9/11/2009

Today was more special than I had imagined it would be.

Being September 11, I had decided to start mixing in some light jogging with my walking as a tribute to this day and all it represents. As I wrote on Twitter this morning:

"I am remembering today. Today I stand on my on two feet and will run again. Never forget, never quit."

The morning began with my stump feeling surprisingly good when I first put on my prosthesis, a very good indication I would have little discomfort later.

As I watched the memorials on TV, I began with a mile walk. Then I hopped off the treadmill and added some socks to my socket to improve the fit, as the stump does tend to lose some volume early in the day. Back on the treadmill I bumped up the speed to make fast walking difficult but jogging easier. I jogged - in the most liberal sense of the word - for about 30s at the beginning and middle of a lap, extending it a few more seconds and occasionally a little faster for the rest of the session.

I did 3.25 miles for the entire workout and roughly about 0.25 miles total of jogging. I even took a movie of some of the running, which I might post later. I look like Big Bird in a crow's suit with chicken wings. :-) I consider this my first dedicated running workout and it was tough not to push it. In fact, the idea came to mind that I should go outside and try to run my official back-to-running mile. I believe I could do it, but the last thing I want to do now is irritate my skin with a blister or open the incision that would set me back for days or weeks.

I was very pleased with my workout, and I do believe by next weekend I can safely do my mile. I intend for Jennifer and I to run together, something that hasn't happened for well over two years. We are lucky; we have each other when others have lost so much. It will be a good day. A very good day to run.

*******

I posted a status update on Facebook and received numerous comments from family and friends. One in particular, from Dyana Margeson, moved me:

"Speaking as a nurse, you are that rare, determined soul that we'd see so rarely. Ppl like you are what kept me going for 22 years. You're making fantastic progress... God's speed!"

My response was:

"I am deeply touched and humbled, Dyana. I can tell you my health care professionals were so good to me, angels on this earth. You have a noble calling, and know I appreciate you all. The bad often overshadows the good in life, but in that night we see the stars. And reach for them."

Perhaps a little dramatic but there is the truth. A number of friends posted messages of encouragement and support, if I have a drug I am addicted to it is this outpouring of...love.

It still strikes me as a huge irony that I had to lose my foot to gain my running, but even more that I lost a part of me to find something that has enriched my life beyond what I could imagine. As I wrote on Twitter, "I've met some amazing people since starting this journey, a whole universe of challenged people who do even more amazing things."

Jennifer tweeted: "Twitter makes me realize how lucky I have been in life. Lots of folks here dealing heroically w/ life challenges. Strong bunch I follow!"

I am no one special, my condition may be unfortunate, but I wish to change nothing. I am blessed. And soon I will be a runner again.