Back in the saddle again!

Ok, I broke my collar bone cycling November 10. Plates and screws and re-assembled on Nov 22. Follow up visit with the Doctor on December 2.


Picture from Jaydene Reardon

So I had promised my wife to listen to the doc and not to run too early...The doctor had said three weeks and technically I was few days early...but, hey, GUTS was having a training run at Red Top Mountain...practically in my back yard! And it was just a couple of days early. well, ok, four days...


I think my lovely wife, Diana went along with it because I told Jaydene (Red Top Rumble RD) that I would sweep and help out. I think Diana was re-assured because she knew I could not push the pace and there would be others around in case I had any issues.


So sure enough, last Sunday, Jaydene had a Red Top Rumble training run and I was the sweeper, which involved keeping people on the right trail and picking up the flags when we were done. Words cannot describe how good it felt to be out on the trails! It was perfect winter running. Rime on the fallen leaves. Just a hint of wind. The sun would pop out from time to time. Not to mention a great trail running crowd...I could not have asked for a better time to be back! Oh, and Jaydene brought snacks and hot coffee for everyone to enjoy after the run! Just awesome!

John in Cartersville

Broken

I guess I knew that being hurt was no fun. When others have explained their injuries, I really did think I understood that yeah, it hurts and yeah, there are things you would like to do and you can't.
But now that I am hurt and I can't do what I want to do, I REALLY understand. I mean for a couple of weeks, I couldn't wear a t-shirt or put on deodorant (ok, I wasn't gross, but it is a little humbling, no?).
So, I am fortunate in that I hadn't signed up for any races that I could not run. I am (very) fortunate that I can do other things (hike and spin on a trainer in the basement). So whining is not what this is about.
I can promise that my next race (Mt Cheaha 50k) is going to be very special after a four month break. I can promise to thank my lucky stars every time I get a chance to run after I am mended. I am positive I will listen more closely to my running comrades when they are out for injury.
...and I might even be a little more focused, more careful, more dialed in next time I get on that bike...
After all, there was no car, there was no little black cat, there was no tree in the road...just me on the bike.
The doctor says the x-rays look good. Wounds are healing. Bones are knitting. Man, I feel pretty darn good. The doc says three weeks...three more weeks and I can run. I sure am looking forward to it.