My appendix gave out on me last month. I had big plans to take my appendix on a lot more adventures with me over the course of my lifetime, but, alas, it was not meant to be. I’ve had a ton of running-related injuries over the course of my running career, (most of them were due to faulty training), that required me to regroup my thought and energy, but something about this “injury” bothered me. I don’t know if it was because I had just started thinking about a fall race or the fact that this came out of nowhere, but I found myself very eager to start running ASAP. Since I started back up, I am focusing on not taking any run for granted.
While I was going through the appendix surgery, my friend Shane was going through his battle. Shane has MS, and ever since I met him he has always inspired and amazed me. Last year he came to me with an idea of running 100 miles to raise funds for the local MS chapter. Shane has been battling the disease for years, and, despite everything, he has always maintained an unwaveringly positive outlook. While his outlook stays strong, over the past two years or so I have seen his physical energies vary from bouncing around the shop with excitement to looking like complete crap and having a hard time keeping up a conversation. He trains depending on the weather (temperature levels tend to impact individuals with MS) and on his drops in energy levels, for he frequently has the shakes. From November until June 10th, he was set to run 100 miles in less than 24 hours. Unfortunately, his quest was cut short.
Due to a change in his gait from MS, he has been landing very hard on the outside edge of his foot. Over time, all the miles and pounding have done severe damage to his foot and 33 miles into his journey he had to seek medical treatment. His day was cut short, and his prognosis is still TBD. For now, he is back to cycling, but he is already thinking about another century attempt. His attitude throughout was unbelievable and inspirational. His resolve has certainly helped me acquire a different view of my own lot in life.
Meeting people like Shane has been one of the many added bonuses to opening the shop. I am amazed all the time by the number of amazing people that come in and out. Next time you are feeling a little burned out or down on your running, pop in for a pub run and I will point out a few local beasts and I promise you will feel buoyed. Not all heroes wear capes; some wear Hoka’s.
