25 Comments

Sarah, Your honesty is so refreshing and it keeps me reading. I’m very sorry to hear about your injury but I know you’ll be back at the ultras and other running adventures soon. Focusing on gratitude and all the positive things in your life sounds like a great path. That’s too bad about your encounter with Ann T. That sounds so hurtful and sad. I wish you the best in your healing journey this winter.

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Sarah, I laughed out loud several times while reading this. I want to tell you that all these behaviors are so dang normal (typical?) for us runners. I know you know that, but I so related to everything you did before your MRI results, especially rounding up! I know you’re having to absorb the ski pass expense, but maybe ask morgan for a peaks pass for Christmas so you can go swimming this winter 😉 thanks for sharing and so glad you don’t need surgery! 💜

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Thank you! I’m both glad & a little concerned you can really relate lol.

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I’m sorry to hear your injury is more serious than you’d hoped, but also glad that you can recover without surgery. I too was interested to hear about your experience with Ann. I was spending a fair amount of time with her in 2013-14 when we were working together on a book project. She became more distant after her move to Auburn and she cut contact with me around the time I moved to Colorado in 2016. I think of her often and wonder how she’s doing. Ten years ago, she seemed so determined to return to the running community and help others through volunteering and coaching. I’m saddened to hear she may have lost that drive that seemed to give her purpose.

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Thank you! We should compare notes…2014 was when I had an interesting interaction with her, I can share offline.

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Here's to good healing and slow, strong comebacks!

There's so much that has gone sideways for me this year. An injury that's finally properly diagnosed. Someone crashing into my Jeep. Needing a new heating system for my house. The election, of course.

BUT. I am finally able to start running again. My Jeep is repaired. I have a house and can pay for the new heating system. I have my kitties and my friends and my health, mostly. I have the birds and deer and bear that visit the property. I can't control the things I can't control.

In the past months when I have been mostly walking, I am so grateful for all the running I've done. I've thought back on a lot of races and runs. Disbelieving sometimes that it all really happened. It's really interesting the details that stay with me.

I'm sorry to hear of that experience with Ann. I hope she's doing better now. I met her at Javelina back in 2014 and she helped crew me. Then we shared a house with some others the following year and I have some very good memories from that.

I am grateful for you, Sarah. And the little community here. Thank you.

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Best wishes to you, Karen, and thanks for sharing all that.

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Thank you for this beautiful, honest reminder about gratitude even (especially!) during periods of tough disappointment. I wish you healing and a holiday season that exceeds all expectations!

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I'm so sorry about the tear Sarah. Injuries are so hard. I can't help but think -- more time to write :)

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Yes! And thank you.

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Ugh, Sarah, I'm so sorry the injury turned out to be this. But you've already turned things around and are on the mend!

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Oh man, so sorry for your injury Sarah! But so glad you are realizing all that you have to be grateful. I'm truly grateful for being part of your community here and hope to one day meet you IRL! And I look forward to whatever it is you write, running related or life related. Fingers crossed for you and Hardrock!

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Thank you Ali!

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We really love to injure ourselves haha. I'm always on the brink.

I wish you the swiftest recovery (and a healthy memory for next time).

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Love you, Sarah. I know JUST how you feel! I realized in hindsight that a cortisone shot I got in June in my hamstring insertion point probably also contributed to my tendon tear (though it did resolve bursitis I also had in the area, so possibly it was worth it). I spent a lot of time blaming myself too. But now that you have answers and a path forward, you can put all your energy into healing and recovery. Life’s not always exactly what we want, but we get to be here and make the most of it. Sounds like you are doing that. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Morgan, and the kids. ❤️

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Thank you! Thinking of you—grateful for you—& looking forward to our comebacks.

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So sorry to hear this news Sarah, but glad to hear you are fully committed to taking good care of yourself on your road to recovery. Reading this has definitely been an eye opener and makes me realize we have to take care of our bodies and listen to what they tell us if we want to keep doing what we love. Your story about Ann Transon was a super interesting example of how things can go south. Thank you for keeping on writing. I hope you have a wonderful Thanks giving. x

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"It gets better, I mean stupider." I lol'ed.

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Strangely enough, I am grateful that my mother transitioned nearly a year ago. I am now reconnecting with my cousin, Patty, who I helped to raise (she is ten years younger than me) when I was a teen. My stubborn mother excluded her from family celebrations after Patty left home, even though she lives locally. Patty will be joining my spouse and I for Thanksgiving this year.

I am also grateful for you-Sarah-and for this group. Thanks for being so welcoming to this garden-variety hiker.

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Thank you for sharing your gratitude!

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Your stamina and push for more is inspiring...may you find kindness towards yourself as you learn from this setback. As always, thank you for your transparency as we all glean take aways. And that is a gift.

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Thank you Leslie, I know you can relate to injury now. I look forward to more coffee/breakfast dates with you until we can run together again!

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Holy moly, I'm so sorry! I definitely know about sudden injury and crutches and pushing forward (and unused ski passes). You're doing amazing committing to a full recovery before going anywhere! Happiest time with your loved ones, Sarah!

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Olga, YOU are a role model for me! Thank you!

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We'll lift each other up with support and shared experiences, and vow to not get bitter! 🙏💯

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