I have no memory of this photo. Apparently I asked the doctor to take it. |
If you read my last blog post, you know that I just had heart surgery for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. The surgery was a SUCCESS! Apparently after the surgeons were finished, I asked the doctor to take my picture (see above). I also did a lot of singing and talking in a Scottish accent as I was coming out of the anesthesia...Too bad I don't remember any of that.
Now that the procedure is over, I will have 7 days of 'house arrest', where I'll be limited to barely any walking in order to let my 3 incisions heal (one in each leg and one in my neck). After that initial 7 days, I'll be able to do more, though still limited. My normal running probably won't happen until 2 weeks from now, but it all depends on how well I heal. Since running and exercise is taboo for the next week or two, now I know how Animal must have felt (see below).
That said...THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!! Every hug, text, facebook message, wink, nod, high five, fist bump, chest bump, snail, turkey, slap, e-mail, letter, phone call meant THE WORLD to me! To all my family and friends, I thank you from the bottom of my improved heart for all the kind words and support through everything. I felt the Love, and you show me the true meaning of happiness. I Love you all!
Group Hug after my DNF at the Trailfactor 50k |
Lesson Learned
I'm not invincible. Nobody is. Even Highlander immortals can be defeated by the sword.
So...now what?!
ruuuunning...ruuuuunning! Running! RUNNING! RUNNING! RUNNING! RUNNING! RUNNING! RUNNING!
There's a renewed fire in my burning heart, and I'm amped to get back running again. After experiencing a couple DNFs, dropping out of Bighorn and Wasatch, and taking time off from running...my focus has shifted to becoming first a healthier runner, then a stronger/faster runner. The Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot is still ever present (and it will be for a while), but it's taught me to be patient and to take better care of my body. That means more self-massage, core exercises, better nutrition, and general icing. This whole experience has been such a blessing, and I can already see its immediate benefit in how I plan to approach my training/living.
I'll get back on the trails soon...and when I do, it's gonna be one hell of a comeback.
Thanks, Cheers, and much Love,
Jbob