Update - Doing Much Better

I have not posted in a while. Why? Because I am too busy running. YES, I AM RUNNING AGAIN?

About 5 weeks ago I was with the PT (Lorie) going over hand exercises and I lamented that while I would be able to run in August, (I am registered for BR100), I would be unable to TRAIN for it, therefore I would not be running it. After a brief discussion with her, where I explained how relaxing the longer training runs would be, she left me alone to consult with the Surgeon, Dr. Drew Engles. After a few minutes, she returned saying, "Mike you better not mess up, I went to bat for you and Dr. Engles, who is strictly by-the-book, would allow me to run ONLY if I wrapped my hand in a protective "tendon-relaxed" position. So for the next 4 weeks I had gradually increased my miles and included some LONG runs. Two weeks ago I did 50 at Mohican. It was slow, but I completed with out major problems. Here I am at Lyons Falls about 28 miles into the race - Last night I ran from 7pm to about 4am with some friends through BR100 and Vertical Runner. A week ago Dr. Engles allowed me to start running with out the splint and wrap.

Now, the REAL good news. At my last appointment with the PT and Dr Engles, BOTH were astounded at my recovery progress. Dr Engles told me that my hand use is way advanced. He said, "you are better then the average patient at 12 weeks post surgery." The real cool thing is that I was just 8 weeks post surgery when he told me that!

Here is a new photo of my hand. A recap of my running since the hand injury - May Miles - 12 June Miles - 200

Difficult

This is real difficult. We are packing this week for the trip to Czech Republic. We is not the correct word to use - (Judy's not getting much help from me or the 3-yr old). I am still not running the marathon. I have almost no use of my right hand. No physical pain. Just some discomfort with the current splint, and discomfort when I do the two physical therapy exercises I go through EVERY hour. I am avoiding the pain meds as much as possible. Only taking 1/2 dose in the evenings the past couple of days. Here are two photos. CAUTION - the second one is a close up of the surgeons art work.

Post Surgery

Tendon repaired. Call me lefty. Typing difficult. Starting to feel better about my condition. Hope to have full recovery. Dr says all went well in surgery. Only one tendon (of 3) was severed.

Bad News

I am now on a forced 8 week rest from training (running). This really hurts since I am registered for the Prague International Marathon on May 11, and also for the Burning River 100 the first weekend of August. I hurt my hand on Saturday, April 26, and it involved a severed tendon. The orthopedic surgeon that will repair the tendon tomorrow has told me, "NO STRENUOUS EXERCISE FOR AT LEAST 8 WEEKS, MAYBE MORE!" No Marathon in Prague. Technically, I could run Burning River 100, I just can't train for it. I am sad.

Disney

I ran the Disney Marathon one week ago today. I did what I expected but not what I wanted. No excuses; I just did not prepare as I should have. I expected something just under 3:30 and I finished with 3:27:55. I felt great up to about 18. The next 4 miles were tough but I kept my pace about 7:40 per mile and pushed through the pain. The last 4 miles were not much fun and my pace dropped-off significantly. My last 2 miles were 9:46 and 9:55. Not great but I didn't walk!

Here is a photo of me at mile 10.5. With the way the castle shadows fall - it looks like I have my mouse ears on?

About 19 miles into the race we were running on the parkway between Animal Kingdom and the MGM Disney Park, I caught view of a runner in FULL Minnie Mouse costume. I was gaining on Minnie and was planning something quippy to say to her. As I passed her, I realized it was a HIM! I kept my mouth shut. It was a welcome diversion from my pain.

My wife Judy got a photo of HIM in the finish area.

Here is a family photo in the finish area:

L to R: Back Row, Mother-in-Law (Dolly), Wife (Judy), Donald, Daisy, Me; Front Row, Daughter (Angie)