Now I’m Here

47 Replies

Focus in life has taken a slight shift as of late.  Here… let me break it on down for you.

Just a refresher… in early September, it was discovered that James had a herniated disk.  Because of this, most of our long-distance travel plans and races were cancelled, as well as some local.  In the meantime, the most important thing going on right now is James healing.

Have you ever lived with a runner/active person who is completely incapacitated?  Not only is there the physical pain to deal with, there’s the depression associated with not being able to be active.  He can’t bend, twist, push, pull, lift anything more than 5 pounds, stand for long periods, or even walk without pain.  And he is not a happy camper.

It’s not been an easy road, especially for James.  His new “normal” is horrible pain if he’s not in a neutral spine position.  He underwent an MRI so that he could get an epidural injection for pain relief and had the injection about 10 days ago.  The injection was supposed to help him start more aggressive physical therapy so that he could begin his healing journey.  The verdict is still out on whether or not it has helped.  We don’t know if James is going to need surgery or not, but we do know if the pain doesn’t ease up soon, the option of a diskectomy at the new year will be discussed.

Hence, I’ve joined a gym to get me the hell out of the house (#kiddingnotkidding).

Actually, as Fall has arrived, and with it rain and 35-degree (F) temps in the morning, I’m enjoying having a change of scenery with the gym and a change-up in routine.  And they have the nicest treadmills on which to run.  As an experiment, I got on the elliptical and realized just how out of shape my non-running muscles truly are, so I believe I got back into the gym just in the nick of time.

Which brings me to why I haven’t been as active on WordPress or social media as I am normally.  I’m in the process of finding the proper balance of a new routine, so forgive me if I’ve been lame and neglectful.

But wait!  There’s more!

I’m also in the process of testing some Oofos recovery sandals and it just so happens I have a brand new pair to give away.  Are you female and wear a size 9? Do you like flip flops? Do you like the color black? Do you like walking on clouds? Contact me at neveradullbling@gmail.com.  You don’t need to be a runner to enjoy these!

By the way, Marine Corps Marathon is this weekend… heavy sigh from both of us.  But definitely something to look forward to next year…

Happy training, my friends!

NOTE:  As of 8 a.m. Pacific, the Oofos have been snatched up.  Yayyyy Donna!  Thank you for contacting me and being such a great supporter and friend!

47 thoughts on “Now I’m Here”

  1. mawil1

    I think that all over strength training is really good for running, so it’s all to the good Paula- like that say when life gives you lemons! Give my love to James. Being in constant pain is hard work and depressing enough without the feelings surrounding the loss of activity and normal lifestyle. Statistically, most cases of sciatica/disc herniation will resolve without surgery so I hope that things improve for James soon.

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thanks Julie! There is great hope that James will recover without surgery, but as of right now, we can’t yet see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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  2. Alittlebitoutoffocus

    Give Jamesie a big hug from me (but don’t squeeze him too tight!) I’ve lived/live with that runner – me !! I know it can’t be easy for you, but keep up the TLC and I’m sure he’ll soon be up and about again and wondering what all the fuss was about (and denying he was ever grumpy!) Take care the both of you (& AJ of course).

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    1. Paula Post author

      Hahaha, you made me giggle! Yep, he’ll be denying he was ever grumpy, very true! And I can imagine your impossible when your injured as well… amiright?? 😀 Thanks Mike! I’ll send James your well wishes!

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thanks Angela! Yes! I don’t care what anyone says… we have to build our non-running muscles to stabilize us and keep us injury-free! (I’ve read where some runners don’t believe in lifting weights… but surely that has to be old-school thinking)

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  4. Darlene

    Sorry you have to deal with this. It is tough on both. And men don’t handle pain like women do. At least my hubby doesn’t.

    Good luck with your training. You seem to be doing well.

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  5. roberthansen1317

    Prayers for James and you. I’m not as bad off as him but my knee keeps me from running races. Columbus marathon was Sunday and we were there to cheer on the wife but every year when they start to play Thunderstruck by AC/DC and the fireworks go off I get tears in my eyes because I’m not running.

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thanks Rob. I do feel bad for you and your knee situation. I can imagine it’s very frustrating for you. I’m sure you’ve looked into it, but what about a knee replacement?

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  6. runningtotravel

    I’m sure it’s very difficult for both of you going through this. When I’ve been unable to run before because of post-pregnancy or injuries the hardest part was the mental aspect of not running. For those of us who running is our outlet, it’s hard when there’s no outlet. You were smart to join a gym and it sounds like it will be good on many levels for you.

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    1. Paula Post author

      Yes, joining the gym is great all the way around. And I think that’s what gets James the most is the mental… no outlet. He can’t even go for a walk right now, or swim, or ride a bike. Once he’s released to swim or bike, he’ll be in a much better place, but doing nothing just isn’t his style. It’s very frustrating for him.

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  7. Chocolaterunsjudy

    Poor James & poor you. I really can’t imagine being in that constant pain. I pray that a solution or help is found sooner rather than later.

    And I’m sure that your being in the gym — as in out of sight, out of mind — could actually be a *little* helpful for James. Because the worst thing is when an injured runner sees someone running. 😦

    My husband will head out your way in November, but because of all the travel this year, he decided to go solo.

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thanks Judy. I thought it would be bad for him to see me running as well when he couldn’t, but surprisingly, he gets annoyed if I don’t get out and get it done because I’m able bodied. I get where he’s coming from. You don’t know what you had until it’s gone, I guess.

      November! Ugh, what a time to come… unless he misses seeing rain, lol!! Is he coming for Thanksgiving?

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  8. Alasdair McGill

    Oh, that sucks Paula, poor James. My wife had some serious back problems earlier this year and was off work for a couple of months. I can sympathise with both of you. Here’s to a speedy recovery. Oh, and that street picture of the autumn leaves 🍁 is beautiful!

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thank you!! Hopefully your wife is 100% now?? Backs are so fragile… I’m starting to build mine up now as I really don’t want any future issues, lol. And yes, we’re seeing some really beautiful colours now… I just love this season! 😊

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  9. Fallon @ Slacker Runner

    Somehow this snuck into my feed without being seen- yikes! I’m so sorry to hear that James is healing like hoped. I can’t imagine how rough that is.
    Good luck with the gym… I am trying to put it off as long as possible. Which is sad considering I pay for it every month. Your treadmills scare me- why don’t the arm rails go all the way down the belt?

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    1. Paula Post author

      Lol… I’ve never actually seen a treadmill with arms that go all the way down the belt. How interesting, 😀

      And thank you! We’re hoping one day soon James will at least be able to get on the bike or in the pool.

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  10. lynne hoareau

    Shame Paula, I had hoped that the news on James would have been better. Let’s just hope and pray that surgery does not have to happen. I can’t imagine the pain he must be going through and yes his new normal must be beyond awful.
    I am glad you have joined the gym, sometimes a different scenery is a good thing, getting out of the house works wonders for your sanity. It sounds like you have a new found respect fro treadmills LOL. Enjoy my friend. Take care. xxx

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thank you so much Lynne! We were kind of hoping James would be better sooner, too, but we are still hoping for positive results and no surgery. And yes, definitely a new respect for treadmills, hehe! 😀

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  12. Janet wilson

    Hi James will get there as I told him small steps become big steps but backs take time. Been there, got the t’shirt. Menfolk don’t do pain and its hard not being able to do anything pain free, totally depressing. Loved the autumn colours. Big day for AJ!!!!☺🎂. Jx

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  13. artisticsharon

    My hubby had surgery on discs in his upper back over 10 years ago and although he’s active again it took a long time for him to get there – mentally & physically. Hang in there, and hang at the gym as often as you need to 🙂

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  15. Antonia

    That’s just horrible, I really feel for him. There is nothing worse than being unable to do what you want to do. I pray his pain subsides, and no surgery is needed. I hope you have happy workouts at the gym for now 😀

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    1. Paula Post author

      I hope we get to meet someday too Mai! That would be so fun! Hey, we’re both on the west side… soooo, there’s a good chance of it!! 😀 And thank you for the hugs! Much appreciated! xx

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  18. My Kind of Fit

    I kinda know what you’re going through, just a little. When Rick couldn’t run with his PF, it was totally unbearable for me!! I think it is different for men and women, because I’m not having any issues not running and taking a nap everyday!! I hope James finds some relief soon.

    I really miss the changing of the seasons. I was born and raised in Ohio, but living in Florida I don’t get much of a change.

    I hope you’re having luck finding your balance!!

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  19. wanderwolf

    How IS James now? And how are you? I have so much sympathy for both of you! I know what it’s like bing on the giving end of the cranky runner who can’t run, relieve stress, burn some calories… it’s rough. 😦 hope there’s a light at the end of the tunnel?

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    1. Paula Post author

      Thanks Dorothea!! Yes!! Finally there is a light! He gets to work out on a recumbent bike now, and he’s trying to get strong enough to finish the RNR San Antonio Half… walk, not run, just because it’s still too soon to run. He’s in much better spirits now, so yay! It’s been a long couple of months, lol! 😉

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      2. Paula Post author

        He’s getting there! We go to San Antonio next weekend and he’s going to carefully attempt the RNR Half with me. Even if he ends up walking most of it. (yeah, who am I kidding… he’ll finish before me even after sitting on the couch for 3 months and no training, lol)

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