Over a month ago I experienced my first in-race accident as I cycled back towards the transition area for a sprint triathlon in northwest Florida. Did I crash into another cyclist? Bump pedals battling for the #1 spot? Nope and nope! If you guessed hitting a traffic cone, you win. Here are two recaps: The setup and The pictures (warning: Pics are detailed including cuts and blood).
But like I said, it’s been about a month and a half now. I’ve only ridden my bike a few times since then and I think part of that is because of a stress tucked back in my mind, not wanting to have a sequel, even if the accident wasn’t *that* bad. I went out for 18 miles this morning and just felt slow and cautious. Cars rolling by, sticks on the ground, a few wrong turns, deer crossing in front of me, and yes I definitely rolled over a squirrel but it scurried away so I’m going to assume it’s just fine. Run training has been fine, getting back into neighborhood runs as well as morning interval training. I’ve been swimming, too, and might have finally solved the pool chlorine allergy.
So the stitches. It was a horizontal mattress suture, I removed the stitches myself and everything has turned out really well. I’m so impressed with the doctors and staff at Gulf Breeze Hospital in the Pensacola area. Here are a couple of photos of “then”: the first few days of stitches and “now”: how the scar is looking today.
Then…
Now…
I don’t have any races planned for the rest of 2024 which makes me feel a little lost. I guess having something to work towards–an event on the calendar– is a huge motivator for working out. Who knew?
Do you have any scar stories you want to share? Leave a comment below…
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 