A Slice of Humble Pie
by Mary DeLaney • Jun 25th, 2010 • Category: Run, Triathlon
I am a big believer in good nutrition. It is an essential element of fitness. However, I am having a hard time working this new item into my daily food diary. Where exactly does Humble Pie fit in? I know for certain that it isn’t a dessert, as it isn’t at all that tasty!
I have been a triathlete since 1998. I got into the sport at age 45. I am not a “natural athlete,” so I have had to work very hard at my swimming, biking and running. I have a drawer full of medals and a bookcase full of trophies to show for it. I have competed in National and World Championships. (I know, I am rolling my eyes too, even as I write this, but stick with me.)
In January 2009 I had a devastating ski accident in which I broke my leg into 13 pieces and crushed my tibial plateaus. As I lay in the hospital, blissfully unaware of what was ahead, I planned my races for the year. Hah! The bones will heal, a little rehab and I will be rolling by July, at the latest! I am a Physical Therapist. My husband’s and my business is Rehab to Racing. I know how these things work. Right!
Fast forward to July 2010. 6 surgeries, 3 braces, countless leg lifts, hundreds of hours in the pool and on my bike. I can cycle and I can swim. No problem. But, triathlon is 3 sports, so what about that running?
When I finally got my custom leg brace (with the stars and stripes paint) I knew I would be able to run. Not so much. I could sort of hop along, somewhat like a pirate, but certainly it would not be classified as functional running. It was just too painful. And, merely walking was not going to work for me.
My friend Lea, a marathon runner and now confirmed race-walker, told me several years ago she would teach me to race-walk and I would love it. Truthfully, I just looked at her and thought, “When pigs fly!” I am a runner and a triathlete…race walk? HAH!
A couple of months ago I finally called her and admitted I wasn’t able to run and asked if she would be willing to teach me to race-walk. And let me tell you that slice of HUMBLE PIE was not tasty, at all. I was choking on every bite. When we met for my first lesson, she said, “I wondered when you were going to call.” (Swallow harder, it just doesn’t want to go down.)
She patiently worked with me several times. She said I was a natural. I practiced my technique through the neighborhoods, out on the roads, trying to convince myself I liked it and it was a good thing. (But it wasn’t running.) Then Lea told me something that turned my thinking around. She said, “At the end of a long race, lots of runners are walking and being a race-walker you will pass them.” Now she had my full interest. I love to compete and love the thought that if I could race-walk fast enough, I might just be able to race again.
Time will tell if I am ever able to run again. I hope so — I love to run. But if not, I WILL love to race-walk. And I WILL always remember the taste of HUMBLE PIE.
MARY DELANEY is a triathlete, skier, kayaker, hiker, sailor, and scuba diver who runs a coaching and rehabilitation business, called Rehab to Racing, that she started with her husband. Rehab to Racing helps injured athletes get back to their sports… {more}
I am not runner but I can relate to your story somewhat and I power-walk faster than a lot of people can jog so your friend is correct in that you will pass some people and be passed by others. At the end of the day, it is just being active that is important and fun! I know I am not able to win but to just finish is a win for me!
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I was inspired by your story, Mary! I was a long-time runner and have suffered knee problems because of it. Last year, my husband and I decided to finally participate in two triathlons (something we’ve always wanted to do). In August, 6 weeks before our second Tri, I had a water-skiing accident and broke my hip, as well as tearing my labrum. I had a lot of pain with subsequent runs after that, so my training to a bit of a back seat. I kept with it, though, since I did not get to a doctor until AFTER the race was over (I literally didn’t know if I would do the race until right before I went in the water, but I figured, if the pain was THAT bad during the run, I’d just stop). I finished the race and did better than I thought. But since then, the injury has plagued me – ended up having hip surgery in May 2010. Now in recovery, it’s hard to see others who are running and doing triathlons this summer. I’m determined to be there some day again (probably next year). In the meantime, I will do what I can, but NOT do too much…I feel for you but I also know that sometimes just being as active as we can, with what we have, is most important…and also, that we enjoy it! Thanks for a really amazing testimony! We’re not all Olympics athletes, built the same way, or on the competitive circuit, and that’s OK!
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Competition is a huge driving force that some people just cannot relate to. I’m always amazed at what people will put their bodies through for a dose of that adrenaline rush. Mary, your story will inspire many women (and men). I can tell you like your HUMBLE PIE a la mode. Having already suffered the agony of defeat, the thrill of victory is already yours. Keep us posted on your progress!
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A slice of ‘Humble Pie’ gets us wonderfully re-aligned. And in a place of real appreciation for what we expect our bodies to do while being in them. I admire your fortitude and perserverance Mary. Each of us here I’m sure has experienced some form of humble pie and if not, just might after reading your inspirational story article. :) Thank you! I see you as a natural. I do believe you will run again.
In the interim, race-walk is where it’s at. I was told by someone long ago to focus on ‘what we can do versus what we can’t.’ This mindset approach has worked amazingly for me throughout my fitness years especially at times where I unfortunately incurred injury as well (a few times at that).
So keep up the fantastic work and dedication to what you love!
P.S. What a great pic of you: lov-vee the outfit…and where were you? :)
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I had a successful career in fitness and nutrition, biked, ran, skiied, taught every class in the gym. And once a triathlete myself, I too got some humble pie, but
IT WAS THROWN TO MY FACE WHEN I WASN’T LOOKING.
(a.k.a. became a stay-at-home mother of twins)
My days of teaching cycling at one gym and body building at another after running 5 miles at my PR (all in half a day), – every day – were OVER I thought. After many “One bites” of humble pie, I’ve come to realize that it’s not just the race to the finish, but who you learn to become along the way. (and oh…how tasty it is)
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You got that right Michelle! Said straight from the heart, like it!!! I hope you’ll be entering the sponsorship program posted on July 1st.
P.S. I’m a twin. :)
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Thanks to all of you for your comments. I can tell you share my feelings and know right where I am. But, regardless of where each of us is at the moment, there is always farther to go, goals to be met, challenges to seek. And, isn’t that what life is all about, anyway!
Learning to put one’s ego on the back burner and open our minds to what is available in the present, is difficult, but helps us grow. Thanks again!
Oh, and Catherine, the photo was taken in Italy on our bike trip. Stay tuned, as my next blog is about that trip!
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HI Mary – boy can I relate! My roller blading days were ended by a shattered wrist and my running days ended by injury after injury. I finally turned to Power Yoga but miss the running. Where can I find out how to race-walk? And you said you were in Italy in your picture – I’m talking myself to Italy for my 50th birthday and am seriously considering a bike tour or something of that sort. Can you recommend any websites/groups for me to contact?
Thank you!
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Karen, are you familiar with Women’s Quest? Athleta has worked with founder Colleen Cannon for many years. We love Colleen and love her retreats. Women’s Quest does a fall Tuscany tour that’s awesome. You can learn about it here — http://bit.ly/cT3hze — and read a diary of the retreat here — http://bit.ly/cnnrlq. Or you can see all Women’s Quest retreats here — http://bit.ly/bJgjQN.
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Thanks for the kind mention Mary! I will do just that. Wow! Italy looks absolutely breathtaking!! Nicely said in regards to ego(-less), being present and allowing ourselves to grow. Simply changing our viewpoint and/or mindset helps us to face challenges with an ease that invites growth to happen. Well, it did (and still does) for me, anyway. :) I’m constantly learning and loving it.
I look forward to your next blog…:)
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