Monday, June 15, 2009

zero for three

Hey kids, guess what?
I did it again!
I went out for a 6 mile solo jaunt on Saturday morning to burn off some pre-race jitters. At mile 2 my calf, the same one, kacked out. I had about 20 seconds warning that something was amiss; sort of like hearing a tick-tick in the motor and then ... what the?!... engine seizes!  By the time I figured it out, wham, it was too late... a familiar pain seared up the calf. Although not as serious as my previous calf injury, it's enough to sideline me for the slow dance on Sunday. The pain was about a 6 on 10 while my last blow out came in at 9 or 10 on the pain rector scale.  Recovery time is unknown.
Am I disappointed?
Yes, hugely.
My goal was to run three marathons this year, Fargo, Manitoba, and Toronto. So far I'm batting zero for three. In the grand scheme of things it's not all that big a deal. I still have my health and my remarkable Robert Redford good looks (hey work with me here... I'm still in denial). I'll just have to focus on Toronto.
Good luck to all who are running the full or half mary this weekend. Run like the wind. Run for Ted. Run for someone or something, but run. Embrace the pain. Cry. Laugh. Dance across the finish. Smile. Be proud. Run as an affirmation of life.  Run because it's a good day to be alive.
I'll be at mile 14 (just past Laura Secord School) cheering like mad. I'll also have a camera so look pretty.
Now go and get 'er done!
Mike

5 comments:

Jen said...

Mike,
I am so sorry! You've done so much training! You're so positive about everything and focussed on the good. Not sure I'd be able to do that yet. I was going to type you a message of commiserating with the taper (cause I think I might just go crazy this week!) because I knew your race was close, but this just stinks! At least there's still hope for another this year. Maybe third times the charm. I really can't believe it! Rest up and you'll be out there before you know it. Maybe another kayaking trip?

Pam Falk said...

Mike, I am soooo sorry to hear you won't be running on Sunday. The luck you have had this year has been terrible! I am sure by the time Toronto rolls around you will be ready to go! Take Care!

Debbie C. said...

Oh Mike, I can't believe what I've just read in your blog. Not what I was expecting, for sure. Trust you to look at the "whole scheme of things" and try to be positive about it--again, that speaks to your character more than you likely know. I still feel terrible for you, Mike. Take care, and like the other person wrote, "Maybe third times the charm for you this year."

The Hoyt Family said...

Sorry to hear about your calf.. Injury's just suck dont they?? Take it easy and like Jen said 3rd time is the charm.. You have a great attitude..

Unknown said...

Thanks for your kind messages of support. I'll be back running soon. Toronto here I come! Mike