To understand what I'm recovering from, I guess you'd have to know what happened, but first a little background on me:
I'm 17 years old and a Junior in High School. I've been racing my bike since I was 14. I'm an 8 time national medalist. I love racing my bike and have set high goals for myself. I am hoping to compete in Junior Track/Road Worlds in Moscow, Russia this summer. I would like to have a career as a professional racer and become a business major.
The story:
On January 4th, 2009, I met Toni for a training ride and we headed into the hills. As we were riding on Dryville Road, I think, I was talking to her about what colleges I wanted to attend. I was saying how Fort Lewis is so far away, but I love Colorado. The next thing I knew I was on the ground and I heard Toni say "Oh my god, Els!". I had no idea what happened, I asked Toni and she said I was hit by a car. I couldn't really believe it. I hadn't heard any brakes, or seen anything. The woman would later go on to say that she didn't see me because the sun was in her eyes (there wasn't any sun). I was conscious the entire time. I had bitten of part of my lip and all I could taste was blood. My hip and my back were in a lot of pain and I was worried that I had broken my hip or back. I didn't really cry because of the pain, but I did cry when I realized what effect the accident would have on my season. After what felt like forever my dad arrived and started to take care of the situation.
I'm 17 years old and a Junior in High School. I've been racing my bike since I was 14. I'm an 8 time national medalist. I love racing my bike and have set high goals for myself. I am hoping to compete in Junior Track/Road Worlds in Moscow, Russia this summer. I would like to have a career as a professional racer and become a business major.
The story:
On January 4th, 2009, I met Toni for a training ride and we headed into the hills. As we were riding on Dryville Road, I think, I was talking to her about what colleges I wanted to attend. I was saying how Fort Lewis is so far away, but I love Colorado. The next thing I knew I was on the ground and I heard Toni say "Oh my god, Els!". I had no idea what happened, I asked Toni and she said I was hit by a car. I couldn't really believe it. I hadn't heard any brakes, or seen anything. The woman would later go on to say that she didn't see me because the sun was in her eyes (there wasn't any sun). I was conscious the entire time. I had bitten of part of my lip and all I could taste was blood. My hip and my back were in a lot of pain and I was worried that I had broken my hip or back. I didn't really cry because of the pain, but I did cry when I realized what effect the accident would have on my season. After what felt like forever my dad arrived and started to take care of the situation.
The ambulance came and I was put in. I had all of my winter clothes on that day because I had been so cold the day before. In fact, that morning I told my dad I was going to wear all my winter clothes. They cut everything off, that was one of the worst parts! In the ambulance I asked my dad about the bike, and the people in the ambulance told me it didn't matter, but my dad knew how much it meant to me. He told me that my bike was done, but he had already ordered an Orbea Orca as a surprise for me. Then I said "Daddy, I'm not gonna go to worlds" and once again the people in the ambulance said it didn't matter, but it mattered more than anything. My dad really didn't have anything to say to that, other than don't worry about that right now. Judging by my appearance, I'm sure they wondered if I would even be able to walk. I was flown out in a helicopter and rushed into the emergency room.
After countless tests, I was put into a room and finally had my face cleaned off. My lip was HUGE. I asked my mom to call Zach and Evan. Zach had already heard, and Evan was completly speechless. I don't know how I would react upon hearing that one of my friend's was in the hospital after being hit by a car. It took a few days until I was aware of the full extent of my injuries. The final total was 10 stitches in my lip and 2 chipped teeth, a broken left arm and right hand (which wasn't found out for a few weeks), two compression fractures in my vertebrae, and a bone bruise on my left ankle. All in all I was a very lucky girl.
After countless tests, I was put into a room and finally had my face cleaned off. My lip was HUGE. I asked my mom to call Zach and Evan. Zach had already heard, and Evan was completly speechless. I don't know how I would react upon hearing that one of my friend's was in the hospital after being hit by a car. It took a few days until I was aware of the full extent of my injuries. The final total was 10 stitches in my lip and 2 chipped teeth, a broken left arm and right hand (which wasn't found out for a few weeks), two compression fractures in my vertebrae, and a bone bruise on my left ankle. All in all I was a very lucky girl.
Toni and Hannah visited me my first night in the hospital. I was so grateful to see them. Toni saved my life, she called 911 and my dad and handled the situation so well. In the end, it really brought us closer. If I could go back in time, I would never have her see that. It must have been horrible to see your best friend be hit by a car.
I know that I've already thanked everyone, but having people come and visit me made my days so much better. I know that everyone has busy lives and the fact that they could take time out to come and see me meant so much.
I missed two weeks of school, including mid-terms, and a total of 7 weeks of training. My whole life was put on hold because this woman couldn't pay attention for 2 seconds.
I was in a backbrace for 4 weeks. Let me tell you, it sucks. You can't really move and it makes you look weird, and its uncomfortable! The back injury was the scariest part. Everyone knows how vital your back is and how easily it can be ruined, I was very worried that it would happen to me.
I currently am in Rehab and have started training again. All I want to do is race my bike the way I know I can.
I know that I've already thanked everyone, but having people come and visit me made my days so much better. I know that everyone has busy lives and the fact that they could take time out to come and see me meant so much.
I missed two weeks of school, including mid-terms, and a total of 7 weeks of training. My whole life was put on hold because this woman couldn't pay attention for 2 seconds.
I was in a backbrace for 4 weeks. Let me tell you, it sucks. You can't really move and it makes you look weird, and its uncomfortable! The back injury was the scariest part. Everyone knows how vital your back is and how easily it can be ruined, I was very worried that it would happen to me.
I currently am in Rehab and have started training again. All I want to do is race my bike the way I know I can.
damn, elspeth! How come I never heard about this??? I'm so sorry. I really can't believe this happened months ago, and I never heard. Keep up the training, we're all cheering for you out here in Colorado.
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