It suppose it is just a matter of time in an elite athlete’s career before they have some sort of big injury. Friday was my time. I was lucky, however, and in the realm of “serious” injuries, this one is not too bad. I was in Jericho, VT at our second women’s team camp and NorAm rollerski races. While getting out of prone position during an easy combo workout, I dislocated my left patella (knee cap). My coach was right there, and we were luckily able to get it right back into place. My coach then drove me to the ER in Burlington. The hospital took X-Ray’s and determined that there was no ligament damage, which was very good news. The doctor advised that I use a brace to immobilize my leg and keep it from dislocating again. After talking to the sports physiologists in Lake Placid, the agreed that was the best course of action until the swelling went down and they could examine me. I’m now back in Lake Placid, trying to rest and ice my leg so that tomorrow we can start figuring out where to go from here.
Creating a distraction on the range in my leg brace during practice. In good spirits despite it all!
Having never been injured before, it’s a tough situation to be in. I’m having to lay low, even though I feel good (minus my knee!), and it takes me twice as long to get anywhere. But, I’m confident that if I can just relax and stay positive, I’ll recover quickly and be back to training in no time. In the meantime, I’ll just have to enjoy my down time.
