So yes, I am officially retired from the work a day world! What better way to start it off than having Achilles surgery and being unable to be active in the midst of winter.... not. As the last few weeks have unfolded I come back to Harlan Coban's favorite Yiddish saying (Myron Bolitar the character) "Man Plans, God Laughs".
Back last fall I had it all figured out. On the running front I was going to make it to Bethlehem (leg 103) by Christmas, ease through the winter and spring so that after I retired at the end of May I'd be ready to pick it up and get through a majority of Coos county during summer and fall.
That was the plan - seemed like a good one - and then ..... God laughed, and it went awry.
In September '24 I had some longer runs back to back. I didn't think much of them at the time, but I did notice my left Achilles was tender and then on the 12 mile run from Thornton to Waterville Valley I felt a pain that just didn't feel right. No worries, I'd just ice and rest it for a couple of weeks. The next run was Waterville Valley to Woodstock on Tripoli Road that closed down at the end of October - plenty of time for me to rest up and be ready to run that so I could keep the continuous circuit intact. Well, after 2 weeks there was still soreness and I said - let's just rest it some more. I kept my cardio going on a bicycle and then ran short routes now and then. But still the condition remained. As time marched toward the end of October I did all that I could (RICE method, stretching, biking) so I could make the Waterville Valley to Woodstock 13 mile run happen. Most of it was going to be downhill, and I wasn't concerned about my pace. I just wanted to get it done!
So there we were on the first Saturday of November on a bright sunny cool day with Tripoli road still open for traffic (one last day) - and indeed, I got it done. As it would turn out it got me done. The leg got worse as I walked around with a noticeable limp with worsening pain and inflammation that went to a new level. But in my mind, I'd made it before the road closed and if I rested a couple of months I may not make Bethlehem, but I'd be able to pick up after the new year.
No such luck. No matter how much I followed RICE, it continued to worsen. Then just after the new year I gave it a go and ran the 3 miles around Dublin Lake to see how it would respond. It didn't feel any worse, but also no better. I was asked to play some platform tennis and figured what harm could that do. Well the answer was ... plenty. I felt a sharp pain and knew I'd done something stupid.
While I was struggling with my leg, I was also struggling with work. What had been an agreed path towards a May retirement became a "Dave, we need to push up your retirement - how about now?" conversation. Fortunately, we were ready on that front - but the scramble to find health insurance in short order was quite a fire drill. I took Friday as a day to clear my head and as good fortune would have it the Orthopedic doctor I'd had Achilles surgery with for my right Achilles back in 2004 had an opening that day. So I took it.
He took one look at my left Achilles (and saw how my right Achilles that he'd operated on looked) and after discussing options we agreed that the same procedure (Debridement) made the most sense - and by the way we can fit you in before the end of the month.
So here I am, in the beginning of February, in a cast staring out at the snow without the grind of work and feeling the desire grow inside to get back out there to run and see the roads of New Hampshire. While much of our lives is filled with schedules, time tables and commitments I'm feeling good about the progress made so far 764 miles on this quest and that in keeping with my motto - it's not about how far or fast I go, it's more about the effort and spirit ... the perseverance to see this through ... and to enjoy it!!
Which brings Derry New Hampshire's Robert Frost to mind with his "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" ... The woods are lovely, dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep and "Walk in the Woods" ... Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.
Nancy and I will be back out there running and exploring New Hampshire - hopefully this upcoming summer '25. I may be retired, but I am far from done being active and seeing even more of what New Hampshire has to offer.
As Arnold would say .... "I'll be back" .... and I am looking forward to it!
I'll leave you with a pick of what it looks like after an Achilles debridement - for any of you interested. Don't scroll down if you don't want to see post surgery stitching ... 5 days after procedure .... much thanks to Dr Resnick at Concord Orthopedics for his counsel and surgical skill!
It was 5 days in a splint, followed by 3 weeks in a cast, then on to a walking boot followed by physical therapy. I should be starting rehab (like stationary bike) by end of April. Will assess there to see what it looks like on the running front. I know I'll get back out there, just more a question of when!
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