January 16, 2012 by Darlene

Hope and 2 Anniversaries

Today I cannot walk. Today I cannot run. Eventually I will walk. Evenutally I will run.

1 year ago today, I ran my FIRST HALF MARATHON!!!

Half in Naples, Florida

I had doubts about my ability to do it but I gave it a shot even though my longest race before that was a 5K. And I did it. I also ran 4 more during last year. And I hope to run another in the future. Boy am I glad, that I took on this challenge!!!

13 years ago, I married my current hubby.

I also had doubts since both of us had been married before. Both marriages ended poorly. But we did it. And I couldn’t get through this injury without him! I am glad that I took on this challenge too!

Happy Running! What challenges have you taken on that have changed your life?

January 15, 2012 by Darlene

When there’s will, there’s a way…

lg gang 12-09

Last night, there was a going away party for two of our best friends, Mary Ann & Bob. They are moving to Florida! I made them a photo album (of course) and I REALLY wanted to attend.

They chose Brown’s Brew Pub and made reservations for 20. I called the restaurant to make sure that it was handicap-accessible and they told me NO, the room was upstairs and there were about 30 stairs!!!!!!!!!!!!

How would this be possible for me??? I was planning on going in a wheel chair so I could keep my leg elevated. Would I be able to hop up all those stairs???????

I crutched my way from the parking lot to the restaurant. Then friends to the rescue!!! Ross & Pat, the youngest men in the group practically carried me up the stairs.

Ross with MaryAnn

Kathi with Bob

So it was fun to see my friends and get out of the house. My photo book was a hit! They loved it!!!

Next up…a visit to work on Thursday!

Happy Running! It’s cold here! Are you enjoying any outdoor runs?

January 12, 2012 by Darlene

My Beautiful Ankle

A friend posted this on my FB status:

When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe when something is damaged and has more history, it becomes more beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful ankle!

Week 2 Update:

I have gotten gifts, cards and lots of visitors. Everyday a different friend has brought me over lunch. I feel “special.”

I even learned to knit. I finished several e-books and Catching Fire. My favorite activity is still reading blogs and playing Scrabble on my iPad.

I went to the doctor for my Post-Op visit. They took off my splint and removed all the staples. I took photos just so I can see the progress as it heals. I was shocked at how long the incision was on the left side (fibula) and how swollen the right side was (malleolus).

They took x-rays and the doctors said it looked good. He made no promises but said that they did the best they could. I asked lots of questions and got no definitive answer except that it will be painful and swollen for 9-12 months. YIKES!!!!

(Epic comeback to running may have to wait until 2013!)

He put on a brace instead of a cast. So I can take it off to shower. Some good news, at least.

I have to keep it elevated or it will swell. I cannot put any weight on it. Next appt is Feb 13. More x-rays and then…. Who knows? If it is healing, I may be able to start putting weight on it.

So I’m off from work for the next 4 weeks or so. I can go on Disability but I hate sitting home. My hubby & I are trying to figure how I can work…possibly having him drive me to & from work and me sitting at my desk in a wheelchair with my leg elevated.

We’ll see…

Happy Running! Good luck this Sunday to my friend Mary running 13.1 in LA and Rebecca in Naples!

January 11, 2012 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday

before

after

now and for the next 8 weeks

I decided not to gross you out with pictures of my ankle without the brace & sock on.

Happy Running! Not running but following your blogs so keep them up!

January 10, 2012 by Darlene

Two for Tuesday

Thanks to Daily Mile for their stats on 2011!

2011

1. Hmmm…burned 26 lbs but I gained 8???

2. I knew I loved Sunday … it’s a day off from work but apparently, it’s also a long run/race day! Also I only ran slightly more in the spring & summer than the fall & winter and I HATE the cold!! Cool!

Happy Running from your still on bed rest “runner!” Do you use Daily Mile?

January 8, 2012 by Darlene

37, That’s Me!

My age? I wish!

No, I made the list of 100 Top Running Blogs for 2012 and I am #37.

There are so many that are better than mine that are rated lower and many great ones not even listed. Who knows what the criteria is? But I am grateful for the mention.

If you don’t know about this list or you don’t follow any running blogs, you should really check some out! Running blogs are informative, inspirational, and just plain fun to read. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop.

Some of the bloggers may even become your friends!

Felice (The Happy Runner), Amanda (Manderz on the road...) & me

You may run races with them.

Suzy (Running on my time), Amanda & me

You may even spend the weekend with one.

me & AJH (from Age Groups Rock)

Happy Running! Bloggers, keep it going!

January 7, 2012 by Darlene

Running Blogger No More?

So what does a runner post about on her RUNNING blog when she cannot run???

I thought about changing it to the “Broken Ankle Blog.” But, you wouldn’t believe how many there are? I’ve read quite a few and they are depressing though probably therapeutic for the blogger. Do you really want to see gross photos of my ankle as it heals or hear about all of the difficulties involved in being immobile??

I could change it to the “Recovering Runner Blog.” There are quite a few of those but every runner is different. Every injury is different. Everyone returns to running at a different pace. We all know that runners are impatient and healing will seem SLOW and there will be pain and setbacks.

So I decided to continue THIS blog. I will write to keep my readers (if any continue to follow me) informed on my healing progress. As I heal, I hope the things I do and learn about injuries like this and running will be helpful to others. I will post about running-related things and continue to support my running friends and bloggers as they run, train and race.

I may be depressed (all the time) but my posts will not be!

Happy Running! Thanks for all your “speedy healing wishes”!

January 6, 2012 by Darlene

2012 Goals Revisited

Obviously, I made my 2012 goals prematurely!! 2012 may be my starting over year. Watch out for 2013 and my Epic Comeback!

I now have NEW (very conservative) goals:

~~Run 3-4 times a week ALL YEAR (use the treadmill when it is too cold or slippery or raining outside)~~ Follow doctor’s orders and stay off ankle until allowed, go to PT and do the recommended exercises, and start to run when & as often as recommended
~~Continue fitting in tennis and yoga at least once a week (as cross-training)~~ Same as above, start tennis & yoga when allowed, join a gym to do crosstraining/machines to stay fit
~~Finish my 5K races under 30 minutes and not stress about a PR (though getting one would be super!)~~ Run a 5k race before the end of the year, if I am able to run several, get faster with each one
~~Get an Age Group award~~
~~Run a 10K race~~
~~Run a 10 mile race~~
~~Run at least one half marathon~~ 4. Start to train for a half marathon in 2013
~~Run at least 12 races (one per month, if possible)~~
~~Run a race in another state~~
5. Run a NEW race
6. Listen to my body and slow down when necessary (In other words, do not get re-injured…)
7. Continue blogging regularly (to keep track of miles, as a motivator, to meet new runners…)
8. Volunteer at a race
9. Bring a cell phone whenever I go running alone

Happy Running! Have you ever had to revise your goals?

January 5, 2012 by Darlene

One Week Anniversary

the "splint" (not mine but it looks the same)

Yes, it’s been a LONG week since I clumsily slipped avoiding the ice while running.

Here’s a short summary:

fall…pain…ambulance…pain…ER…xrays..2 broken bones in ankle…put bones back in place…xray..try again…xray…wrap…pain meds…night 1 in hospital…anesthesia…surgery…plate…2 pins…splint…pain meds… scratched cornea…night 2 in hospital…pain meds…xray…go home with crutches…leg elevated & iced for TWO WEEKS…helpless/helpful hubby…nauscea …friends bringing food…UTI…off pain meds…constipation… 2 nites sleeping on the couch downstairs…dragging myself up 13 stairs to sleep in a bed…insomnia…dragging myself down 13 stairs to spend the whole day in a recliner…books…Internet…boredom…depression.

Yup, that about sums it up. I am enjoying 2012 so far.

Enough of the sarcasm. I am trying to focus on the positive. Here goes nothing:

getting a lot of sympathy
seeing friends I never have time for
hubby is learning after 13 years where things are located
not feeling guilty about not cleaning or cooking
no stress from my job
can go to bed whenever I want and sleep til whenever I want
don’t have to go outside in the cold (It is cold here!)
don’t have to worry about what to wear
don’t have to worry about how I look
saving money on gas – not going anywhere
getting refunds on yoga, tennis, New Year’s Eve – $$$
saving money by not signing up for any races
expensive running shoes will last longer when not using them

Not bad! Makes you want to break your ankle, right?

I was going to try and list the sucky things but they are obvious: immobile, sick, dependent, pain, the unknown, lack of exercise, boredom, depression and many many many more.