Smashing Doors

I need a "badass" photo today. Since Jim Rhoades just made me a facebook friend, here's a photo of his. Thanks Jim.

If I was a real mountain goat, maybe my horns could have taken some of the impact which instead all went to my right knee on Saturday. Brilliantly, rushing inside to get some sunscreen before my run, I pulled the door handle and smashed my knee with the door. I hit it with so much force that my knee bruised, swelled up and could not bend quite right (that's the "before" knee in the photo)

I had been so pumped to race the Maine Coast Half Marathon on Sunday, already mentally rehearsing, wanting to shake hands with KV Switzer http://www.katherineswitzer.com/

I pondered, race anyway? Thinking back to when I did New Bedford when injured and my shin blew up to twice it's normal size, then was hot to the touch for days and then couldn't run for 6 weeks. That was worth it. It was a Grand Prix race. I rationalized that this was not a "key" race, so gotta keep my eye on the prize. I was disappointed, but maybe by passing on it, I can stay in the game for Bay State.

I have been icing, elevating, "Advil"ing and praying. I have faith that everything happens for a reason and try not to get too riled up when things don't go as anticipated. The biggest concern is whether I did internal damage like I when I hurt my meniscus falling on a tree root and missed 6 weeks of running. This bruise looks like it is more directly on the patella, rather than the inside, which makes me slightly more 'cautiously' optimistic. Tom Brady said if it's as bad as his knee, we'll just drink lots of beer.

The rest of the Goon squad did their 14 yesterday and I am so happy they are all feeling good. Sounds like they had a blast. Way to go, goons!!!!

Me yesterday? Did elliptical and I looked back at my races and training this year and feeling fortunate. A 2nd, 3rd, 5th in age... a smokin' half marathon... 11 minutes quicker up Mt. Washington... finally fulfilling my 5k PR... cranking at Yankee Homecoming... can't even complain about Bridge & Ollie. Don't tell F, but I'm actually following the program better than usual.

My point is, cherish it when it's good. It can be taken away quickly. Although I could miss the rest of the season and still feel it was a successful year, possibly I can fix this, hang in the game for one more month? Please?