The Climb

(Please note the new October update at the bottom of this post)

I just came back from the doctor suspecting tendinitis in my left shoulder. And yes, I do have it again. Unfortunately about three years ago I have a bad accident on my road bike that has caused some permanent damage to all of my joints on the left side of my body, so frequent tendinitis is common with this type of injury and may eventually result in surgery. Simply because of the injury my body doesn’t want to stay up with my heart and passion. I have a lot of goals this year that will have to be adapted and changed, which is heart breaking to me. While this is a significant challenge for any athlete, I know many that face much more difficult hardships than this. While I am frustrated, I expect to conquer and try to keep my spirits up the best I can.

I am sure you are all familiar with the song “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (a must have on any workout playlist). If you read the lyrics, you will see how true they are for all of us at times in our lives. For me, I am at the bottom of yet another mountain, surely wanting to move it.

THE CLIMB

I can almost see it

That dream I’m dreaming

But there’s a voice inside my head

that says you’ll never reach it.

Every step I’m taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaken but

I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high

Chorus

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m gonna want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle

Sometimes I’m going to have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get here

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb.

The struggles I’m facein’

The chances I’m taken

Sometimes they knock me down

But no I’m not breakin’

I may not know it

but these are the moments that

I’m going to remember most – yeah

Just gotta keep goin' and

I gotta be strong, just keep pushing on

There’s always going to be another mountain

I’m gonna want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle

Sometimes I’m going to have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get here

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

It’s the climb.

Yes, this about sums it up for me today. It’s an uphill battle, but I’m not breakin’. I will do my best to keep my spirits high and get through this set back.

Update Oct. 8, 2009:

Well, it has been three months since this was originally posted. With rest, meds and a cortisone shot I was able to get the tendinitis out of my shoulder joint and pull out three more races for the season (which I was thrilled about). However, living with constant pain, dull headaches, neck spasms and interrupted sleep has been wearing and difficult over the last three years. Although surgery will take considerable recovery time, it may offer some needed relief and the possibility of doing what I love to do (triathlons) at 100%. At least that is the hope. Please keep me in your prayers. Surgery is scheduled for Oct. 22^nd. They won’t know how bad it is until they get in there, so let's hope for minimal damage and a speedy recovery. Your constant support has been appreciated. Thank you.

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