Aging

Yep, I said it. Aging. Here are the series of events that led to the title of this blog:

• Just over a week ago I was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (arthritis) in my knee and ankle. They are going to need to do surgery on my box of rocks of an ankle this fall.


• My most recent media interviews have been focused around the fact that I am one of the oldest competitors, and a common question is, “how much longer will your body hold up to these younger athletes?”


• I just received my first copy of “Aging Today” from my health insurance company.


• My body is taking twice as long to recover from my hard workouts.


• The sound of my joints crunching while walking up or down stairs is likely to wake up the entire neighborhood.

But here is the good news (I’m really starting to enjoy bullet point blogging):

• Despite my age, I won the first round of the STIHL Timbersport Series in Lehi, Utah last weekend.


• Even with the sad questions about aging, I’ve had some GREAT media coverage over the past few weeks. This media coverage is also wonderful for Huntington’s Disease awareness. Thank you to EVERBODY who wrote articles and put my face on the news.


• I was beginning to miss my friends at UW Health Physical Therapy… now I can come back and visit! (Okay, that is stretching to find a silver lining, but I’ll keep it.


• I started modeling again and HOPE these photos do not make me look old!

So bring on the age… I’m going to keep training, having fun, and if needed, I know a GREAT plastic surgeon. :)

Here are links to some of my most recent media:

A GREAT story done by STIHL and ESPN about my life with Huntington’s Disease:
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/timbersports/news/story?id=4209294

A write-up after my win at the STIHL Timbersport Series Prelims in Utah:
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/timbersports/news/story?id=4236878&new

NBC 15 shows my opening pitch at the Madison Mallards Game:
http://www.nbc15.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3854343

My spot on Channel 3 news this morning:
(will post link ASAP)