Race Recap: Icebreaker- Incomplete-Elbow Injury

Date: April 25^th 2013

Time: Incomplete; Swim  16:02, T1 2:09

Distance: Sprint 750m Swim, 20K Bike, 5K Run

The first outdoors race in Regina is the Icebreaker. This is appropriately named. Last year I remember my legs cold and burning from the wind.  In 2012, when I got off the bike I wasn’t sure if I could walk let alone run, but I finished it. This year it had the unfortunate timing of being the Sunday morning after my sister’s Stagette. As MoH I was the one in charge of the plans and making sure people made in home safety. This meant that I had a fairly late night with some drinks but not over consumption. Waking up in the morning was tough.

 I didn’t really ask anyone else to come because I do enough of these events that it just felt like it was too much to ask. None of the core group we’re doing it either. I felt kind of alone going but when I got there I recognized many familiar faces.

The swim was really good. It felt super strong and fast and I was the first one of the pool from my heat . I was doing well. I got on the bike, and no one was passing me! This is a feat. Typically in triathlons I get passed on the bike and feel defeated. The extra training in Penticton was paying off. At either end of the bike course was a tight u-turn. We did 3 laps of the course (6 u-turns) I remembered it from last year and every time I turned it I felt nervous. It just seemed too tight! It’s not something we ever practice in our rides and I didn't have the foresight to practice beforehand. It was additionally stressful because of the other bikers making the same turn. You don’t want to collide but you need to pace yourself around them.

I was about halfway done the bike course when I approached the u-turn again. This time I was getting close to the curb, when my bike caught some gravel. My biggest fear was realized when I made contact with the pavement and landed on my right side. My arm was pinned between myself, the bike and the ground.

 I remember a shot of extreme pain. I was pretty certain my arm must be broken. I didn't get up right away. The volunteers came over and un-clipped my feet from the bike. It hurt so bad. I told them I was done. I was balling like a baby. My arm seemed to be in place and even the right colour. I felt extra alone as I realized I had no one at the race. We began the long walk to the first aid station. Everyone biked past me and saw my tears. It took forever to get just to transition. At that point Mark Gibson saw us and took my bike for me. Another friendly face, Ian, saw me and walked me the rest of the way to the first aid tent. They said I was okay and gave me a proper sling. By that time everyone was done the race. I got in my car to go home and realized I couldn't drive my standard car. I had to call for rescue.

My arm didn't bend straight for weeks. I had x-rays and they weren't sure but showed me a shadow of a hairline fracture in my elbow. For a little more than a week I learned what it was like to function without a right arm. Showers, hair, make-up, sketching, writing, driving etc. When I began swimming again I ran into the ropes.Finally in July I have full movement again and I’m pretty close to normal.

I like to think I can handle things alone, but one bad turn on a bike showed me how weak I really am. People need people.

Icebreaker was a disappointment but it showed me how kind the community is. Even when I thought I was by myself there were familiar faces helping me along the way.