FROM STOKED TO BROKEN - Crashing A Week Before World Championships

Hey everyone! We're Eric Lagerstrom and Paula Findlay, and we started That Triathlon Life! This is a bit of a sad story, but one that needs to be told. 5 days before leaving for XTERRA World Championships, Eric crashed badly on his mountain bike, and hurt his knee and shoulder badly enough that he had to cancel his trip to Italy. This was the race he has been looking forward to since this time last year and leaves the end of the season totally wide open and in question.
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[@imaaronross]

It may not be for best for KZbin but the way you kept storytelling central to this video and brought us along for the emotional ups of getting ebikes and downs of the injury is impressive. Thanks for sharing vulnerably and courageously!

[@samlunger8777]

Injuries can be a killer of hopes and ambitions. You have managed to shine a positive light in darkness, and create an opportunity to dream and live with fulfillment. Bravo! God's speed!

[@simpletruth5224]

You still have the best music on KZbin. And you’re a really good storyteller. That shot at the end was very symbolic. You created an empathetic response. That’s what good storytellers do.

[@timwiste9536]

I just watched this one day post-surgery (broken clavicle due to a low-speed endo in which I didn't flip quite enough). I've been mt biking since the mid 1980's along with avid triathlon and cross country skiing and ultra running. All of these pursuits have inherent risks/rewards, but they all feed our souls! TTL's content does too. Smart choice to call off the Xterra race. The only way that video could have been improved is a slow fade out of the engagement ring and the two of you smiling. ❤

[@MarceloG..]

Wow Eric, what a video. It really makes you think to appreciate the good moments and to be strong and calm for the bad ones. Quick recovery my friend!

[@alisahagenberg9150]

Beautiful authentic video. Thank you for sharing with all of us. I’ve been so excited for this race for you. Obviously you know you made the right choice but still totally sucks! Sorry!! I love your honesty and sharing all the parts of your journey, the highs and the lows 🙏💜

[@TheDrgibbs]

i feel your pain …after reaching my 1st podium in 70.3 maine..A week later horrible bike crash caused by a friend. my right side of my body was shredded and broke a rib. just getting back…i loved your message and i will train again with that in mind. 2 good things…1. it could have been worse 2. i wasn’t wearing my TTL kit cause the kit was destroyed. nothing like riding 12 miles home with ass and shoulder hanging out and bleeding…oh and Congrats to Paula!

[@victoriaanderson6326]

Absolutely gutted for you, Eric, I know how much you love XTERRA/off road racing, and I love watching you crush it out there. Heal up fast.

[@amyknibb7740]

Eric I think every story should be told. Good and bad! Love the beginning of this video! Real and true for everyone! Speedy recovery.

[@Aaron_Turnbull]

This is probably my favourite video on the channel

[@wickedneutrino9161]

Thank you for sharing the highs and the lows as always! Wishing you a quick recovery so you can be back to what you love!

[@merlinjantz7849]

Listened to the pod today and 30 seconds in I already love this video, thanks Eric and Paula, and Nick!

[@StigBoyeAndersen]

You've posted so many inspirational videos but I think this one somehow managed to surpass all of them. Thank you for all the amazing content you've added. It is a source of motivation and part of the reason I'm currently training for my first 70.3.

[@todorgb]

As many have shared here, Eric, your storytelling has evolved in an amazing way - your videos have a way of evoking feelings in all of us from the community that watches, sadness, happiness, a desire to go out there and do stuff. Sometimes we just want to send a hug and say you will come back stronger as you always have. Thank you for creating amazing content.

[@taylormit]

Loved the vid. The opening scenes are film festival award quality. Keep the positive attitude. ❤ from all the TTL nation.

[@tomwalkerfitness]

Sorry to hear this Eric was looking forward to meeting you at worlds. Hope you heal up fast. rest well.

[@flatoutjim]

tough break. We've all been there. Thanks for making the right decision and being brave enough to share.

[@davepreston1900]

Eric - Big Bummer! Sorry about that. You made the right decision - racing on a banged up knee cannot be anything but horrible. Hang in there!

[@taylormontgomery-stinson9551]

Feel for you Eric! This was definitely one of my favourite vids you’ve done, loved the storytelling

[@cdnnurse01]

Sorry this happened, sucks but wishing you a speedy recovery with complete healing for better days ahead without lingering symptoms from this injury. Love your Ebikes

[@learning2tri729]

Paula smiling at you is all you need to recover. Wishing you a quick recovery

[@ryanking1460]

Eric thanks for sharing! We all need a reminder that life isn’t perfect! Great edit and as always music on point!

[@TheCapeOn]

Your videos are incredible. The tone here is so raw and brave. Take care and I will always remember “the obstacle is the way”

[@RhysSpencer]

Best story tell yet. Reason why sucks. Sometimes it works out that way. Wishing great health

[@johnrwilker]

I loved both the intro and outro. So sorry but as a person, it’s not the adversity you face that defines who you are but how you deal with the adversity. You are an inspiration to us in how you are responding. Thanks for everything.

[@edutoro11]

This is triathlon Life... not triathlon RUSH. I appreciate the real life that you show and share with us....life sometimes is just 💩 and we must know it is this way for all of us (even the cool athletes that we follow on social media).

[@bboysayaw]

May be my favorite video yet, Eric. Always in support of you, Paula and Nick. My favorite Tri home team. Ups and downs. I don’t follow because of results or entertainment. But because I enjoy your story. I enjoy the journey. I enjoy the evolution of your art form. And because it’s real, I am constantly inspired. Heal up, stay strong.

[@bernhardnickel1140]

Ach, really sorry to hear -- I can imagine that missing this race gutted you. Thanks for sharing this.

[@JonathanCardoz]

I hope you recover soon Eric! keep on inspiring and doing what you do.

[@ursweidermann]

Wow, what an emotional journey. That triathlon life well told.

[@abigailh.5244]

This video was probably the most inspiring one yet. Your honesty and vulnerability cannot be understated, thank you for being so open and raw. Prayers go out to you and Paula as you get through this together! Excited to watch you come back stronger

[@arcadialive4265]

I’m so sorry man :( you both are an inspiration. Hope for a fast healing! Best to your amazing lady out there too 🎉

[@markthompson4338]

Sorry to hear about your accident and injury. Stay strong and remain positive and there will be a good outcome. The spirits test us in ways we don't alway understand but we always have it within ourselves to get thru the test.

[@TomKroupa80]

This is a movie with real and captivating storyline, brilliant:-)

[@ironman140.6]

Hey Eric, looking forward to your full fitness. Heel quickly and get well soon.

[@carlosvinhas4266]

I had a motorcycle accident 1 month before Mexico City Marathon (with air tickets and hotels booked. I'm from Brazil btw). Approx 1 year recovery to run (I have hope to back to ride soon, and swimming sooner) Thank you for share the lows moments Eric!

[@graffix11us]

It's every athlete's fear, train all year for the A race and something keeps you from making it. I always have the nightmare of waking up late on race day or forgetting equipment. Really sorry the nightmare came true for you. The Obstacle is the Way! Heal and come back stronger. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

I can never find the start corral in my nightmare 😂 I’m at the race but can’t get to the start and I hear the gun go off somewhere in the distance

[@graffix11us]

@@ThatTriathlonLife Brutal!

[@helenhanbidge4913]

This video!!! The narration, the emotion, the raw feel of it all so so good!!

[@ckokomo808]

It’s never easy or fun getting injured but it’s always an opportunity for growth…even if it’s not according to OUR plan. Thank you for sharing your story Eric. Wishing you the best and a smooth and productive healing journey.

[@katesommerville5786]

Sad. It's emotional and connects. Highs and lows make the highs awesome. Great music, voice over and story. Best of luck to Paula in Augusta. Get well soon. We did santa cruz the other week, loved it and stopped in at coffee shops from your video. Thanks always.

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

We all wished we could have been at Santa Cruz this year. (Paula and Nick too). Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@pamnaylor298]

Wow! Great perspective and good words to live by. I really enjoyed this video and your reflective thoughts. I hope you heal quickly and fully. Can’t wait to see you race another Xterra! You will be on 🔥🔥!

[@geoffbadger9597]

Chin up Eric. You are still my favourite pick for tough races. Recover well and I’m sure you will be ready for the next races. Recovery quickly and another great video.

[@natefdot]

That's really tough Eric. I'm so sorry.. I know you will come back stronger. And man, you're inspiring more people then you know.

[@dklhmfamily4833]

Great storytelling as always. Heal up and the whole TTL community is behind you!

[@james_chatman]

Thanks. I needed to hear this. Wish you a speedy recovery.

[@almspro12765]

Get well soon ! Always rooting for both of you to do well, looking forward to brighter days on TTL ! 👍

[@chrisblanchard4938]

Sorry to see this happened. You have a good mind set and a plan moving forward so what more could you ask for. Loved the video as well.

[@tonycarlsson7409]

You made the right call, wish you a speedy recovery!

[@donnatosh2868]

You captured the disappointment beautifully. While most of us are not pro”s with so much at stake, we can identify with the sense of loss when life interferes with a big goal. Speedy recovery!

[@sergiogomes8035]

Get well soon Eric! 🙏🏼🙌

[@kemccorm86]

All the feels in this video Eric. Beautifully done. We’re all rooting for you and what this recovery period brings you. ❤ the kids

[@MsKiwican]

Great video, thanks for keeping it real!

[@mattwideman3986]

Get better soon. Bummer for sure. Great video.

[@bcrruns1085]

That is tough, glad there is no permanent injury which means you’ll comeback strong.What an excellent video telling the story!!👍

[@robertsmout9464]

Great video Eric, very well put together.

[@stephentaylor3787]

All the best for the recovery and thanks for such a well done vlog.

[@itsgaiagg2387]

This video is amazing. It is incredible how much you have developed as a video maker, but also storyteller Wish you a speedy recovery Thank you for sharing xx

[@michaeleagles530]

Sorry to see this Eric but amazing work on the video again. All the best.

[@user-tg4wr4dr5s]

Love your videos like this with your style of voiceover, this intro was fabulous! Thanks for sharing.

[@aspenwagon04]

Proud of you for making the right call. Keep going. You're gonna make it.

[@zsuzsannamarjai6493]

So sorry Eric! I hope that you heal quickly!!! I know you will come back better and stronger!!! 💪🏻 I’m dealing with hamstring injury so totally understand. Keep up the good vibes and enjoy family time! 💕☺️

[@karengibson5936]

So gutted for you 😥💔. I hope you heal quickly and are back on the trails really soon! (BTW awesome video ... the voice over, the imagery and the story telling .. loved it )❤.

[@Nicky-Stiles]

Woah, that was an awesome edit. Thanks for sharing. Bummer about the injury.

[@dylananderson5810]

Love the video, very real to life and how training actually goes for most

[@NickGiffin]

Great video. It really does underscore the highs.

[@user-zm8ot4rf2i]

Great attitude dude...and may be best music playlist yet.

[@drwatsonpe]

At the risk of being cliche, discretion is the better part of valor. Having just gone through the "reevaluating" process after a 3 week bout with COVID with no training, it was actually a major positive. It gave me the time and the courage to reassess my approach and reorder my training. I wish you the best and success in your reordering process.

[@BlueJayGer]

Wishing you all the best and a quick recovery

[@alineroks7378]

I loved it. Hope you get better soon and you made the right call.

[@clareblain8503]

Absolute favourite video. Like a feature film. Love it. Feel better Eric!

[@angelakirkendall7759]

Wow! So good! Your words are powerful Eric! Heal quickly. 🤗

[@KelsAndJay]

Feel for you dude!! Remember everything happens for a reason. Beautifully shot story as always

[@joonpool]

Amazing storytelling, just love how talented you are in it. Speedy recovery

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Thanks :) glad you enjoyed it

[@DavidStearstree-lv6qz]

Genuinely one of the best videos you’ve done. Poetically narrated and some great footage. You will bounce back and you’re right, the journey will be awesome 🤘🏻

[@michaelschumacher1014]

All the best from Germany! I wish you a quick recovery!

[@josemirallesbou1763]

Que tengas una pronta y satisfactoria recuperacion Eric!💪💪

[@donaldlamarche9886]

Great video Eric. You made the right call. No point in racing hurt and doing all that travelling. You'll be back stronger. Hang in there.

[@davidhaythorn5983]

Missed this yesterday, but I have never missed an episode ever! Even if I catch them a little later, a beautiful video Eric, reminding us all who live That Triathlon Life, that this stuff sometimes unravels, coming of the bike is always damn painful, whether your going fast or sometimes slow, I came off at The Birmingham Triathlon here in the UK, a few weeks back it was very wet and like skating on bikes, got knocked up very sore and not very mobile for a few days, but as you said at the end, often down time gives us some space to reflect, regroup, and come back stronger, Stay safe both see you next time, much love from the UK X The story telling as always reflective and simply brilliant. x

[@stephanievanbebber2948]

This was excellent

[@nikwakefield]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Probably some of your channel’s best work

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Thank you 🙏 glad you liked it

[@davidzygun8758]

I found that a very beautiful video - it should be GREAT for KZbin! Telling real stories about life not going according to plan is so relatable. I’m in that same spot right now, and your disappointment followed by acceptance and optimism is encouraging for others. Thanks for this!

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

You just never know what the world is looking for and willing to click on :) but this is what I felt like I needed to say and share ✌️

[@paula_findlay]

❤❤❤

[@seborowik]

Thanks for sharing all the good and all the bad 💪 Unfortunately falling down and recovery is a part of sport and although it’s hard physically and mentally I believe it makes us stronger. I am not a pro and it’s not as bad to me I am sure but I had a stress fracture myself last Kona and when I started to get back to performing I crushed on the bike with multiple pelvis fractures… races cancelled and season is over but I have no shadow of doubt I’ll do my best to get back next year. 🤞 for your quick recovery and looking forward to seeing your next short form masterpiece Eric✌️

[@darthjohn0]

Sheesh, I thought it wasn't bad based on last week's TTL podcast. Bummed out for you, hoping for a speedy recovery!

[@davishallman6331]

Hope you have a speedy recovery. Sorry about the crash

[@michaelcallaghan4336]

Was really looking forward to saying hi in Italy, but honestly, you missed a pretty greasy day out there!

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Maybe next year it’ll be beautiful and dry :)

[@joanneleyva4942]

Eric, this may have been my favorite style of video you have made so far. I am so sorry about your crash and injuries. However, I loved your reflection and vulnerability and as always your videography skills are outstanding! Sending healing vibes your way.

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that :) thanks for telling me

[@burkertpeggy8548]

So sorry. Speed recovery for you

[@beverleynoble190]

Our thoughts are with you Eric 😢 you'll come back much stronger im sure ❤

[@lbanderson40]

What a beautiful attitude!!!!

[@barryfield9300]

Thanks for the vid/update Eric, you made the right call in bailing from World's Could've been a lot worse dude, no broken bones or teeth. Off road biking fact regardless of ability level (novice thru elite), you're going to go down. Heal up, you'll be back!

[@MagicFrisby]

Get well. The intro makes me think of Vin Neistat's video style. Great commentary and motivation

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

That’s a big compliment, thank you 🙏

[@codyr2318]

I admire your resilience my friend. I was afraid that you had a high speed crash when road cycling. I’m glad it wasn’t worse.

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Yep, I’m pretty fortunate considering the speed. And still don’t have to worry about getting hit by cars on the trail 👍

[@monicaphillips1567]

Another masterpiece! Honestly Eric, you make THE BEST KZbin videos.

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

Thank you 😊 so glad you liked it

[@olliseidel6921]

Keep your head up Eric…we all have your back. Greets from Germany

[@jcoombe100]

Amazing perspective. Was it “the obstacles are the way forward”? Great mantra

[@ThatTriathlonLife]

“The Obstacle Is the Way” a great book by Ryan Holliday

[@JonkopingLNL]

Rooting for you Erik! 🫡🫡

[@buildingreno]

I bet Nick and his Mom were bummed! Heal fast.

[@kevincashatt7040]

Real life happens. It’s how we come out the other side that matters. Looking forward to your adventures in the future. Heal up well. Cheers

[@HouseOfShanks]

That sucks man. Mourn the loss of the goal and the race and you’ll be stronger for it (even if it’s still crappy now).