Hi, Hello, it's me again

some photos and some words

Well, well, well, it’s been a while since I’ve sat down and shared some moments. Honestly, I’m not too sure why, because there has been plenty to talk about. A lot has happened since you last heard from me, and as a result, I’ve struggled to know where to begin or what to say. Do I write about my trip back to Austria for my six-month follow-up with the surgeon, and how I cried the entire drive to Innsbruck, remembering that the last time I made that same trip, just a day before I crashed, I had no idea what was coming? Do I talk about how lovely it was to spend time with family on a biking trip through Norway, where we experienced our fair share of type-2 fun? Or do I share insights into the gym work I’ve been doing and how, this time around, we’ve had to adapt and adjust so many things to target the areas that really need some extra work? Or maybe I simply talk about the reality that being injured is hard and even though I try to be tough, some days I’m just plain scared.

So, in an attempt to flex the muscle of documenting this journey, I thought I’d get a little assistance from my phone’s photo album. While it’s not a perfect way to capture everything I mentioned above, I think adding some color and a bird’s-eye view of my life since May could be a fun way to get things started.

Plus, I’ve been toying with the idea of one day going through all my digital photo albums and printing out a stack of photos. While cleaning out some cupboards at home recently, I came across Mum and Dad’s old albums, and I loved sitting there flipping through them. It got me thinking: I want to have tangible albums of my own to look back on and flip through at a later stage.

Just a friendly PSA, I’m not the type to whip out my camera when I’m struggling (and honestly, who is?). In truth, these past few months have had more struggle than I think I would like to admit. As I type this, I’m already working on my next post, one where I hope to highlight and unpack some of the thoughts and emotions that have left me feeling ungrounded during this rehab process (and I promise to do so with as little “poor me” as possible).

So, let’s rewind to the beginning of April, which, to my surprise, was already five months ago…eek!!

As you can tell, I loved all the sled drags and pushes Taylah had programmed for me in Aus

I would buy myself flowers at the Sunday farmers’ market across the street from my apartment each week. Something small to make me smile

Took myself out for a solo dinner date. For context, I was craving steak, and everyone I knew in Canberra was busy one Friday night. So, I decided that if I wanted to do something so badly, I could be my own best company. Steak, fries, and a good ol’ book will do the trick

I was lucky enough to join the Campanas on a family trip to Jindy for the Easter long weekend. It was so lovely to spend time with friends who feel more like family <3

Back in Thredbo for the first time in 7 years. This pic was taken just before we caught the chair up to hike Mt. Kozi. Honestly, I shouldn’t have done this walk. Although it isn’t crazy steep, the 13km round trip, with just enough of a decent slope, really flared up my knee. I didn’t account for the accumulated load and definitely paid the price for a few weeks to follow

Lots of hours spent Facetiming fam and friends while in Aus solo. This was one of the few times we were able to get the whole fam together. Of course, someone found the filter, and we all had to join in on the fun!

I discovered the yummiest sandwich place in Canberra, which featured a rotating menu that changed every few days. This was their chicken schnitty sandwich, which was one of the better sandwiches I have ever had. Plus, the company for this lunch date was top-notch (thanks, Aimee and Taylah :) )

Snow Aus awards with some of the Alpine crew! It was fun to catch up with lots of the Aussie snowsports community

Weekend trip to Sydney with a side of TSRC reunion. There is something special about catching up with old ski friends - it's as if no time has passed! And even more interesting to hear what everyone is up to now

I baked a big batch of caramel slices before I left Australia. I put a few in some little plastic sleeves with a handmade card to give to all the staff and friends who helped me during my time in Canberra. I may or may not have consumed a fair few too - whoops!

Before flying back to the US, I was lucky enough to crash Mum and Virg’s dinner date. We caught the ferry into the city and went to the yummiest wine bar. On the way home, we were able to see the opening night of Vivid (the light show Sydney hosts every year)

The previously mentioned dinner with Mum and Virg. I tried oysters for the first time and can happily report they were very yummy

We managed to get all the mums and daughters together for an early breakfast at Noon while Mum and I were in Manly for two days before our flight back. Jack was in Manly for a boys’ senior trip and stopped by as well. It’s not often that so many of us can get together at the same time… it was so lovely!

Back home and straight to Syd for some cuddles (my fav)

Jack’s High School grad. It was very nice having the band back together for a weekend

Harry was the goat whisperer while they were all outside the gym for a few weeks eating down all the weeds

Then, after 3 weeks in PC, it was back to Europe. I had a follow-up with my surgeon and did a baseline return to sport test. This machine isn’t the most fun contraption, that’s for sure

I went up to the hotel in Italy for a weekend. It was so peaceful in the mountains, and spending time there in the summer was gorgeous

Rode the e-bikes (which are so much more fun than regular bikes) to this stunning Lake nearby

Enjoyed some pizza out on the deck one night with Joe, his sister Camilla, her partner Knut, and their cute little bubba Henry

Then I meet the fam in Norway for the annual biking holiday!

Of course, ice cream was consumed

But the weather wasn’t the warmest

We got to see so many animals each day we were on the bikes. We always stopped to pet them, take pictures, and attempt to feed them

My last day in Norway was extra muddy and wet. It was a big type 2 fun type of day where I was questioning why my fam continues to do some silly things (riding in the rain when it’s freezing cold and on muddy dirt roads - sounds inviting, I know)

I left the fam holiday a week early to get back into the gym and rehab. With the house to myself, I cooked up a big feast and had a bunch of girlfriends over for dinner and pie. It was such a nice night, and it was a friendly reminder of how lucky I am to have such great friends

I went for a fun MTB ride with Katie and Mo. All rides end at Harvest in my books, which makes them that much better

Don’t worry still grinding in the gym ;)

Went on a big bday ride from PC to SLC and back. It ended up being 75 miles and around 8000 ft of climbing. I tumbled over when I was stopped asking someone if they knew where the nearest place to fill up our bottles was. Classic me I must say

We had a new pet for about 2 weeks this summer. Meet Mr Moose. I was convinced it was Kozi, our old doggo reincarnated, as he showed just around the 1-year anniversary of her passing.

Lots of fam dinners outside. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite parts of the summer

Tom, Jack, and I helping Mum out with the new Harvest in Midway

Another MTB with Celia and Kalia. Still ending all rides at Harvest :)

Fam pic minus a few at Ned’s wedding in Telluride

New Harvest coming together and this is my favorite part of the whole thing - this wall gallery

Sibling dinner + Ani! First one in a long time and last one for a while. Of course, the boys wanted steak, so steak, potatoes, and garlic sauce it was.

Surprise impromptu visit from Nanny and Grundy as they were making their way back to Aus after their hiking trip in England. One upside of this injury is that I have been able to spend a lot more time with them this year

A little Rowmark pickleball reunion. It was so fun seeing everyone and hearing about everything they are all doing. Thanks, Mary and Carter, for organizing!

I have started to make sourdough. I am slowly but surely perfecting the right ratios. Turns out baking at elevation requires a few adjustments.

And this was yesterday. One of my bestie, Katie, is in town for a wedding, and I was lucky enough to get some time with her for a few days beforehand. Not a bad way to catch up on a little life while enjoying the sun. Even Syd wanted some of it

If you made it this far, I hope you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for following along, more updates and little moments to come soon.

Enjoy today,
Mads