Saturday, July 26, 2008

Anybody want to buy my house?

Monday, July 21, 2008

Now we're getting somewhere

The Podiatrist was a really nice guy. He started putting pieces together for me. Apparently I have flexible flat feet and something called equinus. In the end, this means orthotics. BUT, he's not just gonna slap some orthotics on my feet and call it good. He's going to wait until I have my video gait analysis done in August and use the pinpoint measurements that they come up with. I also have an unusual body tilt. My right shoulder is higher than my left and it comes forward farther than my left one does. Huh? I always knew I was defective...

Anyway, it's really good to be getting down to the bottom of this things. One other thing, he mentioned that I have really tight ankles, knees, and hips. Why was a Podiatrist checking out my hips? That probably explains the soft music, wine, and the flowers in the examining room...

One other thing. He looked at my shoes. He said they were perfect for me I just need beefed up support from some orthotics

Saturday, July 19, 2008

I'm not a SMALL runner...



See that leg? The one holding my entire body weight? Yeah, um, about an inch up from my sock is where my latest stress fracture is.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Oh yeah...they're gonna do a bone density scan too.

The Doctor says...

I saw the bone doctor yesterday. Actually, I saw the bone doctor's PA. I have an appointment with a podiatrist on Monday and am scheduled for some blood work too. When I'm allowed to, these guys are gonna get me up in front of a video camera and do a gait analysis as well. Then we'll see what's going on with me bio-mechanically. I asked about doing the marathon if I keep my fitness up. He said he couldn't stop me but it might make more sense to get to the bottom of the stress fracture(s) issue before I start running long distances again. He encouraged me to continue riding and to get back in the pool as much as I wanted to.
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I often wonder what the value of a blog is if nobody reads it.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Today's Picture

At the park

Today exercise was play. I took my youngest two critters (children) to a local park. We tossed our bikes in the back of the van with the idea that we would ride part of the Kent Trail. I threw some juice and water in a cooler along with our helmets in the back just beneath the tires of the bikes. We could not have had a better time. My son loved the hills. It was fun to watch him work to climb them and listen to him whoop with delight as he zoomed down them. My four year old giggled over every bump in the trail as she rode along behind me. The kids wanted to take a play break so I sipped a water and read my book while they took turns climbing, jumping, and sliding on the play equipment at the park. After a while they coaxed my book out of hands and I pushed them on the swings. We hopped on our bikes again for about 15 minutes before calling it an afternoon. My son wants to go back again tomorrow...
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My two oldest girls are at Girl Scout Camp until Friday and I miss them.

They'll probably fight with each other all the way home.

They're sisters. That's what they do.

Monday, July 14, 2008

I took a few photos...






It's still not as interesting as writing about running...

Friday, July 11, 2008

Pretending to Wrench

I "wrenched" the family bikes today. Nothing big. I fixed flats, cleaned chains, lubed stuff. My son thought it was cool. I'm not the best when it comes to "fixing" stuff. I also took a short spin on my hybrid. My four year old was on the back so I didn't even leave the neighborhood. She had a blast anyway. As for me, it felt really good just to be moving and it didn't bother my leg in the least.
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I heard my son sneak out of his room this morning. Noises in the kitchen had me suspecting that he was fixing his own breakfast cereal. It wasn't long before he came into the bedroom with a tray full of food and a big smile on his face. He had decided to make my wife and me breakfast in bed. What did he bring us? Two bowls of Rice Krispies, two slices of apple pie, and two ice cold bottles of beer.

BEER?

Yes, beer.

I don't think I have ever had beer for breakfast.

He was so proud of himself. I'm not sure but I suspect the breakfast was his way of saying, "Thanks" for taking him and his sisters to a minor league baseball game the night before.

BTW - I ate everything but I put the beer back in the fridge.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The big news of the day is that I get to visit an orthopedic surgeon next week. Who said summer isn't fun?
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I was watching triathlon and swimming videos on YouTube last night. I'd like to turn myself into that kind of athlete. (Actually, the uninjured kind of athlete would suit me just fine too...)
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This is an opportunity. Yes it is. It's not the opportunity I asked for but it is the opportunity I have been given.Now, how do I make the most of it?
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My growing birthday wish list:
- new bike
- pool membership
- health club membership
- new bike helmet
- SISU coffee mug

I'm selfish. I know. Very materialistic. I just like getting stuff.
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I just finished reading American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. Very disturbing. I know it's a social commentary on the materialism of the 1980's. I get that. It was a horribly violent, bloody, and sadistic read. I cannot recommend this book with confidence that you won't think I'm a sicko for suggesting that you read it...so don't.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

I wonder what I'm going to make for dinner. I could grill some steaks...
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Anybody want to donate to the "GET TODD A BIKE FOR HIS BIRTHDAY" fund?

Anyone?

Hello?

(confidence is low.)
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Just so you know, writing about qualitative research is not a fun way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning in July.

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Should I try to paint the bathroom today? Once I start I can't stop until I'm done. I'm either all in or all out.

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Wouldn't be more interesting to read about running, biking or swimming? I think so too. It would be interesting to write about that stuff too.

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I had the opportunity to go to my brother-in-law's bachelor party/golf outing today. I begged off because (exact words here), "I have to be a dad." What do you think? Do I get "points" for that?

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

I need a goal. I need motivation. I need something to shoot for. I need a mountain to climb. I need a reason to sweat and strain and breathe and gasp and hunger and thirst. I cannot imagine giving up competing against myself. I cannot imagine quitting my endeavors to become more than I am today. I cannot comprehend abandoning my quest to find my limits. I need a goal.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008



So. You know what this means, right. The death of a dream? A dream deferred? Whatever you call it, it adds up to one thing: no Chicago Marathon for me.