tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post4024770488490704603..comments2023-05-11T02:40:19.932-06:00Comments on The Chronic Runner: Running the RisksCaolan MacMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-26513832508096191222013-04-14T13:34:11.269-06:002013-04-14T13:34:11.269-06:00Yes, we are in the midst of hospice and I guess it...Yes, we are in the midst of hospice and I guess it's like being in purgatory. Altho if all days were bad then we would know that it's "time" and that's not the case. However I think we are creeping closer as he is severely losing his ability to use his back legs and has no bowel control. I have to give him the heave ho to help him get up and many times he just gets "stuck". Awwwe :-(<br /> <br />Anyhoo thanks for your reply and know that my thoughts are with you. I know this is an incredibly trying time. I don't pray much, I'm not religious but I do reflect and a lot and most of my reflecting occur while I'm running in the wooded trails around my home. That being said, I completely empathize with you for being unable to run comfortably at the moment. <br /><br />I saw this one today and thought of you and my partner Jen who is going out of her mind nursing a hip flexor injury:<br /><br />"If you aim for a lifetime of running, you will hit bumps on the road. The challenges we each encounter are uniquely ours, but they will come. We all have good years and bad. Shift happens. Life requires us to make adjustments, to change course. Some years, when the waters of your life are calm and you feel a sense of control at the helm, you'll race hard, and hope for personal bests. Other years, beset by a perfect storm of turbulence, you'll have to settle for less. That's okay. Less is still something; just don't surrender and abandon ship."<br />~Amby Burfoot<br /><br />I look forward to hearing about your progress. I'm out for Chicago, it's gotten too big and too cosmopolitan. I'm glad I did it the 3x that I did but now it's time to blaze some new trails. Hope to see you next year in Boston.<br /><br />Best, xoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10886572776059314845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-8218881126042901972013-04-13T08:41:28.724-06:002013-04-13T08:41:28.724-06:00I am so sorry for both of your losses. Yes, Bosto...I am so sorry for both of your losses. Yes, Boston is just a race, but you worked very hard and then to get injured in the final stretch is so disappointing. I am sorry. Most of all, I am so sad for you and the loss of your Willa. We lost our girl a week before this past Christmas. I am still heartbroken and often stop in the middle of my runs to sit and cry and miss her. One of the most comforting comments someone made to me after her death was that she had a good life and that we made her so happy EVERY SINGLE DAY. I don't know you and I don't know Willa, but from the way your describe your relationship, I am sure that is true of her as well. Sending you lots of gentle thoughts for a peaceful weekend.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16820083466232398030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-35074395832193905472013-04-13T08:23:14.498-06:002013-04-13T08:23:14.498-06:00I have to say, if I wasn't injured it would be...I have to say, if I wasn't injured it would be incredibly healing to run in her memory, because that's what we did together when she was well. The joy and freedom she expressed when running often pulled me out of my more funky days. I wish I had running to help me do that right now. I wish that I could run with her spirit! I have been here before. This is the way life goes with out beloved pets and we must accept that when we enter into the relationship. And I do accept it. But it would be nice if I could run Boston for her, with her running again, freely, like she used to do as if it was what she was always meant to do...Caolan MacMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-39455471187123800202013-04-13T07:29:50.365-06:002013-04-13T07:29:50.365-06:00As far as doggie hospice, and that seems to be wha...As far as doggie hospice, and that seems to be what you are in the midst of, I so understand the difficulty. The whole situation is so sad because you know where it all leads, but at the same time you feel the need to respect this desire to fight - which Willa stoically maintained for months. She had no use of her rear legs for the past 10 months! So caring for her was a huge job - but we did it, and sometimes it was hard - and you start beating yourself up for hating the whole thing. We too waited for Willa to decide - and I think the two of us decided together - but it's always a judgement call - and there will always be doubts: Did we wait too long??? Did we fail to wait long enough??? Why am I keeping her here...Is it for me or for her??? I so understand what you are going through!<br /><br />And as far as Boston...I am sad. This is a hard time, but it really is just a race through Mass ;) It's the hype that's hard to take...when you are supposed to be there, but you are not there.<br /><br />Time to start thinking about Chicago in the fall and Boston...next April!<br />xo C<br />Caolan MacMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10371711289185833824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-91985431759265733012013-04-13T06:37:56.691-06:002013-04-13T06:37:56.691-06:00My heart goes out to you and I would do exactly th...My heart goes out to you and I would do exactly the same, not run the race if I lost my running partner. I run with my dog, I know how you feel. I've lost many of my best four legged friends. It's what we have to accept when we love them as much as we do. The pain is almost unbearable right now but with each new day, you will heal. We have to cherish the memories and how blessed we were that they were part of our lives.<br />So sorry. Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09461582280228312213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-71241165120359147002013-04-12T22:41:49.849-06:002013-04-12T22:41:49.849-06:00Oh no. This is terribly sad actually heart wrench...Oh no. This is terribly sad actually heart wrenching on so many accounts. I am so sorry to hear about Willa. I can relate to what you went through so closely it's frightening. Our 12 year old big boy Mats is also in his final stretch and it's horribly sad. We actually had several dates picked out to have him put to "sleep" but he keeps proving our hypothesis wrong, hence he is still with us. It's taxing emotionally and it's no easy job being a caretaker to a sick 90 lb. dog but you know, that's what we do.<br /><br />I hear the weather this year in Boston is horrible. Consider yourself lucky, next year you can run with Fay and me and I'll even do my best to bring some nice weather with me to Beantown (however be forewarned that I hale from Chicago).<br /><br />Sure it sucks that you are not going this year but it is so true that there is always next year. That you can count on... besides you and I both know how quickly time flies, it will be here in no time. Focus on getting better and stronger. Take it easy.. hah, well "easy" by your standards. You don't want to end up sidelined during prime season.<br /><br />Sending hugs and well wishes your way!!<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10886572776059314845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-40667341751855237852013-04-12T22:02:33.382-06:002013-04-12T22:02:33.382-06:00Well, what a suck-y week! I am really sorry about...Well, what a suck-y week! I am really sorry about your pup. And I had been looking forward to your Boston report (long time lurker) I don't really have anything encouraging to say - just wanted you to know that I feel your pain. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11899718000434966098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-46640686359929094022013-04-12T14:15:06.723-06:002013-04-12T14:15:06.723-06:00I'm so sorry about the loss of your faithful r...I'm so sorry about the loss of your faithful running partner.<br />In training and life we all do silly/ quirky things. It's what makes life fun and interesting. If you weren't out there pushing yourself with your friend each and everyday you would have never qualified for Boston. <br />I hope your body and heart heal soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-10142718039169215672013-04-12T13:48:13.327-06:002013-04-12T13:48:13.327-06:00I'm so sorry about Willa. I'm also sorry t...I'm so sorry about Willa. I'm also sorry to hear that you're having a tough time in other areas, which must make it even harder. Wishing you strength and healing.MJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09023439892198039562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5330212736054651223.post-19471125412045224102013-04-12T11:50:15.221-06:002013-04-12T11:50:15.221-06:00I am so sorry for that tough decision you had to m...I am so sorry for that tough decision you had to make about Willa. It truly is a heart breaker.Erica Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16760964844822684302noreply@blogger.com