Just Same Old Stuff

I will never know if my blog has helped anyone else dealing with Cancer and its aftermath but it has helped me. When I’m having a difficult day I sometimes I return to my blog, review a random post and realize I have come a long way.

I’ve come a long way, yet my journey is far from over and I find myself wondering where this will eventually lead me. Pain is a constant companion and I find myself more willing to take pain medication to handle it. Not taking it leaves me to some degree non-functional, not able to concentrate. Sometimes I can handle the misery by lacing up my shoes and heading out for a run.  After a mile or so I imagine those good old endorphins kick in and I’ll start feeling better. If only I could make a living logging miles I might be all right.

There are a few things which have been suggested for me to try but this would involve being on some drug everyday perhaps forever. For now I elect to stay with pain medication, I control when and if I take it. I am hopeful that warmer weather will reduce the discomfort to a level where I only need an occasional “Pop”. 

Running is becoming a joy again as many of the nagging running injuries are healed or just a nuisance. Somehow I need to convince an uncooperative GI track that running beyond ten miles is a good thing. It is isn’t it?

Spring is finally pushing a resentful winter out of the way and thoughts of Golf are arriving. Tomorrow when I drop Kevin off for a consultation I may just head to the range to see if I have any swing left.

Over the next month I will work as a volunteer at a couple of 100 mile races. This weekend it will be the C&O 100 and then in May I’ll be the “Gap Creek” aid station Captain for the MMT 100. That is going to be a lot of responsibility and while nervous I’m looking forward to it.

All right a note to myself. Mike, if you come back to this, just remember you came through a nasty winter, you might be drinking just a little bit too much beer and your running is going just fine. Sometimes you might just ask a little more out of your body than it is willing to deliver. Remember that you have a great wife, wonderful kids, family and friends who care and are pulling for you.  Enjoy spring.