As you can see, you have lots of folks who are thinking of you in this difficult time. In many ways the whole Ironman thing is a rehearsal ride for life. You never know what you can do until you are forced to try and then you find out that you can do amazing things that you would have never considered possible. You approach it all the same way, make your plan based on the best info that you have, change the plan as needed to adapt to the circumstances, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Try not to get on the emotional roller coaster because every day will bring it's own highs and lows so don't get too caught up in one or the other because it will change from day to day.
Best to you and your mom, I will keep you in my thoughts.
I'll bet your mom is excited for you to race to give her something to get her mind off of the other stuff that is going on. I am sure that you will make her proud.
R
on my road ID I have the words, "for those who can't". We are lucky to do such things as an IM.
In 2012, my wife and I had to attend a funeral for a 30 something year old family member who passed away very suddenly. It was the week before IMFL. Absolutely raised the stress level. And then there was Hurricane Sandy which hit race week...I'm sure you remember that...Swim, bike, run, of the race was a welcome familiar place to be.