Set Back

Molly was going crazy, I was getting dressed to head out on a long run with no plans for her to tag along. As I slipped on my socks she wined, as I laced up my shoes she spun around I circles. “Oh Hell”, I thought, “I'll take her on loop and head back out again.” After all, I had only gotten her out a couple of times this past week.

Six miles later, with only a mile left, I decided to push hard and was flying when an unseen rock or branch sent me flying. It was a good landing in a good spot, elbows and knees, no blood, no bruises just a hard jolting stop. Standing and shaking off leaves and dirt I thought how fortunate I was not to have been hurt. I resumed at a good clip arriving home with an ever increasing urgency to head straight to the bathroom.

“Oh no, What Did I Do? What Should I Do?”, crossed my mind as I saw blood. Not wanting to panic I decided to just wait and see what would happen over the next couple of hours. Things “downstairs” were getting increasingly uncomfortable but the was no more bleeding. There would be no more running either as it just didn't seem to make any sense to push my luck.

Sunday morning seven o'clock seemed awful dark as the start of daylight savings time arrived. Our run was posted as a “Newbie”, slow and only five miles with a three mile “add on option”. I felt well after five miles and added the three mile loop with a more aggressive pace set by Craig; when we finished I felt pretty darn good.

As our group finished another was on a mission, a “Run Across Maryland”, forty two miles of rock , roots and some great scenery along the Appalachian Trail. The run started at Penn Mar Pennsylvania, completing in Harper’s Ferry West Virginia. I had offered to run an aid station halfway through the run expecting runners to arrive sometime around twelve thirty. They were right on time, in great spirits with perfect weather for such an endeavor. I was glad to be there for my friends but as they left laughing there was a certain let down and a feeling that I should be leaving with them. I had considered meeting them later in the day but as I drove away it crossed my mind that I could run again later in the afternoon, this would turn out to be a mistake.

Randy and I met at four fifteen Sunday afternoon with a plan for Randy to run nine miles and I would go for seven. They way the trails loop around I knew we would meet up and finish together. When we started I didn't feel well, having the ever present “got to go” feeling. Normally the feeling subsides or I can simply manage but after three or four miles I knew I was in trouble; Randy and I went our separate ways none too soon.

Normally I will carry papers to handle such a need but today I forgot. Forget leaves, the trees are still barren from winters sleep and those on the ground are dried out and crumple upon touch. So today, a hundred feet or so off a trail lies a formerly white bandana. (buried of course)

All of Sunday night until about three A.M., all day Monday and so far this morning I've been a mess. I am hopeful that the quakes will subside and allow me to get out for something of a run or walk later on. Today may reach seventy degrees with cloudless blue skies ruling the day, it would be a pity to miss out on such a fine day.

Spring is coming ..... Mike