On crutches

Haha - totally trashed my leg/hip whatever running a 5k last night. Finished the race (yeah) but could NOT walk afterwards. Drove home, though. I could do that. Tried to call my wife from my car, but she'd left the phone in the car (we don't have a home phone). So I literally hopped/crawled from the car to the door. A neighbor noticed and asked if I was OK. No, not really, but I don't know you so thanks, I'll manage. I haven't had this kind of pain in awhile (luckily). It's pretty funny to watch as I try to manage. I bought some crutches today after I took my daughter to school (hopping the whole way). Have to miss work to go see an orthopedic surgeon (one of the docs I call on). To make it all even MORE amusing, this is the weekend my wife is going to Savannah to visit a friend (on my suggestion). I encouraged her to go anyway, even though it will be a challenge to manage the two kids (the infant especially). So we'll see how it goes. I see the doctor in an hour and then have a few until I pick up the kids and hopefully make it through what will surely be a long weekend! Wish me luck...

Running

This is the photo from my last 5k race. I ran injured, but was happy with my time. I have another race next Thursday so we'll see how it goes. This race is in the evening and should have a bigger crowd. More people running helps me go faster so I hope that's the case. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. I still think I look pretty bad running (in the photo). But I guess it doesn't matter as long as I enjoy myself...

Another 5k in the Florida heat

Ran a 5k this morning for Colon/Rectal Cancer awareness. Hot, humid Florida in late June. What was I thinking? The good news was I ran about as fast as I did last race. My time was about 26 minutes (about 8:30/mile, I think). However, my calf injury from a couple weeks ago flared up about 1/2 mile in - so I was glad my time was still good (for me), but my calf is now being iced and I'll probably concentrate on weights this week (which is probably overdue and neglected work that I need to do). Pretty pleased with my overall progress from slug to semi-athlete. Starting to recognize faces, too, which is kind of cool. And it was for a good cause. So, if you know people who are over 50, please remind them to get scoped to check for polyps, etc. Early detection is half the battle...Oh, and they took photos so I'll post that in the next few days. See how stupid Nicotine looks while running...haha.

Update: The photo looked so bad, I couldn't bring myself to buy it. But I saw the official results: I finished 20th of 61, 4th of 6 in my age group, avg of 8:25/mile and total time of 26:04, though I think it was 26:00 since it took me 4 or 5 seconds to get to the start line. Overall, a good experience and - since my goal is always progress - it was a success. Thanks for all the support!

Ran a 5k

Wow, I actually did well. My goal was to break 30 minutes (a little better than 10 minute miles) and I got under 26 minutes. I finished 2nd in my age group (and yes, there were more than 2 in my age group) and I didn't die at the end. I got a 2nd place medal and won a raffle prize of a 1 hr massage (given to the spouse). I am so motivated to improve from the time I got (about 8 1/2 minute miles) that I'll probably work out again this evening. And I think I lost more weight but that could be from stress. However, that's a different story...