My Right Ankle and a Series of Unfortunate Events: 3 Days to my Team Fox Journey at the 2012 NYC Half Marathon

“…what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events, 

may, in fact be the first steps of a journey.”

- (Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events)

On Father’s Day, June 20^th, 2010 I ran what would be my last race for close to 11 months. It is not like I had been running races for long or running regularly for years. My first race was Race for the Cure, September 2009, and up till then I would do a combo of walk, sprint and jog for about 2 miles 2 times a week and once a week if I had time I would stretch it to three. My shins hurt, my thighs hurt and my breathing, which is still a challenge due to EIA but much improved, was as heavy as a pack a day smoker just a half mile into a workout. But with every additional half mile I was able to complete I was motivated to do more. I would joke with others about how I would run the ING Marathon when I turned 50, thinking 2 years would be ample time for me to get in shape if I could keep running consistently. It was a child’s dream in many ways. A nice thought, but hazy nothing I could truly grasp. What was my game plan? 

I joined NYRR after Race for the Cure and participated in my first NYRR race, Race to Deliver, November 2009, four sunny, cool, brutal miles. I remember after huffing and puffing pass mile three thinking “you are almost there!” I decided not to let the cold winter weather stop me from running and jogged my way to the finish at the Emerald Nuts Midnight run with my daughter, Krystal, who I encouraged to speed ahead and wait at the finish instead of running ahead to circle back for me every quarter mile (such a good daughter I have!). This was my second 4M challenge and I did it- Woohoo!

When the going get's tough... "Keep on Trucking!"

My New Years 2010 resolution was simple, to continue to stay on a path of fitness and good health, “keep on trucking.” “Don’t give up!” “Not this time.” “Not again.” I was terribly inconsistent with my workouts; keeping up the momentum for a few weeks, then, stopping abruptly for numerous reasons. Like most people I would claim to have no time, most times. I was doing, “the best I can,” hardly. But, I rang in 2010 with new kicks and a NYRR membership that I would not let go to waste. 

I registered for several races, Run for Haiti, Run as One 4M, R Baby Mother’s Day 4M, Japan Day 4M, and the Father’s Day Prostate Cancer 5M. Weeks into the new-year I was going to physical therapy for runner’s knee. Father’s Day things were looking better. I finished my first 5M ever and then as I exited the park, running to the subway I tripped and fractured my right ankle, “THE END!” I thought, “To, my running for fitness, let alone any marathon dream.” If this was some test of the universe of how resolute I was in my fitness goals and dream I was going to prove I was up to the challenge. From May 2011 to the end of December 2011 I ran 60 miles in a total of 15 races; first 10K July 2011, first 15K, December. I was running 3, often 4 days a week regularly.

Foot surgery and business travel set me behind schedule for training for my first half this Sunday, but I was planning on doing it one way or another. I am running for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research after all! So that people with the disease, like my mom, and those who may be inflicted with the disease in the future can enjoy life to the fullest. Then yesterday morning on my way to work I twist my ankle badly just stepping off a curb. In a pair of comfy loafers no less. Just goes to show you just never know what life will throw in your way. I gimp onto the bus and take a seat. “Shit!” “How could this happen to me just three days before the NYC Half Marathon!” “What, bad luck!” And, the same bloody right ankle! I could go to work and ice it and hope for the best or see the Doctor who treated me in the past and get some physical therapy and treatment in ASAP. I make a call before getting on the train, explain what happened and head over to see him right away.

After my examination and my asking a "Doctor Can I...?" He tells me there is no way I will be able to complete the half. I shouldn’t even think about it. “But, what if I just walk most of it, wearing an ankle brace?” He does not think that even that is possible. 13.1M is a lot. An hour later, after getting iced, stimmed and taped, I am at my desk working, taking Advil every few hours, icing my ankle every hour and continue with this regimen until I go to sleep. I went back today for some more.

wiki.runnersworld.com-R.I.C.E

The physical therapists know me too well. The icing has made a difference. I did good by taking action ASAP, but it is still sprained badly. “So, what are your plans for the weekend? You are not going to run, are you?” I am asked. I have to be honest and say that while I do not plan to run the whole way, I will be going and I have a game plan. I am going to continue with the icing and Advil. I will wear the soft brace and a harder hinged brace on top for extra support. I will jog lightly on the straight-aways as long as I feel I can without risk of further injury, I will walk up all hills. I will use a cane if necessary.

After my foot surgery in January, I got into power walking and I’m pretty quick on my feet. I feel confident that I can do this! I have to at least try. So many people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease cannot walk without some aid. For some walking a mile is a long journey. So I WILL do this. Because, I no longer see the unfortunate events in my life as, “The End!” but as steps in my journey!