It has been really tough to end camp in my current state of incapacity. Over the 6 EpicWoman camps I’ve been a part of previously, I’ve faced numerous challenges (reactive airways/asthma in the first one, intractable food poisoning by day 4 of the second one, dislocated shoulder in the third one….(the 4th and 5th camps were just normally epic but not disasterous
) and now ‘bicyclist vs auto’ this year). I am trying very hard to keep this in perspective–I am so extremely lucky it wasn’t much worse–but as I sit here on the pier watching everyone go out for one last ocean swim (unofficial-post camp), it’s hard not to feel incredibly frustrated….
I’m more achy each day post-crash, and I’m realizing that body-slamming a car can have a delayed ripple effect. Limping around trying not to bend my leg is also causing new aches and pains as everything is compensating and adjusting to different patterns of movement. (Or maybe it’s the trauma of the EPIC van sag along with Etienne up Mauna Loa??!!
I’ve had rather rough sleep the past few nights, as every movement was uncomfortable enough to wake me (reminiscent of the night after an ironman). So I decided at some point in the night that I wasn’t going to get up at 5am for the day8 dolphin swim since I am not allowed to swim for a few weeks anyway…at this point, rest is what my body needs most. Lots of dolphins were spotted, and Maya even saw a sea turtle! I’m so glad, because it’s a bummer to sacrifice the much-needed sleep and not be rewarded with dolphins.
Day8 was bittersweet, as I got to man the van aid station that was passed twice by the campers during their 20k run. I had so looked forward to doing this workout with Maya (she’d been nervous about it but I had no doubt that she had it in her), and it was amazing to see her determination and ultimate success. (I’m one very proud mama!)
The afternoon was spent packing up my bike and suitcase, always a slow and painful task but moreso when you can’t bend your leg. Good thing I’ve got 15 years of yoga in my body…contortions? No problem.
The closing camp dinner at Huggos on the Rocks (an EpicWoman camp tradition!) was also bittersweet, but a Patron with your toes buried in sand definitely eases the pain. Tara announced the camp jerseys: she earned Yellow for overall points, Maya earned QOM, and Sarah was awarded the spirit of EpicWoman jersey. So incredibly honored to be able to train with these amazing women! I hope I can continue this craziness a few more rounds….
Huge thanks to the camp sponsors–GU (Chomps saved my camp yet another year!), Zoot (totally awesome gear), and trek (tubes and jerseys are essential…unfortunately
Finally, there are not enough words–or hugs–to express my gratitude to Etienne and David for their endless patience, taking care of us and helping us through this craziness. And Tara, you continue to be the superwoman who inspires us all–you are my hero…(but then you knew that already