I will run run run, I will run run

Update in the ongoing effort to become a runner again...

So far I've tried stretching, icing, and anti-inflammatories. I've worked with the chiropractor, a masseuse, an orthopedic specialist (who had me get an MRI and try orthotics), and now have begun working with a physical therapist (sorry, Trent, should have probably gone this route earlier).

The PT thinks my problems might be more related to my back than my hip, so I need to work on posture for the next week as well as do some back arching exercises. Then we'll work on the hip and buttocks (which both ache all the time.)

15 months of pain in my leg and counting...

What is it that keeps me going?

Maybe it's insanity? I picture myself in agony as I try to complete the Western States 100 (a 100 mile race). I can see myself exhausted from the heat and the miles, desperate to quit, but determined to finish. That's my motivation.

Maybe it's a love for the woods? I see myself solo-ing the Wonderland trail (90 miles) with a support crew (Mike, Jim, Trent...I'll be asking for help). I can feel the loneliness of the trail at 2AM and smell the misty, moonlit forest air. I see myself tripping on a root, scraping off my bloodied knee, then continuing on, only to finish a grueling run that maybe 8 or 9 people might ever know I did. That's my motivation.

Maybe it's the dream of sharing a deep connection? I envision Ethan and I getting up at 6AM for a Sunday morning run. We let the morning rain cleanse us while we drift along the trails, content in our thoughts and occasionally sharing thoughts. That's my motivation.

Whatever it takes!

Santa Barbara

Had a great time in SB visiting family. Ethan got to spend a week with Grandpa Thompson, Great Grandma, great aunts, cousins (first cousins once removed?) etc...

LOVED that the ocean is warm enough to get in!

A year in blogs

I really liked Jim's blog today. I realized what a great year it's been. Though a few things haven't gone how I'd like them too (still not running) a lot of things have been wonderful this year.

Copying Jim's format, here is the year in blogs. Interesting to see what themes I was thinking about. Jim's is more event driven (I like that he captured memories). Mine seems to be more about whatever I was focused on at the time...

Remembering Coaches
Toronto trip
Hip pain
"Running from the core"
Meeting strangers
Time with my buddies Mike and Jim (REI gear sale)
Trail running in Portland
Waiting for Ethan (when he was an 'it')
Finding out Ethan would be a boy
Running at the beach with Sarah's support
Planning for a long run (which never happened)
Running in the wilderness (favorite run ever)
Craziness with Mike and Jim late at night (soccer in the rain at 10PM)
Roy gets philosophical
Becky's a great sister-in-law
Christmas is coming!
Thinking about who I am (I'm serious and I'm silly)
Hip pain and preparing for Ethan's arrival
Hip pain and feeling Ethan move
Waiting for Ethan and hip pain
Ethan arrives (in my dream)
Ethan arrives (for real)
Pictures of Ethan
Ethan growing
Hiking with Jim
Frustration with my leg pain
Groping for answers about my leg
Enjoying watermelon lemonade with Sarah
Trying anything for my leg (fish oil, glucosamine, vitamin e, etc...)
Jim/Trent run a marathon
Ethan's first beach trip
Vacation in Sun River
Busy times at work and at home

Busy

Just noticed I haven't blogged in a month (to the day). I've thought about it many times, but I've been too busy most times and not motivated to write when I do have free time.

Since my last entry, Ethan has had a couple giggle-fits. I love those and act pretty silly trying to find what I can do to get him to giggle. He gives me a look now that says "what are you going to do to get me to laugh this time Daddy?" It's so fun getting to interact with him now.

Next week we're going on a road trip to Santa Barbara to introduce him to my dad's side of the family, so that will be a lot of fun.

I'm getting an MRI this week to see if they can find out why my leg keeps hurting and whether I can get back to running (what this blog was initially going to be about until I couldn't do it for a while)

Other things going on (lame blog I guess, but I had to find a way to keep from going over a month with nothing here...)

• House got resided and will be painted this/next week
• Duplex getting painted
• Myrna's apartments getting all kinds of work
• Ethan getting bigger by the day and learning something new each day
• Ethan in the swimming pool a few times (splashing and exploring new experiences)
• Carson and Ethan playing in the Sunday nursery
• Henry born!
• Camping with Jim
• Some golf (to the point where about 65% of my 9-hole rounds I'm under 50, the other 35% seems to be off-days where I'm all the way up around 53-56)
• Doing a stretch assignment at work which means I'm doing a different job for a while (busy times, but halfway through the 6 month stretch)
• 7th anniversary and excited for more!

Sun, Mountains, and Rivers, Oh My!

I love vacation. In about 2 hrs I'm heading to Sun River (Central Oregon) for 9 days of hiking, rafting, golfing, resting, reading, gathering, etc...

Ahhhh, Calgon, take me away.......