The Unexpected

When many people tell me that they are impressed with my 52 Marathons in 2006, I try to impress upon them that one of the greatest factors in the completion of this task was as great deal of preparation and a lot of luck. Not stepping off the curb and twisting my ankle was luck. Being able to stay virtually cold-free was good genes and proper hygiene but also a lot of luck. The list goes on and on.

For example, not getting hit by a car when doing a rather routine cycling excursion would be one of those things that never happened because of preparation. I avoided as many potentially hazardous situations as possible in 2006. With less stress involved these days with regards to worrying about the everyday things, and an aching Achilles that forced me to decided to not run a lick this week prior to my 100th lifetime marathon, I was a little less fearful what could happen to me if I went for a bike ride.

Unfortunately, one turned car in my path and one Grade III acromioclavicular joint separation later, and it looks like my 100th Lifetime Marathon may not happen this weekend. Ironically, the link above states "Football players and cyclists who fall over the handlebars are often subject to AC separations." If I had only read the website.




So now, I am hoping for a Joan Benoit Samuelson-esque recovery (where she had knee surgery and 17 days later won the Olynmpic Trials on her way to the first ever gold Medal in the women's Olympics) in order to run Pikes Peak 84 hours from now.

Will I run if it will be detrimental to my health? No. Will I run if it will just hurt like hell? Probably. We will just have to see what the next 3 plus days hold for me.