I have not posted on my blog for awhile, just sort of a habit I got out of.
Ultramaraton Fuego y Agua 2008 kept me very busy and when it was over I was brain dead for several weeks. I think I am finally recovering from it and realizing there is now a 2009 event to plan for.
We are completely overhauling the Fuego y Agua site for 2009.
- Brand new website
- New logo
- New color designs
- Online signup
- Volunteer page with signup
- More Nicaragua content and information
We are also changing the race format for 2009 and adding some new features
- New race start/finish (Hacienda Merida on Maderas side of island)
- 25k/50k/100k distances
- 2/3-person Team Relay option (4 25k sections totaling the 100k course)
- $300 entry fee for 100k, $250 for 50k, $150 for 25k, $200 per person for Team Relay
On a personal side, my running has suffered since the motorcycle accident on Ometepe Dec 13th.
I did not notice how bad it was until I attempted the Bandera 100k on Jan 10th. I felt my ankle at around 10 miles and backed way off thinking it would allow me to finish the race. By the time I got into the 50k split my ankle was throbbing. I did not notice a whole lot of swelling, but I definitely felt it. John Reynolds gave me an Aleve around 40k, but it only took the edge off of the pain. I sat down and iced the ankle for a while then got back up to continue on the course. Paula had just finished the 25k, her longest run to date, and I asked her to pace me to Nachos aid station (about 5.6 miles). We ran/walked to Nachos, she was very patient with me, but when I made it there my ankle was in extreme pain. It was there Michael Sawyer, a fellow runner, reminded me it was not worth the race to mess up my ankle. This was a turning point for me, I decided to DNF once again to save the ankle.
I paced Brad Quinn for 20 miles at Rocky Raccoon last week, this was pretty much the last straw for my ankle, I feel pain just sitting still.
I had my ankle x-rayed and the doctor told me there are no apparent fractures. I visited the Orthopedist today and he set me up for an MRI appointment. He thinks this is a stress fracture, but I am not sure he is right. I might end up going to Physical Therapy this time
Since Bandera I have only run five or six times. I have been working out at the gym doing weights, rowing, cycling and stretching. Yes, it is driving me mad, but I know it is the best thing for me.
I might get into Jemez, it all depends on how I heal. Both Paula and I are in the same boat right now with hurt right ankles. We are not bringing each other down, we are motivating each other to find other activities other than running to keep us busy and healthy.
Paula is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me!
