Lake Koocanusa near the family cabin in Rexford, Montana.This can only begin with an apology for not posting anything to the Runners On Trails blog site for nearly half a year. Last you heard from me I was jumping into the freezing ice-choked waters of Town Creek,
On April fourteenth I seriously hurt my back. I spent the better part of 6 weeks on my back for 20 hours a day. My family drove me to appointments, lacrosse games, and graduations while I laid flat in the back of Julius (nearing his 240,000th mile). Gradually, the amount of time “up” on my feet or sitting has increased, but I am still in sciatic pain daily, yet, getting better daily. It has been an excruciatingly slow recovery.
Now, my adventuring includes core/back exercises every morning, physical therapy twice a week, swimming lightly twice a week, and cycling slowly, increasing my time by two minutes a day. The doctor told me I do not need surgery, that I tore a disc, that I have three discs that are showing normal signs of age and deterioration, and that I should probably never take up running again. If that last comment caught your eye, what do you think it has done to me?
Every aspect of my life has been affected by the back injury. Nothing is the same, and though I am told by several professionals in the field that I will make a complete recovery, it is hard to imagine being the same again.
My family and friends have been hugely wonderful to me. It is difficult for me to rely on people to “do” for me. I do not know how I would be making it through this bout without my wife, Carita. She has been an angel in more ways than one.
Where does all this leave the blog? Let’s just get on with things from the trail. In my next post, I hope to write about my last run in
3 comments:
Mike, WOW! what a suprise post from you, I cant imagine what you are going through mentally as well as physically. I have not run in ages as well, and am biking rarely (lots of baseball coaching). I can however return to either whenever I want. I cant imagine being told that I may never be able to! My thoughts and prayers are with you! later, Bards
Wood Frog, this is heart-breaking and head-scratching to see framed like this. Intensive and soul searching stuff. Thoughts and prayers and let's catch up over coffee or a beer.
You are still a kid at heart and I am sure the body will remember that before you know it :)
Happy to read your blog again, Mike. Rachel says "Hi" and hopes to eat more of your pancakes sometime. All the best.
Woody from Texas
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