Sunday, May 11, 2008

Nine Weeks

Nine weeks since I last took a single step running. I'm still healing from the stress fracture to my right tibia. I have my good days and bad days. I haven't blogged not because I haven't wanted to, but because I just haven't found the time. I honestly sometimes can't figure out how I ever found time to run in the first place. Life has been so busy. I really do miss keeping up with all the super people I've met through blogging and running. I think the fact that I've unintentionally cut my ties with you all bums me out even more than not running has. I dislike being a fair weather friend, but I am afraid that that is the way it goes.

So what have I missed:
Catalina Marathon, March 15, 2008 - DNS
Big Sur Marathon, April 27, 2008 - DNS
This weekend I missed the Malibu Creek Trail Challenge, a race I've run twice before in 2005 and 2007. So to keep the odd year thing going, I guess missing it this year isn't so bad.
I'm super bummed that I will have to sit out the Fontana Days Half Marathon this year as well. I've run it three years straight and had intended on keeping my streak alive. Back in December I had hoped to run Rock and Roll San Diego with my oldest son, but stress fractures for both of us have necessitated a reschedule.

The good:
I was released by the doctor that diagnosed the stress fracture to begin physical therapy. He also equipped me with a pair of orthotics on May 1. Working with the physical therapist has been very good. The pain in my tibia has subsided considerably. I've found out just how weak I truly am when it comes to some basic motions. All the work with him should set me up well for a great come back eventually. The original doc says I can start walking longer distances with the orthotics and left it up to the PT to release me to run. We haven’t set a firm date, but I’m really hoping to be running again by June 1. I've been going to the gym and riding the stationary bike up to 40 minutes at a time and I’ve been working with my personal trainer twice a week including a leg workout every other time with him. I've been getting in some exercise but nothing really replaces the feeling of being out on the streets and trails under your own power. All in due time, I suppose.

I did get to go to Big Sur to support my running group and my son, who ran a leg of the marathon relay. He had leg 2 and decided to run leg 3 up and over Hurricane Point as well. I had a good time shouting and ringing a cow bell near the finish line. A highlight of the trip was dinner with Michelle, Eric, Dori and Donald.

The one thing that has been keeping me insanely busy lately, is a complete bathroom remodel. We had someone replace the pink 1958 bath tub for a new white model and will have someone else install new can lights and a separate switch for the fan, but the rest has fallen on me with help from my wife. I've spent the last several weekends from sun up to sun down installing backer board and tiling the tub enclosure. The garage is full of tile for the floor, new cabinets, a new toilet, lights, towel bars, etc. I've got to finish before June 3 when relatives start arriving from out of state for our youngest son's high school graduation. From this perspective, not running is a good thing.

I took some time today to make lunch for my wife and mother-in-law for Mother's Day. I made Pasta Puttenesca with shrimp and scallops (with an extra one of chicken for my son and sister-in-law). Salad and warm bread rounded out the meal. Then I made a lemon bundt cake and mixed berry sauce with vanilla ice cream for desert. It was all pretty darn good, if I say so myself.

The future:
It looks more and more like my only marathon this year might be Memphis in Tennessee with Joe and whoever else decides to join us. I'm really hoping to re-enter the running scene by taking part in the Surf City 5K on July 4. This was the first race I ever did back in 2003 when I started running. It seems like a fitting return. I won't be fast but I should be able to cover the distance by then.

In the meantime, thanks for hanging with me and accept my apologies for not stopping by more often. I've missed you.

20 comments:

Anne said...

We've missed you too, Darrell. Sounds like you're in good hands, and you're so right that somehow those hours devoted to running fill up with something else -- and quickly. In your case, you'll have many years to enjoy both running and your new bathroom. Good luck continuing to heal.

Wes said...

Hey stranger! No worries. We get "it"! Glad to hear that you are healing up and some running is on your horizons!!

I so envy people that are good at home fix'em up stuff!!

runliarun said...

So sorry about the injury, so glad it is healing. That menu you put together sounds delicious. And, oh, I hate pink - that's going to be a wonderful new bathroom.

Anonymous said...

we miss you too!

ShoreTurtle said...

I've missed you too. I'm glad that you're on the mend.

Neese said...

aw Darrell you are sweet I'm glad you are back blogging, you have a lot knowledge to share even if you aren't currently running

Donald said...

Darrell - It was great to see you and Tyler at Big Sur! I'm glad you were able to enjoy the weekend somewhat, although obviously it would have been better if you could run it!

Rest up, dude, and start knocking out those marathons again soon.

Anonymous said...

Keep hanging in there! It's funny you ran Malibu Creek in 2005 and 2007 and I did in 2006 and 2008. maybe we can both make it next year. Happy healing!

Backofpack said...

Oh. So that's how it's done. Eric has to get injured, then we can get our bathroom redone. Hmmmm...maybe he'll have to have a long recovery, because both bathrooms need it...

It was so much fun seeing you again and meeting Tyler. I enjoyed seeing him out on the course too! I didn't realize he'd run two legs. I hope you get back at it soon - and congrats on the upcoming graduation!

Legs and Wings said...

I was wondering...kept checking in and - nothing. Glad you're back. Tough battle Darrell. I trust you continue to heal well and eventually get back out there. Take your time.

Danny said...

good to hear from you again. looking forward to running posts...

Sarah said...

I've been thinking of you! You'll be back running in no time, it sounds. That's awesome. I know what you mean. I think I miss writing and sharing with other runners almost as much as the running itself.

Ben G said...

Sounds like the rehab is on its way. I really hope to read about you being back full force very soon-just not too soon :)
Keep on keepin' on!

Joe said...

Hope the web cooperates here...I posted a couple days ago and it didn't stick.

I think of you a lot, Darrell, wondering how you are and how you are doing. Hoping this long layoff is good for the body and the soul. The progress sounds good to me, from this distance...I hope it can continue.

Plumbing projects...now that's a challenge that makes a marathon seem easy. I'm sure Lisa is grateful. Nothing like a graduation to spark a rush of home improvement ideas, eh??

Had dinner tonight at a conference with two marathoners. Told them about you, the 50 states, the plans for Memphis...they were really keen on it and pulling for you.

Persevere, Darrell...you're gonna get there. I love the symmetry of the 5K race coming up...that will be good, in many ways.

David said...

It is good to know the wheels are getting stronger and you're on a recovery track. I wish the economy was doing as well as you.

You're keeping busy. That's a good thing too.

Thanks for checking back in with us.

Neese said...

lol. he's a sweet lil' Jeff too. There's a story on the decision to name him Jeff, will have to share with you sometime

Anonymous said...

So sorry you haven't been able to run. I know the feeling. It's so hard! Be patient and don't try to get back at it too soon. Glad you've got some PT and that you're busy with a project. :)

As for that dinner you whipped up. . . I'm impressed!

Ryan said...

It’s good to now the root of evil, keep moving forward one step at a time. I remodeled and tiled our bathroom a few years ago and what a project that was, tiling was one big jigsaw puzzle. Best wishes

Unknown said...

awww shucks! The beauty of this web world is that you can come and go as you want

Glad that you are on the mend... stick with your therapy!

Scott McMurtrey said...

get better soon. the trails are lonely without you! :)