So you’ve packed and prepared… here’s what to expect once in Italy. Just a few tips to make the most of your time in this magical place! Create a shared iPhone photo album between you & your travel mates I can say that this was so great, my husband took some awesome photos that I appreciated having without saying, “Can you send that to me?” And vice versa. Also that way, only one of us had to have our phone out the whole time LOL. Speak to the staff. They’ll take care of you. Italians are (for the most part) affectionate, friendly people who like connection. We loved that, because post-pandemic it seems like everyone forgot how to be kind and communicate like humans. I made sure to smile, look them in the eye, and try to learn a few words in Italian to show some effort and not look like a clueless American. Specifically, if you get to know your hotel staff and treat them with kindness, they’ll watch out for you and take good care of you. We even got to know our main wait...
A stage race is something that takes a lot of preparation - not just with physical training - but in planning ahead!! During my long week there in the remote Colorado Rockies, I gave a LOT of thought as to what worked and what didn’t work for us, what items I could have left at home and what things I could not have lived without, items I wish I would have brought with us, and certain reservations/amenities worth the extra money. Here is a compilation of those thoughts for those of you considering TRR or for those of you who’ve already made the leap and are now scratching your heads at where to start… beware, it’s a long post!! But I looked for something like this before we left and found nothing. Reservations / Amenities Hotel/cabin reservations before the race - you will need to book early, like as soon as you register, if you want something good and in downtown Buena Vista. We stayed at a gorgeous cabin about 6 miles out of town - this doesn’t sound like far away, ...
We have had quite a few changes going on. I’ll give you a quick version, so try to keep up. 🤣 Justin had major ankle surgery. About a mile in to a long trail run, he had a sudden sharp pain in his left ankle. Long story very short, he had a bone chip lodged in his ankle joint along with severe tendinopathies of the ankle joint (thanks for decades of repetitive ankle rolling). On Oct 24, he underwent surgery to repair all this - it’s called micro fracture repair. The tendons were all tightened up and reconstructed, holes were drilled into bones to stimulate a faux cartilage to grow (it’s complicated). He’s been 100% NON-weight bearing since that time. Not a lot of pain, but simple things like getting in and out of the shower, going up steps into the house, helping with laundry, etc are all much more difficult. I’ve (jokingly of course) said that Justin’s been “useless” to me these last few weeks. Haha!! So helping him get his knee scooter to the jeep with the garage door closed...
Oh my goodness!! He is beautiful. Can't wait to hear and see more!
ReplyDeletePraying!