I’m FINALLY updating the blog. It’s been an interested month and half since my accident in St. Helena. Frustrating/Overwhelming/Angering on one hand but strangely also Life Affirming/Revitalizing/Emboldening. More so the last things for me. I’ve never felt more fortunate or had a clearer head about what I want out of this year and the ones to come. All the goals I had that may have previously been written down in pencil are now in red permanent ink and underlined in bright yellow highlighter; a fine point, limpid.

I’ve been back on the bike for almost 3 weeks. I started 4 days after the crash on the trainer but was unable for quite a while to put my hand to the bars due to the soft tissue damage my back sustained. It’s taken up until exactly 2 hours ago for my amazing chiro, Dr. Tom Kano, to get an complete adjustment on my upper back. I owe him so so much as he’s been there helping me work through my injuries every step of the way with patience and understanding. His work with my has been invaluable. If you’re looking for a tip top chiro in Walnut Creek, check him out at Beyond Chiropractic.

I need thank my team/teammates and coach for being so supportive and caring through all of this. THANKS! Mark, you’re a life saver, hope you know that. Robin, for forcing me to be patient, not to rush, not to worry about what anyone else thought I should do… “Deep breath, Ivana!” It’s going to be a really good year for all of us, I have zero doubts.

Lastly, I am overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of get well wishes and words of encouragement I received from all over the world from other racing cyclists, bike enthusiasts and well wishers. Your letters, flowers, and cards are hugely appreciated and helped me get through many sleepless nights and moments of wondering “what now?”. It speaks volumes about what a cool sport this is!

I intend to start racing again in 2 weeks, need to get a little something in the legs prior to Redlands. That’s going to be baptism by fire, not the ideal first big race back but it’ll be good training and I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Ah, the exquisite pain of Teutenberg/Miller/Carroll et al RIPPING YOUR LEGS OFF! Beautiful. But first I head to NYC for 3 days this week to do a little work for Maxim Mag again, more on that to follow…

So, until next time, TAKE CARE and THANK YOU!

Lizzer