High Hopes

I would agree, and so would most, that I have been fairly realistic with my expectations for being able to run again. I felt July 1, almost 7 months since the accident, was a very conservative and realistic goal to be back logging the “miles of trials”. That has remained fairly consistent until recently. Now I think my eyes are getting bigger than my ability to heal quickly.

Over the past few weeks I have become very brave with my attempts at walking without my crutch, and I must say, things are going very well. I had a surgery two weeks ago to remove a screw from right below the knee, and I can make running motions with practically no pain. The unfortunate thing is that I can tell my lower right leg is very weak.

Tomorrow I will go back to the doctor, mainly for a follow up after surgery, but I am really hoping that he will at least give me the go ahead to give up the crutch officially. However, lets be honest, I want him to say, "Looks great, you can start running as long as you can handle the pain and do not over do it." I will say if that is not what he says, I may get a little upset for the first time in this whole process.

The weather is turning, spring marathons are being run, I should be out there pounding the pavement. To say the least, the fire has not died. When I watch Boston next Monday, my cup may runneth over, and I may just go for a run. Do not try and stop me. I mean if almost 50 year old Joan Benoit can be out there gunning for another trials appearance, surely I can run half a mile on my bum leg sometime this week, right?

Crazy hopes and dreams aside, The Olympic Year, is going very well. Do not forget to bookmark the page, www.theolympicyear.com. I have press credentials for the Country Music Marathon. I should be hearing back from Amby Burfoot very soon about an interview, which is the most exciting thing to date. Still having issues contacting most athletes and their agents, but these things take time, and as I show up at events, my name will be out there and connections will be made much easier.

All of this to say, I am healing, and about to go out of my mind if I cannot run in the near future.